BSN vs BS title

[Aaron-RN]

Hi everyone!

I am new to the site and a Nursing student. I just had a quick question. My school offers a Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing, rather than a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I have read some previous postings and noticed that they are basically the same thing, it just depends on how the Univeristy/College is structured. However, when I graduate and eventually move along in my career what initials will I use,

my name, R.N., BSN

OR

my name, R.N., BS

OR

my name, R.N., BS(N)

I have seen all three of these, and as you can imagine as a Nursing student, all of these initials can become quite confusing.

The Univeristy that I attend also offers a Master's program that I am interested in and offers a Master of Science with a major in Nursing, rather than a MSN. So, again, what initials does one use?

Any help would be appreciated!!

[Aaron-RN]

Hi Gennaver,

Just posting a reply to your post. This will be my first bachelor's degree as I hold no other degrees.

Thanks everyone for your replies, and any more opinions would be greatly appreciated!

- Arbys1595:specs:

[Tri]

The concern for management positions is that you have RN after your name, as well as at least a BS. Again as was stated above, just use what was on your Diploma/Certificate when you graduate. Thst way there is no issue.

Why not just "RN"?

I think it's silly when I see a slew of initials after someone's name. It make me think thjey are full of themselves.

Tri RN, BSN, CRNA, MS, eieio

[Aaron-RN]

Hi Tri-

I wanted to respond to your reply. The reason that I was asking what the intitials would be is because of the advertising of the school. As I stated before, they indicate a BS with a major in Nursing and a BSN. So, as a Nursing Student, I was very confused as to what the true intitials to be used are. I stated that I would like to be a Nurse Manager one day and all of the business cards that I have seen from managers has their name, RN and any degrees i.e. BSN, MSN. It is not that people are "full of themselves" for putting their degrees after their name, it is just that they are representing their knowledge. I can see using the degrees on a business card, nut definately not in a pts chart.

Thanks,

Arbys1595

[Q.]

I agree with llg. The 2 designations, while similiar for all practical purposes, are two distinct degrees. Using BSN because it sounds better but if you did not in fact, earn it, would not be wise.

BSN (Bachelors of Science Nursing) is it's own degree, much like the Pharm-D degrees (doctorate in Pharmacy). A pharmacist who earns a doctorate in something else could not ethically label himself a Pharm-D simply because he is a pharmacist with a doctorate. Same with a Bachelor's prepared nurse.

Did this make sense?

[LHJ_RN]

I don't think I would stress out about this. In the end it doesn't really matter. You will take the same state board exam, whether you get a BS with Nursing major, or BSN. When you chart you will be Name, RN and not Name, BSN.

Now, if you go on for further education/degrees then that is a different matter.

[zacarias, ASN, RN]

Man if I get to have more then two sets of initials after my name, you better believe I'm putting on my checks! ;-)