How can I put my credentials on a nametag without writing a book?

Inspired By Silence · Oct 12, 2009

Shoot, most the clients I work with don't get the difference between RNs and LPNs, let alone any of the rest of the "alphabet soup."
No need to worry about putting credentials on a nametag until you actually have them.

So you're suggesting I should ignore a potentially stressful situation and not prepare for it ahead of time because you believe I'm unworthy of becoming all I aspire to become as an RN / NP?

Nice message you're sending all the student nurses, there.

Inspired By Silence · Oct 12, 2009

OP, I completely understand being proud of one's accomplishments and wanting to let others be aware of them also. However, as other posters have already noted (albeit some not so kindly) the more important thing is first to actually accomplish them and secondly to demonstrate your accomplishments by safe, competent and caring practice. Most of your patients, clients and/or residents will have no idea what 99% of the letters mean, and even fewer will care. Also the poster who wrote that your job will decide what goes on your badge - that is very true as it belongs to them not you- you only have use of it as long as you work for them! LOL However, you may buy your own name-pin and pay for whatever/how many ever letters you want on it. Some employers will allow you to wear it some won't.

With equal respect as you have shown me, I kindly inform you that I am knowledgeable of ALL that I have to achieve to obtain my "alphabet soup". From math requirements to clinical placements, I know and understand what I am in for. I did my research during my junior and senior years of high school. I have plenty of useful information to share with anyone who might be thinking of becoming an OR RN.

I am not taking kindly to being mocked by some of the more senior nurses on thuis forum. They seem to think I am naive for preparing fpr such issues ahead of time. I simply preparing for what I CAN Aahead of time. For things such as clinicals and job placements, I can only wait and do when my time comes.

I am not pleased with the judgemental members of this forum with years of useful experiences and knowledge on their backs, they'd rather poke fun at a young nurse rather than help me learn to fly as a nurse.

My top concern was always and will always be the patient. Not pay, not job security, not making friends with ****** nurses, but THE patient. Why, you may ask? Because I've got 18 years of experience as a patient under my belt. Something most nurses can't say they have. Unfortunately, there's no credential for that to shove in a nurse's face.

Upon my graduation from a BSn program and then a DNP program, my tag will read "JT (name) RN, NP".

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Oct 12, 2009

We are not poking fun at a young nurse. You are not yet a nurse.

You must understand that what you think is planning comes off as bragging.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Oct 12, 2009

Confucius say: "He who jump to conclusions, make bad landing."

While I agree that some posts have been somewhat harshly worded, I think the take-home message here is, don't get stressed out over something that may or may not be an issue, and not until many years down the road. Even if it does pose a problem for you personally, at some point in your career, the public couldn't care less about titles. When you're taking care of a desperately ill human being, he or she is NOT going to care about how many degrees you've earned or how many letters are behind your name........all he or she wants is a competent, caring nurse!

Take care, and please try not to stress about something that, in the scheme of things, is really very trivial. Good luck to you.

FLArn · Oct 12, 2009

I have always tried to be respectful, understanding of the OP situation/feelings while being honest, truthful and as informative as possible about what the "real world" will be from a nursing point of view. While 18 years as a patient will definitely give you more insight of a patient's perspective it does NOT give you a clue of what nursing will be as a professional nurse lets little if ANY of what is happening outside the patient's room enter the room with them. That being said I wish you well with your career and hope you will be more open to the opinions and advice of the nurses you meet in the clinical setting than you seem to be with us here. Remember here you sought our opinions we did not seek you out with unsolicited advice.

elkpark · Oct 12, 2009

So you're suggesting I should ignore a potentially stressful situation and not prepare for it ahead of time because you believe I'm unworthy of becoming all I aspire to become as an RN / NP?
Nice message you're sending all the student nurses, there.

Where did you get the idea that I was saying I "believe (you're) unworthy"? That's your own interpretation, not anything I said or even implied.

Vito Andolini · Oct 12, 2009

This issue is important. We can have 50 initials after our names and it all still does not equal MD or even DO. OK, flame me. And I know many here do not wish they were doctors. But the truth is, society simply views nurses one way and docs another. This plethora of initials is part of the problem, as I see it.

For the OP: There are actually some laws governing how you will have to sign your name and titles. Check with your state board of Nursing. And, IMHO, it's not too early to start checking into it if it's something you want to know. Good luck with your plans.

CASTLEGATES · Oct 12, 2009

I think Registered Deity would suffice.

I was going to be a CRNA by...uhhh..15 years ago. Still need to know how to sign my name tho since I have this blank space where CRNA should be. Everyone knows I'm the authority on everything so now I don't use initials....they call me "your majesty". I think it's the least they could do, the underlings!

Trauma Columnist · Oct 12, 2009

We are not making fun of you - in my post - I acknowledged that we (nurses) often have little say in what goes on your nametag: it is often determined by the facility and/or the state board of nursing.

I wish you well in your journey.

Inspired By Silence · Oct 12, 2009

What bothers me the most is that some of you took my sincere question involving a patient's understanding of said credentials and used it against me in order to call me a braggart. Honestly, what do I have to brag about, aside from being a published writer, which does me diddly squat on this forum, anyway?

I'm a pre nursing student with rather large aspirations, but somehow some of you thought that I was bragging. Bragging about what? Having bigger aspirations than you? I don't know you or your history so I can't make such a claim.

For my final explanation, I DO NOT WANT AN ALPHABET SOUP AFTER MY NAME!!! I want my title to be as short as possible so as not to intimidate the patient or confuse the patient. Does that sound like such a self-aggrandizing question? Did I somehow put myself on a pedestal by sincerely caring for the patient's comfort?

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 12, 2009

The members have given a lot of good advice about what you need to place on a name badge.

One other thing to consider is that the facility where you work may only allow Your Name, RN or LPN. And, as pointed out, your BON will have certain letters/titles that can only be used.

The members also pointed out that concerning oneself about what to place on a name badge is a little premature in the grand scheme of things as a pre-nurse. One should actually finish a nursing program with said degree, get a job, and follow P/P of the facility in which one works before worrying about what a name badge will bear.... this had nothing to do with being mean or harsh; just honest opinion and pointing out some of the more obvious reasons.

So, think this thread has run its course and will now close.