Why do Nurse's wear there degree on there name badges?

[Medic_Kev]

I have never had anyone give me a straight answear to this question, Why do nurses wear there degree on the badge uniforms? I see few other people in the hospital setting that do it except for nurses, why is this? Is it an ego thing? I would understand if you were qualified for various postions ie RN, EMT-P, RRT, but the whole concept of wearing your degree seems to have a I'm better than you attitude. Personnally myself being a military man I find the postion you hold carries more clout than your degree. I have seen ADN's as Supervisors and MSN's doing floor work. Does the degree vs the certification(CEN,CCN) make a difference? As a pre- hospital care worker when I go in the ER or up to a floor the only thing I ever notice is that the higher the degree the less likely that person is to assist you, not always but more often than not this is the case. I would welcome any feed back on this. Thanks Kev

[MollyJ]

I don't think that there is any doubt that this trend grows out of the entry of level situation, where a nurse can become a nurse with so many different degrees, however we are not the only once who writes our degree on our name badge in health care. Realize that few lawyers, ministers, etc wear name badges and so you don't often see their credentials either for that reason. Our service positions put us in situations where we become professionals that wear name badges. Anyhow, other people who wear their degree on their chest include--MD, LBSW, LMSW.

I only haul out my credentials when I sign letters. Usually, I just sign RN and I have a MSN.

[Q.]

Originally posted by Dplear

Remeber a degree is not a credential...A credential is done either through testing or through licensing. A degree just degreee that shows a level of education.

Hi Dave-

Hmmm I don't know the actual Webster's definition of "credential" but I can say that in a way I did take a test to get my BSN. (actually I took several). :)

[Lisa32]

Kelly Ray is right. The nurses at my hospital do a hell of lot more than the Dr's and their education and technical skills are top notch. I say, wear your education with pride!

[KRVRN, BSN, RN]

It took me 7 LONG YEARS to get my BSN. 7 years of hard work and stress. I'm very proud of my accomplishment and by God I'm going to wear my degree on my name tag. If it bothers someone, said person doesn't have to look. Just my polite opinion. :-)

[Q.]

Ok - found the definition of "credential"

:)

"that which entitles one to confidence, credit or authority."

Taken from the American Heritage Dictionary.

So there, Dave.

[essarge]

According to Webster's New World Dictionary it means "papers showing one's right to a certain position, etc."

So if anyone has the right to wear these "credentials" a nurse does!!!

[Mijourney]

Hi Medic. More importantly, no matter what your level of education is or how many credentials you have, it's how you carry yourself with the education you've acquired. Don't be intimidated by seeing acronyms on someone's badge. Judge by actions and not by what is being exhibited on a badge or a piece of paper. If you desire to continue your education, do so and don't worry about what anyone else thinks! Flaunt it when you have a chance because you worked for it.

I also agree with MollyJ who pointed out the other health care professionals and paraprofessionals wear their titles on their name badges. Does anyone know when this tradition started and why? I would be interested in knowing.

[swacht]

I believe wearing your extra initials on your badge is fine, you should brag about your accomplishments:) But unfortunately, the public don't understand all of them because there are soooo many initials to have. And having a higher degree doesn't not mean you can do more for your patient. That is determined by competencies, job description, and state practice act.

What I would like to see on the badges is how many years of service in the profession. "Nancy Nurse, RN, C., 8 years of dedication to the Art of Healing" or something like this. "Nancy Nurse, RN II, 3 years of Professional Service. Patients take comfort in knowing they have a nurse who obviously have the knowledge, but also the WISDOM that comes from experience.

Sharon, RN, BSBA

[RNforLongTime]

susy k,

you go girl!!!

kelly:)

[Jason-ACNP]

I agree with feisty nurse as well. I would like to add that the curriculum of a bachelor's degree is more encompassing and thus I feel these nurses should be recognized if they so choose. Furthermore, it helps to promote nursing as an evolving profession vs. a stagnant "vocation".

In regard to the statement, "Personally myself being a military man I find the position you hold carries more clout than your degree" I believe that a prerequisite of a commissioned officer in the Navy Nurse Corps (as well as the Air Force and Army), is a bachelor's degree in nursing. Clearly, the U.S. military recognizes the importance of education and rewards its soldiers with "higher positions" accordingly. Additionally, if commissioned officers are recognized with salutes from the enlisted soldiers (regardless of the enlisted position) and are addressed as "Sir" or "Mam", (as well as the ensigns on their uniform), then a nurse wearing BSN, or MNSc on his/her badge would seem very appropriate to say the least.

Finally, I don't feel that nurses displaying their level of education are promoting dissension among colleagues. Living in a democracy entitles every nurse to pursue a higher education. While it will not be "handed" to them, the opportunity for higher learning lies before all of us. Many nurses who are mothers and wives have sacrificed much to attain a higher education and so why wouldn't they show the world?

Just a thought...

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

I don't think that it really matters what type of initials, RN,RNC,BSN,MSN, etc are behind your name as long as you can do your work and don't expect me to do it for you

[nurs4kids]

Unless you're offended because one has more academic rank or achievements than you, why does it matter why or if they "wear their degree" on their badges? Although I'm a pathetic ADN RN, I have to agree that if a person took the extra time and hard work to obtain a BSN and other certs, he/she damn well earned the right to proudly display the credentials. I also think it's good to let the patient/public know who they're dealing with and at what level. This question always amuses me because it's always posed from someone with less rank/achievement than the person in which their question is related. Heck, perhaps we should just throw out all titles, no MD, no LPN, no Enviromental Tech, no Central Supply, no RN, etc. then no one would be offended and those we work with and care for would be clueless who is who. For all you BSN's, ABC'S, DEF'S, GHI'S, and so forth..you worked your butts off and earned the right to have all those letters on your badge, ya damn well better wear them proudly!

just a simple RN