How Many Letters Do We Need?

MikeyT-c-IV · Jan 4, 2017

It's more of a high performer thing.

I don't think there is anything wrong with that. I always encourage learning. I just finished my BSN over the summer and jumped right in to an MSN program. It's purely for self-satisfaction and I want my credentials if the right opportunity were to come along. I also certify in my specialty. But one is enough for this guy.

I hope one day all this work translates in to a great paying job.

Proudly show those credentials! It's an accomplishment...

ottersloveoysters · Jan 4, 2017

How many do I need? Just the RN and the BSN (very hard to get a job in my area without the BSN). I have a MEd but I don't really advertise it. Maybe someday I'll want to really delve into a particular specialty but I'm ok without the extra letters right now.

Jedrnurse, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2017

For general purposes, I kinda think that when the letters after your name far outnumber the letters in your name, it's sort of ridiculous. Especially when so many of them (the certifications) are arcane to others reading your "signature".

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jan 4, 2017

No animosity intended, but I'm curious as to how many posts contain your "six figures, part time in pajamas" statement? Personally, I have seen it many, MANY times.
However, I have to think that your 6-figure-in-pajamas situation is an anomaly. It's definitely not a routine position that one could base a career goal upon. And thus I wonder about constantly putting forth your current situation as an incentive to new nurses. You have a GREAT, high-paying position. No doubt about that. But, I suspect that your posts are more dis-couraging (as in "I could NEVER find that very, very rare position") to new nurses than an en-couraging post.

Pardon me if I repeat myself. I use my current job description as I see it applicable.

I have been a nurse for 35 years .. and only seek to encourage my fellow nurses. I have encouraged all nurses I have worked with in any venue. What I mean is...

If I can do it, anyone can.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2017

I am impressed by those with higher education and lots of letters behind their names.
Especially if they act like they know what they're doing.
I started to go for my BSN, as it was requirement for a position as a nursing supervisor. But when I was given a lateral move (out the door), I said the heck with it. I was really tired of the classroom stuff after I got my ASN, but one more class got me an ADN.
I stuck all those letters after my name on this site because I could. It shows that I've done a lot of grunt work, of which I'm proud.

I am curious...what is the difference between an ASN and the ADN?

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 4, 2017

I am curious...what is the difference between an ASN and the ADN?

ADN isn't an official degree that's conferred onto a graduate. It's a nursing abbreviation incorporating all associates degrees with a concentration in nursing. Those degrees may be the associates in science (AS in nursing or ASN) or an associates in applied science (AAS).

showbizrn · Jan 4, 2017

For general purposes, I kinda think that when the letters after your name far outnumber the letters in your name, it's sort of ridiculous. Especially when so many of them (the certifications) are arcane to others reading your "signature".

In my opinion, nurses are some of the most well-rounded professionals in the healthcare industry

la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2017

No animosity intended, but I'm curious as to how many posts contain your "six figures, part time in pajamas" statement? Personally, I have seen it many, MANY times.
However, I have to think that your 6-figure-in-pajamas situation is an anomaly. It's definitely not a routine position that one could base a career goal upon. And thus I wonder about constantly putting forth your current situation as an incentive to new nurses. You have a GREAT, high-paying position. No doubt about that. But, I suspect that your posts are more dis-couraging (as in "I could NEVER find that very, very rare position") to new nurses than an en-couraging post.

I've always taken this more as a way to see alternatives to the grind nurses feel espoused to ("the man" as BTDT says). It's encouraging that, if I chose to get out of the grind of bedside (after I have appropriate experience), I could maybe one day find something that even remotely resembles what BTDT has carved out. But, it's my choice if I want to keep working for the man.

la_chica_suerte85, BSN, RN · Jan 5, 2017

Pardon me if I repeat myself. I use my current job description as I see it applicable.
I have been a nurse for 35 years .. and only seek to encourage my fellow nurses. I have encouraged all nurses I have worked with in any venue. What I mean is...
If I can do it, anyone can.

For what it's worth, I appreciate knowing that your experience exists and is able to be pursued should one choose it for themselves. I know I can't work with dying kids interminably, I need to do something different someday (sooner than later).

Palliative Care, DNP · Jan 5, 2017

I'm a bit of an overachiever by nature. I earned the ADN but immediately went for the BSN. I earned a med/surg certification. Did not enjoy floor nursing. Decided to go to graduate school but specifically wanted a BSN to DNP because if I was going back then might as well earn a terminal degree. Completed that May 2016. Decided to take both the ANCC and the AANP certifications for FNP as a personal challenge. Interviewers were actually impressed by that. Now working towards certification in Palliative Care. With all of that said, I sign DNP, FNP-BC and that is it. I do all of these things for myself and no one else. I do not walk around insisting on being called Dr. Palliative Care all day. The title is not important to me at work so much as the job. I have Dr. Palliative Care on my checks as a nod to my education but truthfully at the end of the day I know what I have achieved and that is enough.

Davey Do · Jan 5, 2017

I am curious...what is the difference between an ASN and the ADN?

One class.

To be honest with you, Esme12, I don't know. Someone told me after I got my ASN if I took another class, I could have another associate's degree. So I did.

Davey Do · Jan 5, 2017

ADN isn't an official degree that's conferred onto a graduate. It's a nursing abbreviation incorporating all associates degrees with a concentration in nursing. Those degrees may be the associates in science (AS in nursing or ASN) or an associates in applied science (AAS).

Well, okay then, Rose Queen- thanks!