How do you write your credentials after graduating but waiting to take the boards?

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Specializes in ED.

Hi all,

Weird question but when you graduate with your MSN-FNP and while waiting to take and pass the FNP boards....how do you write your name? I'm assuming since you got your MS degree conferred then it would be First Last, MSN, RN?

Then when you pass the boards and get certified then it would be First Last, FNP-BC or FNP-C?

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Specializes in NICU.

Dunno if this would work for NPs but the neonatology boards are only offered every other year. So those folks are “BE” aka board eligible- otherwise they could spend a whole year having done fellowship but not having the title

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You aren't a NP until you pass those boards. MSN, RN is probably the most appropriate.

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Specializes in ED.
3 minutes ago, djmatte said:

You aren't a NP until you pass those boards. MSN, RN is probably the most appropriate.

That's exactly what I was thinking, if I could get credited for making it through the MSN program pending passing the boards.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
On 2/24/2020 at 12:56 AM, night_owl_rn said:

Hi all,

Weird question but when you graduate with your MSN-FNP and while waiting to take and pass the FNP boards....how do you write your name? I'm assuming since you got your MS degree conferred then it would be First Last, MSN, RN?

Then when you pass the boards and get certified then it would be First Last, FNP-BC or FNP-C?

Your only "credential" after graduating but not having taken the boards is your educational degree (MSN or DNP).

Once you pass the boards you can use the appropriate credential (FNP-BC/ANCC or FNP-C/AANP). Additionally, once licensed you may have a state-dictated credential (like CNP).

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Specializes in psych/medical-surgical.

So this is funny cuz one of the students that graduated from my program wrote a professor (he was checking up on her) and she signed her name PHMNP before she took the boards, and he jumped on her for that. I don't know how you can graduate and do that considering this is year 1 APRN basics... Degree is always separate from certification. All professions work this way.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
On 3/20/2020 at 2:37 PM, adammRN said:

he jumped on her for that

Are you still a student? Might want to check your own signature?

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Specializes in Urgent Care NP, Emergency Nursing, Camp Nursing.
On 2/24/2020 at 2:18 PM, night_owl_rn said:

That's exactly what I was thinking, if I could get credited for making it through the MSN program pending passing the boards.

A few things
1. Your degree does not depend upon your passing boards. You earned it, and the only way it can be stripped from you is if your university finds evidence of gross academic dishonesty.

2. Even once you pass national boards, you still shouldn't use your letters until you're properly licensed as an APRN (or your state's equivalent); even then you would only use them on Resumes, CVs, and Cover Letters until you get your first job as an NP.

3. You legally sign as either an RN or an APRN - all your other letters might be on your name badge or on professional correspondence as noted above, but you don't sign them.

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Specializes in psych/medical-surgical.
On 3/22/2020 at 1:47 PM, BostonFNP said:

Are you still a student? Might want to check your own signature?

I don't think the same applies to an anonymous online message board where I am not practicing or taking care of patients. If law actually applied here, then 3/4ths of this forum would be deleted.

Also only reason you know I'm a student is because I admitted it... that is a tad ironic don't you think?

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
1 hour ago, adammRN said:

I don't think the same applies to an anonymous online message board where I am not practicing or taking care of patients. If law actually applied here, then 3/4ths of this forum would be deleted.

Also only reason you know I'm a student is because I admitted it... that is a tad ironic don't you think?

1. According to the TOS it applies here.

2. Your post said that another student privately emailed a professor prior to taking the boards and used a credential. Was that student practicing and taking care of patients an using an unearned credential, or was it just an email signature?

3. The student (apparently unknowingly) used an unearned credential in a private email (and was set straight by your professor). You knowingly clicked on two credentials you haven’t earned and have been posting publicly where thousands can see.

4. I don’t think 3/4ths of AN is using unearned credentials because the mods enforce the TOS.

5. Where did you admit you are a student in the post above?

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Specializes in FNP.

MSN, APRN, FNP. When you pass the boards, add -C, or -BC depending on who you take the boards through. Some states allow you to work as a FNP without being certified.

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9 hours ago, MikeFNPC said:

MSN, APRN, FNP. When you pass the boards, add -C, or -BC depending on who you take the boards through. Some states allow you to work as a FNP without being certified.

I would argue until those boards are passed, you never use the FNP. You are an MSN only. “NP-C” or “FNP-BC” are only conferred when certified. FNP Is not a college degree type and shouldn’t be used. Similar is applied to RNs. My cousin got her BSN but never passed her boards. Took twice and never went back sadly. She will always have her BSN, but without that certification, she can never claim to be an RN or a nurse at all.

You can’t claim to be an APRN either as that is for select types of advanced licensed nurses. Not all MSN or DNPs are advanced practice nurses. That title indicates advanced training with additional privileges. If you don’t meet the board certs for those, you don’t get to claim it.

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