Is putting 'BSN' on badge snobbish?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

What do you think about having 'BSN' put on your badge? My hospital never used to automatically put it on nurses' badges. Now, the new grads with BSNs have that automatically printed on. Other BSNs have decided to have this credential printed on their badges. It never made a difference to me but some people make a big deal about it. I'm trying to decide if I want to get my BSN credential printed on my badge. I heard one nurse say that it's snobbish. The nurse that said that was an LPN.

You should have your credentials behind your name whether you are a CNA, LPN, BSN, MD ,etc. I am an LPN going back to school to achieve RN, MSN and I worked to darn hard to get where I am and hope to be to let someone let me think that it's not.Someone said that BSN has better outcomes than others. I would like to see those studies.

we all worked hard to get where we are,,,regardless of the type of school you went to there wasn't much you could do until you passed the boards!!! so to me, that is the only important title on your badge!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Studies have shown that patients of BSN prepared nurses have better outcomes. I don't see anything wrong or snobby about having a title associated with positive outcomes on your badge.

Can you list some of the studies that show BSN trained nurses result in better patient outcomes?

There are studies that show that higher proportion of RN staffing and higher proportion of licenced nursing staff results in better patient outcomes. There are also studies that show the less experienced the licenced staff are on a unit the higher the number of patient complications.

Basically most of the studies show that the higher the proportion of and adequate staffing of, licenced, experienced, nursing staff the better the patient outcomes.

I am not convinced that there are good generalizable studies that show that the higher the proportion of BSN staffing the better the patient outcome.

dishes

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

here's a different point of view, not the reason to put the initials on it but simply food for thought from my perspective.

i'm an adn, a shy away from my bsn graduation. when ever i'm sick of school and just don't give a crap, training, precepting and charging over all bsn's has been strong motivation for me. the school has not mad a lick of difference in how i care for critically ill patients, but i have been much more active in reading journals and keeping up on current trends.

others having that on their badges has helped nudge me along. i may very well be in the minority of adn nurses, and only speak for myself.

that being said....in my facility, all badges for nurses proudly display the degree status. not being elitist, we are simply proud of each others advanced accomplishments. i couldn't name a nurse in our 30 bed icu unit that would find a professional accomplishment to be snobbish. perhaps peers that can't be proud of you are not the ones to look to for advice?:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Smoke em if you got em. I do not care what you put on your name badge. Nursing is one of the most self conscious professions and people are too concerned about credentials and go to great lengths to take offense if it is even hinted that their level of education or licensure is not as "good" or "advanced" as somebody elses.

Regarding the outcome statements; an easy Google search can provide the said studies. Sorry all; however, better outcomes do appear to be related to higher levels of education. That's just the way that it is.

AACN facts sheet summary: AACN - Media - Impact of Education on Nursing Practice Fact Sheet

For the flamers; I am an AD educated nurse, so no agenda here, simply acknowledging the literature.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Just to play devil's advocate - what about the people who are 2nd degree RN's? Should they put their other degrees on as well? I went to ADN school with a women who had her MS in another science. Should her MS be listed? Should my BS be listed, even if it is not in nursing? We worked hard for them and they made us better prepared... just saying.

Although, I do think people who earn terminal degrees should use their credentials on professional documents, such as a PhD or EdD.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Just to play devil's advocate - what about the people who are 2nd degree RN's? Should they put their other degrees on as well? I went to ADN school with a women who had her MS in another science. Should her MS be listed? Should my BS be listed, even if it is not in nursing? We worked hard for them and they made us better prepared... just saying.

Although, I do think people who earn terminal degrees should use their credentials on professional documents, such as a PhD or EdD.

If it makes you feel better, sure.

EDIT: No sarcasm intended, I am okay with it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU,ICU,ER,MS,CHG.SUP,PSYCH,GERI.
Studies have shown that patients of BSN prepared nurses have better outcomes. I don't see anything wrong or snobby about having a title associated with positive outcomes on your badge.

I would really like to see these studies. Do you have a reference for any of them for review? Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I would really like to see these studies. Do you have a reference for any of them for review? Thanks.

I guess you failed to read my post or I posted while you were typing?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

My patients don't care what's on my badge as long as I'm there to care for them.

Likewise, I don't particulary care what's on my badge either as long as my title is correct (RN). That being said, if you want your degree on your badge, I don't think it's snobbish at all. Go for it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU, Education.

I don't think it is snobbish. I first worked hard for my RN diploma and then returned to school for BSN. I am proud of both accomplishments and when possible I use both credientials. I agree with some of the other posters it is a bit silly. Though it is important that the patients, docs, etc... know the difference bt an LPN, RN, and MSN because the scopes of practice are different.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med surg,.

I feel you worked hard for your degree, flaunt it. I am in pursuit of my BSN. I will flaunt it. As for the BSN study. I work with a nurse with her BSN that had graduated the same time I did. When we first started working, she often said how she thought those of us that had our Associates had more clinical experience than she did. SHe said her program consisted more of paper work than clinical time. SO that being said, I dont consider either one of us lacking.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.
Just to play devil's advocate - what about the people who are 2nd degree RN's? Should they put their other degrees on as well? I went to ADN school with a women who had her MS in another science. Should her MS be listed? Should my BS be listed, even if it is not in nursing? We worked hard for them and they made us better prepared... just saying.

Although, I do think people who earn terminal degrees should use their credentials on professional documents, such as a PhD or EdD.

Interesting food for thought... I'm thinking BS... could be chemistry then sure... a teaching degree... we do that all shift.... Bachelor of Arts in underwater basket weaving... we'd have to haggle over that one:lol2: If you could tie any degree into how we care for patients... that is appropriate.... marine biology.... we'd have to do rock paper scissors.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment