Okay this is a pet peeve of mine. What the heck is going on with all the freakin' initials after the "RN"? I'm trying to find the setting to take away the BSN after my name on this site.
Now for the rant. A simple Jane Doe RN is sufficient for 99.9% of uses. I think it is over the top to write the following:
Jane Doe, RN, BSN, MSN, MEd, CCRN
The only legal license a nurse has is the RN part, or, for advanced practice nurses, the CRNA, CNM, APRN part. It's really cool to invest in your education and it is an accomplishment and kudos to you. Certainly, put it on your resume/CV, but it gets embarrassing when it's on the patient record or on a business card or on the nameplate of your workstation, office...whatever.
If you've just gotta' get it out there, then use just your highest degree. Jane Doe, RN, MSN is not so creepy. If you have a masters degree then I am assuming you had to have a bachelors degree or equivalent.
Jane Doe, MD looks good just plain. Jane Doe, MD, MPH, FAACP is kind of braggy.
Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.
I'm always perplexed by the NP's in our hospital that are utilizing this as their moniker:
Jane Doe, RN, BSN, MSN, FNP-BC
Why include the RN? Clearly you are/were a registered nurse, but at this juncture, you're an advanced practice nurse, so your RN role no longer applies. You have surpassed this in getting an advanced degree.
Maybe I'm wrong? I don't know. Unexplainable pet peeve.
Yes, I think that is excessive use of letters. As already stated, the BSN is unnecessary since this person already has a higher degree, the MSN. However, it is not excessive to list RN in the titles. NP's must continue to possess an active RN license to legally practice as NP's.
It is also more accepted to just sign as "Jane Doe, NP" in all forms of patient documentation though some states require the use of a designated title (i.e., CNP, CRNP, ARNP). From what I've observed, business cards, lab coats, and publications tend to include all the letters "RN, MSN, NP".
Yes, I think that is excessive use of letters. As already stated, the BSN is unnecessary since this person already has a higher degree, the MSN. However, it is not excessive to list RN in the titles. NP's must continue to possess an active RN license to legally practice as NP's.
It is also more accepted to just sign as "Jane Doe, NP" in all forms of patient documentation though some states require the use of a designated title (i.e., CNP, CRNP, ARNP). From what I've observed, business cards, lab coats, and publications tend to include all the letters "RN, MSN, NP".
I completely understand maintaining the RN credential as part of practicing as an ARNP ... I just feel that utilizing it in a title or in a sign off is not only excessive but rather confusing. RN .. NP. Separate titles. Allowing for separate practice acts. And in some states .. I don't believe practicing as your lower title is allowed.
I use the alphabet soup after my name when it's relevant, otherwise RN is appropriate and is nothing to be ashamed of. When used unnecessarily, it makes it appear as though we don't consider "RN" to be sufficient, which is sort of sad.
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
I use the alphabet soup after my name when it's relevant, otherwise RN is appropriate and is nothing to be ashamed of. When used unnecessarily, it makes it appear as though we don't consider "RN" to be sufficient, which is sort of sad.
Agree. The only time I list all my credentials is in the signature file of my work email, and on my business cards (and my resume). Otherwise I'm just plain old Klone, RN.
Some nurses insist on listing their entry-level nursing degree on their badge with the RN. That's totally unnecessary. Why is there a need to differentiate yourself from a ADN or BSN? RN is an RN, period. If you are certified and it is appropriate, maybe allowed. But if you work med/surg, I dont see how listing CEN is appropriate or necessary for instance. In the ED, absolutely.
The proper order for email signature lines, publications, or anything formal is basically the order in which the designations are permenent over the others (degrees will never be revoked almost all the time, RN or NP licenses could be suspended, and certifications may not be renewed):
Name, highest nursing degree, highest nursing license, certification(s). Although if a nurse has a MBA, JD, or PhD, only appropriate to use in context of the formal writing. In which case, it should go before the highest nursing degree.
Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP
8 Articles; 4,475 Posts
Yes, I think that is excessive use of letters. As already stated, the BSN is unnecessary since this person already has a higher degree, the MSN. However, it is not excessive to list RN in the titles. NP's must continue to possess an active RN license to legally practice as NP's.
It is also more accepted to just sign as "Jane Doe, NP" in all forms of patient documentation though some states require the use of a designated title (i.e., CNP, CRNP, ARNP). From what I've observed, business cards, lab coats, and publications tend to include all the letters "RN, MSN, NP".