Listing credentials?

Boomer MS, RN · Aug 23, 2017

Hi, Just some quick advice please. I just got promoted to a managerial position, and I'm having some business cards printed. What is the currently acceptable format for listing credentials? AORN is stating to list the highest degree only (if I understand correctly) followed by certifications (i.e. Mary Smith, MSN, RN, CNOR). My highest degree is an MBA which I do feel is applicable to my position but does not reflect my nursing background. Would I then list both (i.e. Mary Smith, MBA, BSN, RN, CNOR) or just skip one or the other? Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

I recommend putting the MBA first, then RN and finally the CNOR. I appreciate having a manager who has been in the trenches in a specialty he/she is managing, thus including the CNOR. The RN shows a nursing background. I would not include the BSN on the name tag/business card, only on a resume. This is my preference, but there is more than one way to skin a cat. I don't think listing the BSN is wrong. And how many MDs have you seen do the following?: John Smith, MD, Ph.D, MPH. You may get questions about the letters behind your name, which is an opportunity to educate those asking. Congratulations on your promotion.

Denise362 · Aug 23, 2017

I recommend putting the MBA first, then RN and finally the CNOR. I appreciate having a manager who has been in the trenches in a specialty he/she is managing, thus including the CNOR. The RN shows a nursing background. I would not include the BSN on the name tag/business card, only on a resume. This is my preference, but there is more than one way to skin a cat. I don't think listing the BSN is wrong. And how many MDs have you seen the following?: John Smith, MD, Ph.D, MPH. You may get questions about the letters behind your name, which is an opportunity to educate those asking. Congratulations on your promotion.

Thank you for the quick response. Makes sense. Curious to see what others may think.

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Aug 24, 2017

I don't think it would be wrong to list the BSN; actually a former manager of mine did that -- Name, MSN, MBA. At the same time your RN and CNOR credentials show that you have a nursing education.

Congratulations on the promotion!

Boomer MS, RN · Aug 24, 2017

After rereading your post, I want to change my answer. For business cards I would definitely include the BSN along with the MBA, RN and CNOR. Highest degree first. As I said before, i don't think including the BSN on your name tag is wrong. Maybe if you had an MSN and an MBA it would be better to skip the BSN on a name tag. Hope this makes sense!