LPN License # go on resume?

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Nov 30, 2006

I think it's easier for the prospective employer to verify the license if you include the number, assuming that you're not turning in a copy of the license itself.

Jolie, BSN · Nov 30, 2006

No! No! No!

Don't ever put a license number or social secutity number on any document or in any letter or correspondence that won't be kept in a secure location at all times. (Job applications are usually locked away in Human Resources.)

Doing so places you at risk for identity theft by potentially enabling someone to fraudulently obtain a copy of your license and misrepresent themself as you.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2006

I have never, ever included my nursing license number on my resume. I shall add that I have never had any problems finding work as a result. Any potential employer or interviewer who would seriously consider hiring you will ask about your licensure information when they plan to hire you.

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Dec 1, 2006

Excellent points, guys. I've seen it done both ways, but the identity theft/fraud concern is one that we may not always take seriously enough.

Little Panda RN, ASN, RN · Dec 1, 2006

I just finished sending in my resume and I did not put my SSN or license numbers. I just put what states I was licensed in and the expiration date.

Dabuggy · Dec 1, 2006

Hello,

Thank you for the replies. I did not put it in my resume, but wondered if I was suppose to. Here in Michigan, we have a web site and anyone can type in a name and find out a persons License #. If you only type in the last name all will pop up.

No I would not put my S.S. # on it either. But then again if anyone wants it, they can get it.

Dabuggy

BSNtobe2009 · Dec 1, 2006

Isn't a nursing license number public information anyway?

If it's available on a website that the public has access too, I would probably go ahead and put it on there, and HR or the Nurse Recruiter would probably appreciate that. They have no reason to get a Social Security Number until they hire you.

I don't think it's an identity theft issue anymore than a listed phone number in the phone book is.

I have two professional licenses, and one of them is with the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks...and all you have to do is pop my name in there, and it will not only give you my license number, but where I work and the address.

I can't imagine the BON being any different as much as they encourage the public to check those things out.

Side Note: I just went on the NC BON, and yup, you can pop anyone's name in, you don't even need the city, and it comes right up.

elkpark · Dec 1, 2006

Isn't a nursing license number public information anyway?
If it's available on a website that the public has access too, I would probably go ahead and put it on there, and HR or the Nurse Recruiter would probably appreciate that. They have no reason to get a Social Security Number until they hire you.
I don't think it's an identity theft issue anymore than a listed phone number in the phone book is.
I have two professional licenses, and one of them is with the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks...and all you have to do is pop my name in there, and it will not only give you my license number, but where I work and the address.
I can't imagine the BON being any different as much as they encourage the public to check those things out.
Side Note: I just went on the NC BON, and yup, you can pop anyone's name in, you don't even need the city, and it comes right up.

I agree -- I've always had my license and certification #s on my CV (but never my SS #!). They are public records/information anyway.

Jolie, BSN · Dec 1, 2006

You are correct that license numbers are public information and accessible on-line to anyone who wishes to check you out. I think the difference in terms of identity theft and security is that by printing them on your resume, you are providing ALL the necessary information in one place that an identity thief would need to go to the BON and actually obtain a copy of your license.

I recently needed a new copy of my license, and had to provide my name, DOB, address, phone number, and license number in order to obtain it. If all of that information were available on my resume, a thief would only have to provide a "new" address to obtain an actual copy of my license. If someone were looking up my license on-line, they would not have access to all of that demographic information.

I agree that this is probably NOT a huge security issue, but I think it is wise to get in the habit of protecting personal identifying information as much as possible.

Also, as a former nurse manager, I will tell you that it is not at all helpful from an employer's viewpoint to have that information on your resume. It is the employer's obligation to examine and copy your original license to be kept on file prior to allowing you to work. On-line look-ups are not a substitute for this requirement.

Hoping LVN2BSN · Dec 2, 2006

I talked to a nurse recruiter at a recent job fair and she said that with all the people applying, especially through the internet, it's good to have all the information up front. She said most importantly that you state you have a license and what state you are licensed, it's helpful, but not always necessary to place the number on your resume. Just don't leave the recruiter guessing and if putting the license number relieves all doubt that's what I would do when I graduate.

Besides, I've looked up a couple of my instructors that seemed a little not with it.