Proper use of credentials

Specialties NP

Published

Hi all,

I'm a brand new NP! How do I correctly use my initials?

I've earning the following:

RN, BSN, MSN x2, adult nurse practitioner, and certified diabetes educator (CDE)

Do I still use RN or the new APN, C? Both?

I'm so confused right now.

Thanks,

Trish

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Some people list everything they can, others do minimal. Find out what your state requires and do that as a minimum.

Personaly I just have NP. If I listed all my certifictions it would be longer than my name and just look weird.

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

I just use my name and FNP-BC. I also have multiple degrees/certifications and I'd just look like a big geek if I used everything. Plus, it makes for an easier signature! I might add the CDE if that was pertinent to your job.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Well, I have a very long, pretty unpronounceable last name so listing all my degrees and certs would look silly not to mention be too time-consuming.

In IL, all APNs must sign: traumarus, APN - anything else you want to sign is just up to you but that has to come first.

BTW congrats.

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Specializes in ER, Critical Care, Paramedicine.

When writing notes, I put APRN. On my lab coat it says MSN, APRN, and on my CV its MSN, APRN-BC.

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In Missouri I believe for a FNP the BON requires a signature of Dixiecup APRN FNP-BC. That is what I was taught, I could be wrong as I often am!

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I would just like to add that with the new EMR rage, I don't findd myself even signing my name that much.

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Specializes in Peds Urology,primary care, hem/onc.

At my hospital, we are all APNs, regardless of what our certs are and we have EMR so everything is signed electronically RNsrgr8t, APN.

When I am writing letters, handwriting scripts, orders for supplies etc, I write RNsrgr8t, RN, CPNP which is also what is on my labcoat and my business cards (no room for me to add the MSN).

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Specializes in Emergency, MCCU, Surgical/ENT, Hep Trans.

Jimbo NP

Labcoat, Scrubs, cards, scripts and stamp

Absolutely no confusion whatsoever :)

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It depends on your State board of nursing...in Maryland we use CRNP

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