"Alphabet Soup" After Nurses' Name?

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Hi all! Quick intro: I'm a second semester student nurse in an AS Nursing program who has been snooping around these boards for a while! It's about time I registered as a user here and I'm glad I did. I love this board! :redpinkhe

So, I am looking into personalizing a gift for one of my favorite instructors. It's a simple mousepad and I'm able to put her name on it. I was thinking about including all of her titles on it, but don't know if I should (she will soon have her Phd in nursing, and as of now is only MSN). Anyways, I'll figure that out later.

My question is, what does all this "alphabet soup" after her name mean anyways?!

Her e-mails used to be signed:

Ms. Amazing Nursing Instructor, MSN, RN, C

Now, they are signed:

Ms. Amazing Nursing Instructor, MSN, RN, C, D(S)

I think I'm going to just keep it simple and put Ms. Amazing Nursing Instructor on her gift, but I'm still curious!

Thanks all! I will be around & interacting more often now that I'm a user :)

Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I'm an RN, IBCLC and that's how I sign my emails. I worked darn hard for 10 years to get those other initials, it's something that definitely sets me apart from most nurses in my field because it's a designation not too many nurses have, and I'm very proud of it.

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Specializes in ER.
I'm an RN, IBCLC and that's how I sign my emails. I worked darn hard for 10 years to get those other initials, it's something that definitely sets me apart from most nurses in my field because it's a designation not too many nurses have, and I'm very proud of it.

I am not knocking your achievement, but I have no idea what IBCLC means and I've been a nurse a long time, although not in your specialty. So it is doubtful your patients know what it is either. That is why I make it simple with just RN. Patients have enough trouble differentiating the RN from other people in scrubs. If I put too many letters behind my name, they are really confused. But that's just my opinion, and we are all entitled to our own.:)

BTW, what does it mean?

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

FWIW, the initial is not on my name tag. As I mentioned above, I use it when I sign my work related emails, and my colleagues understand what it means. :)

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Cardiac.

I think the alphabet soup is kind of funny on the floor although I think it certainly makes sense behind the name of an author or speaker on an article or program. I don't think the person being taken off the bedpan cares whether you have an MSN or your various certifications.

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Specializes in ER.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

FWIW, the initial is not on my name tag. As I mentioned above, I use it when I sign my work related emails, and my colleagues understand what it means. :)

I would have never figured that one out! Thanks :)

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Hello,

I worked as a nursing assistant but had earned both a bachelors and master's degree during that time. I remember feeling the need to share my accomplishments or at least tell people that I was engaged in academic pursuits usually to my detriment. Since I have left nursing, I work as a complete equal with my coworkers who all have different backgrounds. Also, my job is very empowering with alot of discretion in decision making. However,there is little to no distinction between tittles or even departments. I still say to each their own, but I no longer feel the need to share or use alphabet soup and just love going to work everyday being part of something I truly believe in.

Okay, what do you do?

Share, share, share!

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Biffbradford BSN RN BLS ACLS IABP LVAD TAH CVVH ECMO IVTPN BEDPAN !

TAH? Total abdominal hysterectomy?

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Hello,

I am a WIA (Workforce Investment Act) case manager for a county. I help people who have been fired or layed off. I was fired myself in nursing a time or two, so I understand how that feels. However, several of my clients are interested in starting their own nursing careers which I support, and most of them will make wonderful nurses. I only wish for them to be happy and supportive of others. :yeah:

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

If I ever manage to earn either the cert I want, or get the energy to go back to school for a BSN/MSN/Whatever, you can bet your marbles I'll be adding them to my name tag/signature. I'm old, and school is hard when you're old.

Flaunt 'em if you've got 'em, I say.

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Specializes in I/DD.

In my first psych test my professor offered an extra credit point or two if we figured out what her alphabet soup meant. I wasn't totally sure if she was serious or not, but I figured I would go for it :) I honestly don't think she really meant it but she gave me a point anyways ;) Unfortunately I don't remember what the title was, something along the lines of Psychiatric Mental Health blah blah blah - Board Certified something.

My personal opinion? There is no point in distinguishing between ASN/BSN... honestly, we do the same job. Certifications such as ACLS, BLS, PALS, are often expected depending on your floor/specialty. But if you actually went back to school or worked hard for a certification that truly improves your practice (MSN, CCRN, etc.), and it wasn't something required by your employer then by all means use it in your title!

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I'm justa plain OLD diploma graduate, RN working on BSN and occasionally full of just plain BS!

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I'm justa plain OLD diploma graduate, RN working on BSN and occasionally full of just plain BS!

i'm a diploma grad as well...leslie, rn, pita

didn't have to work very hard for that credential either, but certainly earned it nonetheless.:)

leslie

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