Resume Question: RN,BSN or BSN,RN

Published

Hi Everyone,

I know this may be a stupid question. I just graduated in May with a BSN. I'm unsure about how to write my name on my resume. Does it matter which order you put RN and BSN after your last name? I've seen it both ways (RN, BSN or BSN, RN). Does RN,BSN mean you were an ADN first and then went on to get a BSN?

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

No, it really doesn't matter how you put it, whatever works. Some might suggest you put your highest qualification first.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The usual, traditional rule of thumb is that you list the academic degree first, followed by the licensure, followed by any certifications.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

Just my two cents: your licensure as an RN is what makes you qualified for the position you're applying for. I'd list it first.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

Yes, but the degree is what got you the RN in the first place...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ok. What if you have a BS first, THEN get the BSN. I have degree already, but I am going back to school for nursing.

So would it be

Jane Smith, BS, BSN, RN??

Thanks! Epona ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

It would be the last degree you earned, then RN, then any certifications such as CEN or CCRN etc

For instance -

my tag wouldnt read AD, BSN, MS, RN, FNP-C

It would just be MS, RN, FNP-C

ETA - Make that the highest level last degree you earned...So if you had a BS in biology for instance and went back and got the AD in nursing, you would be BS, RN - even though you had an AD in nursing the BS is your highest level degree.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Ok. What if you have a BS first, THEN get the BSN. I have degree already, but I am going back to school for nursing.

So would it be

Jane Smith, BS, BSN, RN??

Thanks! Epona ;)

UNLESS the other BS degree is in something that it's important for clients and colleagues to know about (and I'm not having any luck in even thinking up a hypothetical example :)), just skip that and list the BSN only. That is the degree that relates to your licensure and your role in the workplace.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Agreeing with MLOS.

The RN is by far the most germane qualification, and accordingly should be listed first (e.g., Flo Nighting, RN, BS, MBA).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

It would be backwards if she did. The degree goes first, followed by the license, followed by the certification.

This is true in any field which requires a degree and licensing.

Here is another article that explains why:

http://nsweb.nursingspectrum.com/Articles/CredentialsCF2003.htm

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

Don't mean to be contrary, but the opinions cited aren't convincing. The rationale underlying them makes no sense to me: list a credential first because it's the least likely to be rescinded. (Where'd that reasoning come from??? And who deems that we should follow it???)

If I'm an RN functioning in an RN role, I'll continue to list myself as such first. My other degrees, certifications -- indeed everything else -- is additional, and quite possibly not essential.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion