RN or MSN on ID badge?

Specialties NICU

Published

Hi everybody. I've been lurking around this board for awhile now, but this is my first post. I'm starting my first hospital nursing job in a level III NICU in a couple weeks and I'm super excited about it. Whee!

Here's the thing:

I'm one of those direct entry MSN people (I know, I know...)...I graduated in 2004, and have been working as a pediatric nurse practitioner in an outpatient mental health center for the past couple years. However, the NICU has been calling to me for a loooong time, which is why I'm so excited to be working (as an RN, not a practitioner) there soon. I'm completely aware that I have no bedside nursing skills and generally know nothing about taking care of a sick tiny baby. I'm pretty much a new grad, and I'm fine with that. So. Should I put MSN or RN on my ID badge? I technically didn't receive a BSN (just a "BSN equivalent"), otherwise I would put that. I just don't want anybody to assume I know more than I really do and then decide they don't need to explain/teach/demonstrate. On the other hand, I worked pretty dang hard for that degree.

Advice? Suggestions? Thanks

~Leslie

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There is a nurse with similar credentials in our unit. On her badge it says

Sue Smith

RN, MSN

Staff Nurse

NICU

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Check with your facility to see what can and cannot be written on the badge.

And, congratulations on your educative achievements!!

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Congratulations!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I would ask for advice from someone who knows the culture of the unit -- perhaps the unit eductor or manager -- whoever you feel comfortable with. I would then make my decision based on what they recommend, trying to "fit in" with the rest of the staff.

For example, if most people list their academic degrees on their badges, then list the MSN becasue it is correct. However, if many people don't list their academic degress on their badges, then I woul dlist nothing. I would just list my name and RN. "ABC XYX, RN" It it's not customary to list your academic degree in that particular unit, it may make people think you are "uppity" about your advanced degree and get you off on the wrong foot socially.

When I came to my current employer, I listed my full credentials on my badge on purpose because I wanted people to know them and to establish my position as a leader within the hospital. I wan't trying to fit in so much as I was trying to stand out on purpose -- so I used my academic credentials as a political strategy to do that. I also have the ongoing agenda of promoting an awareness of the fact that nurse leaders can (and sometimes should) be educated at the doctoral level. So, putting it on my badge made sense. But your situation is different.

llg ... or as it says on my badge "llg, PhD, RN"

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I guess I shoud add that on our badges it has our degree listed. We weren't given a choice.

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Specializes in PICU, ICU, Transplant, Trauma, Surgical.

One of the girls at the NICU where I work is an NP as well, but is working as an RN in the unit, she has her name then APRN afterwards.

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Where I work RN is all that is placed on the badge, doesn't matter if you are diploma, ADN, BSN, or MSN.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).
Where I work RN is all that is placed on the badge, doesn't matter if you are diploma, ADN, BSN, or MSN.

Ditto that for my unit....we had no choice.

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Specializes in midwifery, NICU.

I know it's a different situation, different continent, but on my badge I'm a Midwife Practitioner. On my payslip, I'm a Specialist Midwife, as I work in the NICU, and have trained further to do so.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

oops..... really old thread.

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oops..... really old thread.

That's the first time I read it, so brand new to me. I fully believe a persons education should be represented on their badge in a health care setting. I'm be taking part in an ASN program, so I'm not necessarily rooting for BSN and masters graduates - the ASN program I'm involved in is plenty hard enough. Those with higher degrees I hold in very high esteem. It ain't easy people.

I say shower those who excel and earn advanced degrees. I learn from them every day. They teach by example and I am greatful for that.

On the same note, There are ASN's who are outstanding in what they do. Just natural nurses who thrive in the environment.

Just my thoughts.

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