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.
You have worked very hard and earned your degree along with passing boards. Wear it proudly, everyone has to learn. So your experience and knowledge will come with time , in the meantime you have graduated and have your degree, display it with pride and do not let anyone make you feel bad because you lack some years of experience. No one graduates knowing everything. It comes with time.Congrats
elizabells, BSN, RN
2,094 Posts
Edited because I am a moron, and have no idea what's on my ID, apparently...