Sorry, credentialing question.

Specialties NP

Published

Specializes in Mom-Baby, NICU, Women's Health.

I ended up needing to delay my NCC exam (initially scheduled Monday) because of a family issue that came up. Still, when I was asked about my status at work today I told them that, just like before, I have my MSN as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, but have not been board certified as of yet.

I was URGED by my facility to have my name badge changed from "Jane Doe MSN, RN" to "Jane Doe MNS, RN, WHNP." I am EXTREMELY hesitant to do this, as I do not feel that this is appropriate. When I addressed this concern they said it would be different if the badge would say "Jane Doe MSN, RN, WHNP-BC," as the latter implies the board certification, but since the former does not include the "-BC" it would be perfectly acceptable.

I think this has a LOT to do with the fact that they are trying to add as many credentials to the staff name badges as possible, as apparently the more letters you have behind a name the better your staff is right?:uhoh3:

Any thoughts on this?

Cliff notes: Employer wants me to add WHNP to my name badge, even though I am not board certified yet. They claim it is ok since I am not adding WHNP-BC to my badge.

So is it ok for a individual that has graduated from a Master's Degree program for Nurse Practitioner to use the credentials WITHOUT the added "-BC?"

Thanks for your input all!

Also, to me, even if it is technically okay, it seems just really shady, misleading, or unethical to do this...

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
I was URGED by my facility to have my name badge changed from "Jane Doe MSN, RN" to "Jane Doe MNS, RN, WHNP." I am EXTREMELY hesitant to do this, as I do not feel that this is appropriate. When I addressed this concern they said it would be different if the badge would say "Jane Doe MSN, RN, WHNP-BC," as the latter implies the board certification, but since the former does not include the "-BC" it would be perfectly acceptable.

Yes, it is totally appropriate. You are a WHNP. You are not Board Certified (BC), so this is acceptable.

Once you pass NCC boards, you will be: WHNP-BC

So, enjoy the new name!! And, good luck on your up-and-coming boards.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

And...you should probably consider what your state wants you to sign too: in IL where I'm licensed all APNs (NPs, CNS, CNM, CRNA) use the generic APN on our nametags, signatures, etc.. In your case, this wouldn't be correct as you don't have your APN license yet.

Personally, I would ask your BON - you don't want to misrepresent yourself.

I too want to add my congrats on your graduation and upcoming test.

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I was asked to do something similiar. But, I was told that since I was certifiable I should change my badge to

PMHNP-c. Now that I have passed my exam, I have changed it again to PMHNP-BC, because now I am certified and not certifiable.

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