Using BSN credentials(not a BSN)

[funfunfun550, BSN, RN]

It was recently brought to my attention that a charge nurse on our unit is using "BSN" credentials on her business card that is located on the counter with the managers etc cards for patients and their families to pick up. Sadly another nurse with a BSN pointed it out to me. What can be done about this?

I feel it is unethical at the least. How to approach this without drawing attention to myself? Is this a board reportable offense. I know the institution I work for would be very upset about this. Maybe they will explain it away as a "typo" but how do you just type in "BSN" and claim it to be a typo when having business cards made up???

[Annisme]

I worked very hard for my BSN and I would be very upset to see someone using the credential who has not earned it. That said, you could mail one of the business cards to your facility (anonymously). You would have to check with your BON to see if it should be reported.

Thanks for looking out for the integrity of our profession!

[funfunfun550, BSN, RN]

She is not even in the BSN program yet either.........

[ukstudent]

Before doing anything, make sure that you have all the facts. Did she have these made or did the hospital?

Just the same as wanting a fellow nurse talk to us about a potential problem before going to management, do the same for her. Talk to her, point it out. Her reaction will tell you what you should do next. But, please give her that chance.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

in my state this action might be considered "unprofessional conduct" and the Board could take disciplinary action. At the very least, it is defrauding the public and HR ought to be made aware. Also, it might be an infraction concerning Code of Conduct for your facility.

[ohmeowzer RN, RN]

i think i would bring it to my manager's attention and then confront her. i am a BSN and i would go through the ranks first.. she needs tobe spoken to about these cards..

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

Before doing anything, make sure that you have all the facts. Did she have these made or did the hospital?

Just the same as wanting a fellow nurse talk to us about a potential problem before going to management, do the same for her. Talk to her, point it out. Her reaction will tell you what you should do next. But, please give her that chance.

I agree. At my hospital, when they had name badges made for all the charge nurses, they automatically put "BSN" on all of them, even if the nurse did not have a BSN. If this were the case the guilt would not lie entirely with the nurse, but also with the hospital

[snuggles49]

first of all is the person who brought it to your attention a manager? or a Staff nurse ? It is quite possible they may be wrong. I would ask on what authority they got the info. But I agree I would approach the individual in question and nicely start a conversation with her and ask her where she got her BSN etc. I would also contact HR and ask them he she has the credentials but if you are not a manager then I would go thru your manager with your concerns. If she had business cards made up then she most likely put it on her employment application. If so and there is a question HR has the resources to investigate.

[funfunfun550, BSN, RN]

She works there.............so not a new hire..........she does NOT have a BSN and is not even accepted into a BSN program. Another management level person pointed it out........I saw the cards...........

[tara07733]

She works there.............so not a new hire..........she does NOT have a BSN and is not even accepted into a BSN program. Another management level person pointed it out........I saw the cards...........

Why isn't the management level person pursuing the issue? Is she not sure? Personally, I would stay out of it but if you NEED to get involved I'd approach the person first and get the backstory. You may think you know it but you may not.

[funfunfun550, BSN, RN]

The person who is upset about it has a BSN and was passed over for a promotion that was given to the nurse that has"BSN"(falsely)on busineess cards since the promotion(Yes

BSN is a requirment for the promotion) Yes its all fishy.........

[FlyingScot, RN]

Stay out of it. This is going to bite you in the butt if you don't.