Using BSN when you have not earned it

RLeeRN · Mar 31, 2011

In the military one gets "selected" to be promoted to the next rank within months or days, and many are informally introduced as for example; SSgt "select" to justify a new role or responsibility with the upcoming promotion, but some have to be kindly reminded they are still their current rank until they pin it on. What do you call a SSgt select? Sgt! What do you call a RN a few credits shy of a BSN? RN! :lol2: The reality is that ADN, BSN, MSN etc....does not equate to a higher rank on a standard nursing unit, but rather the quality of the nurse themselves. I know of plenty ADN prepared nurses who are managers of ICU's and other units that oversee BSN prepared RN's daily due to their experience.

The most important thing is not to go around gossiping about the individual spreading contention among the unit members, but rather being mature enough to go to the person directly about the issue if it is causing you offence personally. I am sure if someone approached the person in humility and shared the concern that others have they would probably change their name tag to prevent a negative impact on others tainting what they have worked so hard for.

sunnycalifRN · Mar 31, 2011

Our manager knows. This person is working on the degree and has just a few credits to earn. But, to actually use the letters after their name is just wrong.

Since your manager knows and doesn't care, nothing is going to happen. In a few months, it will be a non-issue.

tntrn, ASN, RN · Mar 31, 2011

What do you call a RN a few credits shy of a BSN? .

Unless the rules have changed and unless this person already had a diploma or ADN (and is now working on a BSN), they cannot be an RN with a few shy credits.

To sit for the exam, do you not have to have completed an accredited nursing program?

Perhaps I've missed something here.

caliotter3 · Mar 31, 2011

Unless the rules have changed and unless this person already had a diploma or ADN (and is now working on a BSN), they cannot be an RN with a few shy credits.
To sit for the exam, do you not have to have completed an accredited nursing program?
Perhaps I've missed something here.

The school of nursing that I attended had a policy that one could sit for the RN exam when one had completed 75% of the program. It was a BSN program and 75% of the program was deemed equivalent (more than equivalent) to a two year RN program. However, they changed that policy while I was still a student. I do not think this policy was, or is, very widespread.

Penguin67 · Mar 31, 2011

That is called falsifying credentials, and the state board of nursing can discipline those who do that, whether it be a license issue or a credential issue. I know of a nurse who was completing her doctorate, and told the people that she worked for about her defense but she didn't want anyone to go and support her. Everyone thought she had obtained the terminal doctorate and she was using the credential for awhile, until one of her doctoral faculty saw her name listed somewhere with the doctoral credential and let her employer know that she had not completed her doctorate and did not have that degree. The Board of Nursing disciplined her for falsifying credentials.

If you are three courses short of a degree, then you have not earned it yet and cannot use the credentials until you have the degree in hand. Anything else is simply falsifying credentials.

79Tango · Mar 31, 2011

At least she's not signing-- "Jane Doe BSN, ACLS, BLS, PALs"

Ive seen it... We actually have a term for it. This is a classic example of something called "Fake Pimping"

Its a BON violation in some states to use BSN when you havent earned it.

Katie5 · Mar 31, 2011

Dont swaet the small stuff! There are FAR more important things in life to worry about, for goodness sakes!
Happy

My response to this would be censored.

Trauma Columnist · Mar 31, 2011

Claiming credentials one hasn't earned speaks to the individual's integrity or lack thereof.

smily nurse, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2011

Wrong, wrong, wrong. Falsification of credentials. I bet the school where she is studying wouldn't look too highly on this.

Have you considered contacting the school where she is attending?

smily nurse, BSN, RN · Apr 4, 2011

Dont swaet the small stuff! There are FAR more important things in life to worry about, for goodness sakes!
Happy

This isn't really a small thing. This individual is falsify something. It begs the question what else will they lie about?