What initials do I place after my name??

mwbeah · Jul 11, 2005

Stupid question, but no one ever addressed this in nursing school...
I have a BSN only. How do I document after signing my name?...would it be "RN, BSN" or just "BSN". Some "experienced" RN's have told me (in no uncertain terms) that "RN, BSN" must always be used. However, AAS-prepared RN's have stated that "RN, BSN" is used by them after they receive their 4-year degree.
What's the proper way???

I don't know if I have heard of a proper way (to be safe, the proper way is always what your nurse manager says it is).

When I was and RN-BSN I simply signed RN. Now I have a RN, BSN, MSN, CRNA and I sign my name with CRNA. Some people list all the initials, but I don't know if they are all applicable to their current position.

If this helps, I knew of a gentleman (in the service) who had a chest full of awards, decorations, and ribbons that he could have worn on his uniform. One of those awards was the Congressional Medal of Honor. The only award he wore on his uniform was the Medal of Honor. I asked him why he did that and he said, "What else is there? What else do I need to prove, people seem to get the point."

Another perspective on initials is stated in this article.

http://www.nurseweek.com/ednote/98/981207.html

I would sign the initials that are currently applicable to your clinical setting or your highest degree. Sometimes nametags get confusing with all those initials. Make it simple for your patients. Your coworkers will know you, your nurse manager has your resume so people will know your credentials.

Hope this helps,

Mike

BikerRN · Jul 11, 2005

I don't know if I have heard of a proper way (to be safe, the proper way is always what your nurse manager says it is).
When I was and RN-BSN I simply signed RN. Now I have a RN, BSN, MSN, CRNA and I sign my name with CRNA. Some people list all the initials, but I don't know if they are all applicable to their current position.
If this helps, I knew of a gentleman (in the service) who had a chest full of awards, decorations, and ribbons that he could have worn on his uniform. One of those awards was the Congressional Medal of Honor. The only award he wore on his uniform was the Medal of Honor. I asked him why he did that and he said, "What else is there? What else do I need to prove, people seem to get the point."
Another perspective on initials is stated in this article.
http://www.nurseweek.com/ednote/98/981207.html
I would sign the initials that are currently applicable to your clinical setting or your highest degree. Sometimes nametags get confusing with all those initials. Make it simple for your patients. Your coworkers will know you, your nurse manager has your resume so people will know your credentials.
Hope this helps,
Mike

Thanks for your input! Makes sense to me. Maybe I'll see you out there---I am transferring from Navy Reserves to USAR. "Going Green"

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jul 11, 2005

Thanks for your input! Makes sense to me. Maybe I'll see you out there---I am transferring from Navy Reserves to USAR. "Going Green"

Never came across this question yet here. It is interesting to read the responses :)

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Jul 11, 2005

As a GN, you sign GN. If you are a RN with a BSN you sign RN, BSN. It is a degree you worked for, be proud of it. If you are a ASN, then you sign RN. NO ONE has the right to use the title of RN until the license is active and current in the state of practice.

mwbeah · Jul 11, 2005

If I sound startled, I am. This makes me wonder what else was not covered in your school.

Hey now, a couple days ago I was a real jerk with some of my posts and Brian and the staff helped me see the light! Mean people suck and a couple days ago I was sucking bad (BTW won't happen again)

Now was this part of your post truly necessary, the individual is nervous enough and asking this question shows she/he is wanting to do a good job.

The dumb question is the one that is not asked and a patient suffers. Don't make new nurses afraid to speak up and seek knowledge from those of us who have experience.

JMTOT,

Mike

BikerRN · Jul 11, 2005

Hey now, a couple days ago I was a real jerk with some of my posts and Brian and the staff helped me see the light! Mean people suck and a couple days ago I was sucking bad (BTW won't happen again)
Now was this part of your post truly necessary, the individual is nervous enough and asking this question shows she/he is wanting to do a good job.
The dumb question is the one that is not asked and a patient suffers. Don't make new nurses afraid to speak up and seek knowledge from those of us who have experience.
JMTOT,
Mike

No offense taken. However, the conflicting info novice RN's receive on the units from "experienced" RN's tend to lead to questions such as this.

As far as my academic instituion of choice...I am so tired of hearing RN's putting down the "other schools" (i.e. not theirs). As I and all of my classmates did very well on the NCLEX, I quess they prepared us to be granted the same license as all other RN's from the "other schools".

mwbeah · Jul 11, 2005

No offense taken. However, the conflicting info novice RN's receive on the units from "experienced" RN's tend to lead to questions such as this.
As far as my academic instituion of choice...I am so tired of hearing RN's putting down the "other schools" (i.e. not theirs). As I and all of my classmates did very well on the NCLEX, I quess they prepared us to be granted the same license as all other RN's from the "other schools".

Like I said before, something had me all wound up and mean a few days ago. Hey just do the best job you can and ASK all the questions that come to your head. Never "fake the funk"!

Have a good one,

Mike

BikerRN · Jul 11, 2005

Like I said before, something had me all wound up and mean a few days ago. Hey just do the best job you can and ASK all the questions that come to your head. Never "fake the funk"!
Have a good one,
Mike

Thanks to all who replied.

Altra, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2005

A new GN here ... maybe I'm way off base with this.

My first thought to the OP's question was, "It depends on what you're signing."

Everyday charting/documentation -- I would think "RN" would suffice. The important thing about that signature is what the function of the person signing is, not the academic credential, right?

OTOH, if signing some other document -- a letter ... whatever, then listing your academic credentials may more relevant.

Please don't misinterpret this as my saying that those w/a BSN shouldn't use the credential -- perhaps if you work in a university-affiliated hospital it's common practice for everyone to always list their academic credentials. I'm just saying that, in everyday use, the relevant thing about a signature is being able to identify the job function of the person signing, not their degrees.

If I'm way off base on this, I'm sure someone will correct me. :rolleyes:

Altra, BSN, RN · Jul 11, 2005

Like I said before, something had me all wound up and mean a few days ago. Hey just do the best job you can and ASK all the questions that come to your head. Never "fake the funk"!
Have a good one,
Mike

Thanks for the very relevant advice, Mike. I start my job in a week. :)

HappyNurse2005, RN · Jul 11, 2005

I am not a BSN prepared nurse, but I work with a few. They just sign J. Doe, RN. Haven't seen one do RN, BSN on my floor.