Why do nurses, with each degree, leave them on behind their last degree?
So, hi, I'm Offlabel, RN, CCRN, AA, BSN, MSN, DPN.
Why isn't it just Offlabel, RN? Or CNM? or NP? or CRNA?
I know that's the culture but doesn't, say, an MS imply that there is a BS in there somewhere? It's sort of aggrandizement that looks dumb. MD's or DO's or whatever don't do that so why do nurses?
It's as though some folks are trying to convince themselves that they're really smart and have an axe to grind.
It really looks unprofessional when certifications are mixed with degrees that are mixed with licenses.
Specializes in Med Surg/ICU/Psych/Emergency/CEN/retired.
In some settings, such as publishing research, it's totally appropriate to list the alphabet soup of credentials and degrees, in many other settings though it makes it appear like we're trying spruce up the title "RN" by burying it under a bunch of other letters.
I respectfully disagree, especially since "RN" is not a degree. We are a profession and need to behave as other professions do. Nursing is its own worse enemy, IMHO.
Specializes in Med Surg/ICU/Psych/Emergency/CEN/retired.
I understand. But at times it seems unnecessary to list the old AAS or AOS amongst the higher degrees.
I agree. I did not mean that AOS or AAS was included behind a published person's name. Actually I have never seen it. Usually it starts with a graduate degree. At times I've seen "BSN" after a name, but that person is often not the principle author. The world of academia....
This..... it's my opinion that when "Director of Cardiothoracic Care" is followed by Joe Smith, BSN, RN, MSN DNP, CCRN" etc...it looks dumb but it also implies a separation from the RN at the bedside across the hall in the ICU that has worked there for 15 years who is "just" an RN. It tells the whole world that you you are relevant with special validations and less so without.
I have NEVER understood this alphabet soup nonsense. Show me another profession whose members display anything other than the appropriate professional title. Emphasis on profession.
I once worked with a NP who insisted on taking her lab coat back to the embroiderer after every certificate/accreditation. Then she'd send the bill to our employer. They never did pay after the basic ANP.
I don't mind it. I think it's pretentious in every day convo, but on professional papers, why not? You earned it. You ARE different from me. I didn't do all that school, I don't get the initials. Easy peasy lemon squeezey.
The alphabet soup I put after my name depends upon the circumstances I'm in. At work I am "just" AkulahawkRN, RN. I have an ADN but since my school lists the degree as an "Associates of Science, Nursing" that could be considered an ASN. I also have a non-nursing Bachelors and I'm a Paramedic. I could put my "work" title as "AkulahawkRN, ADN, RN." If I earned a BSN, I might have my name as "AkulahawkRN, BSN, RN." Now if I worked as a Paramedic, it'd be "AkulahawkRN, EMT-P" or at most "AkulahawkRN, RN, EMT-P" unless I wanted to start adding degrees to my name there too.
For academia purposes, it would be "AkulahawkRN, BS, ADN, RN, EMT-P" and the "cert" courses would be dropped unless I was an instructor in those or if the cert was specifically relevant.
I don't mind it. I think it's pretentious in every day convo, but on professional papers, why not? You earned it. You ARE different from me. I didn't do all that school, I don't get the initials. Easy peasy lemon squeezey.
You got a great attitude! I guess I don't, but at least it makes for a lively conversation!
Boomer MS, RN
511 Posts
I respectfully disagree, especially since "RN" is not a degree. We are a profession and need to behave as other professions do. Nursing is its own worse enemy, IMHO.