What’s the right way to list your nursing credentials?

Editor’s note: Author, Jennifer Mensik, does not endorse, recommend or favor any program, product or service advertised or referenced on this website, or that appear on any linkages to or from this website.

Nursing credentials are a form of communication.

We have all seen multiple streams of initials after nurses’ names. This can make someone seem intimidating, especially if the nursing credentials are paired with a long work title.

  • A frequently asked question is how should nurses list their credentials after their name?
  • What do these initials mean?
  • Which initials do you include?
  • Why do nurses feel the need to even do this?
  • Is there a difference in listing credentials if a nurse is in academia versus service?

Well, let me answer these questions for you.

First, we use initials to communicate some general knowledge about ourselves. I will use my own degrees and other credentials as example. (The American Nurses Credentialing Center also provides a great handout on this topic.)

The preferred order of credentials for all nurses, regardless of employment setting, is as follows:

  • Highest degree earned
  • Licensure
  • State designations or requirements
  • National certification
  • Awards and honors
  • Other recognitions

So, why this order? The order is in degree of permanence. The degree is first, as it cannot be taken away unless in rare circumstances.

Then, your license, which is required for you to practice; you may choose not to renew it, but you would still have your degree.

Licensure is followed by state designations and national certifications, which are usually time limited and need to be maintained through continuing education. You could let this lapse, but you would still be an RN.

Next, the voluntary credentials. Awards, honors and recognitions are not required for practice.

Following the above nursing credentials process, here is my signature line and how I note my initials: Jennifer Mensik, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN.

Occasionally, I use Jennifer Mensik, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. (I explain why shortly.)

Here is what it would look like, if I used all of my initials: Jennifer Mensik, PhD, MBA/HCM, BSN, ADN, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. This is overkill.

Start at the top

  1. First, you only should note your highest degree earned. In my case, it is my PhD. I normally drop other degrees because the PhD “trumps” them all. This is especially true if your other credentials are in the same profession. For instance, my associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree and PhD are all in nursing, therefore I only note my PhD. If I had a master’s degree in nursing, I would leave that off, too. However, my master’s degree is in business administration, so I include it. This would be true if I had an undergraduate or graduate degree in a different field. I do not usually like using a long list of initials after my name, but if I feel it is important in communicating with someone, I will add my MBA to my signature line.

  2. Next, I note my RN degree, which is the only license I have. If you are an APRN, your state and certifying body will no doubt have their required way to note your …read more

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