Nursing Credentials 101: From LPN & LVN to BSN & DNP (2024)

FAQs

How do you write your credentials as a DNP? ›

For example, an NP certified through the ANCC and AANP respectively would sign his/her name Kyle Andrews, DNP, AGNP-BC, FNP-C. If both certifications are of the same specialty, the name would appear as Kyle Andrews, DNP, AGNP-BC, NP-C. Here are a few more examples: Michelle Adams, DNP, MSN, APRN, ACNP-BC.

For example, a nurse executive might choose Nancy Gordon, MBA, MSN, RN. Note that the highest non- nursing degree is listed first followed by the highest nursing degree. A nurse who has a master's in a non- nursing field might choose Anne Peterson, MEd, BSN, RN.

In terms of right or wrong, there is no difference between RN BSN and BSN RN. You can list your license first, then add the education level, or you can start by the education level, and then add the license. They are both acceptable ways to list your credentials.

DNPs are doctors, but are usually not called that in clinical settings to prevent confusion with MDs (medical doctors). It may be more common for DNPs, or nurse PhDs, who teach in academia to be referred to as doctors, in the same way that non-medical professors can be called doctors of their field.

The DNP is the highest degree for nursing practice. In addition to APRN concentrations, DNP programs may prepare graduates for careers in organizational and executive leadership, health policy, or nursing informatics.

The only academic credentials (degrees) that you should list after your name at the top of the résumé should be doctorate level degrees, such as MD, DO, DDS, DVM, PhD, and EdD. A master's degree or bachelor's degree should never be included after your name.

Any registered nurse with or without a BSN has passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam and obtained nursing licensure. The distinguishing difference between a BSN nurse and an RN is that BSNs hold a bachelor's degree in nursing while RNs have an associate degree.

Sign your full name, followed by either “R.N.” or without the punctuation, “RN.” Use your full professional name when writing it.

What are the initials for nursing credentials? ›

When used after a name, an academic abbreviation is set off by commas (e.g., Mary Doe, Ph. D., spoke.). The word “degree” should not follow an abbreviation (e.g., She has a B.A. in English literature, not She has a B.A. degree in English literature.).

Either way is correct when writing out your name and credentials -- Jane Doe, RN, BSN, or Jane Doe, BSN, RN. In the world of academia, the college degree is used first and then licensure and other credentials. But for the rest of us, both ways work.

A registered nurse (RN) who holds a bachelor's degree of science in nursing has more job opportunities than a RN with only an associates degree in nursing (ADN). Since there are more job prospects for registered nurses with BSN degrees, the level of their pay also increases due to the demand for BSN graduates.

Until you are told otherwise, the most appropriate form of address for your NP is Ms. or Mr. Doe. An NP who has earned the ND doctorate degree may be called Dr. Doe.

Call yourself a PhD or DNP student, or PhD or DNP candidate. Write out the word "candidate" or "student" behind the initials. The university has not yet conferred the degree to you, and no university confers the (c) initial. You will eventually finish your degree.

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a post-master's degree, also known as a terminal degree. A DNP degree program prepares nurses for roles in advanced clinical practice and healthcare leadership.

If you know the nurse practitioner has a doctoral degree, it's courteous to use “Dr.” Otherwise, default to “Mr.” or “Ms.” along with their last name.