The proper display of professional credentials often confuses nurses, especially when deciding the sequence of their academic degree and licensure. Major professional bodies have established a clear, standardized hierarchy for listing these qualifications. Adhering to this universally recognized order is essential for professional communication and clarifies a nurse’s achievements to colleagues, employers, and the public. Credentials are listed based on their type and relative permanence, providing a framework for presenting a respected professional identity.
Understanding the Difference Between Licensure and Degrees
A nursing degree, such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), is an academic credential earned from a college or university upon completing a course of study. This degree signifies the educational level attained and the theoretical foundation a nurse possesses. The degree represents a permanent achievement that cannot be revoked once conferred by the institution.
The Registered Nurse (RN) designation is a legal license granted by a state board of nursing after the candidate passes the national licensing examination. The RN is a mandated requirement for practice, establishing the legal authority and scope of practice for the individual. Unlike the degree, the RN license is temporary and must be periodically renewed; it can also be suspended or revoked by the state board for infractions.
The Professional Hierarchy of Nursing Credentials
The universally accepted sequence for listing nursing credentials prioritizes a nurse’s most permanent and foundational achievements first. This professional order is recommended by organizations such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The standard sequence begins with the highest earned academic degree, followed by the mandatory legal credential.
The highest earned degree (BSN, MSN, or DNP) is listed first because it is a permanent mark of educational achievement. The full hierarchy of credentials is as follows:
- Highest earned academic degree
- Legal licensure (RN or LPN)
- State designations (e.g., Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or APRN)
- National certifications (e.g., CCRN)
- Professional awards and honors
For a nurse holding a BSN and an RN license, the standard professional designation is “BSN, RN,” placing the degree before the license. This structure promotes a unified understanding of a nurse’s qualifications across different environments.
Why the Order of Credentials Matters
Adhering to the established sequence of credentials is an element of professional integrity and clear communication within the healthcare system. Listing the qualifications correctly ensures that a nurse’s profile immediately conveys the appropriate information about their background. The degree signals the depth of education and preparation, while the licensure confirms the legal authorization to provide patient care.
This standardized presentation facilitates interprofessional collaboration by quickly clarifying a nurse’s role and scope of practice to other healthcare providers. When the order is inconsistent, it can create confusion and undermine the perception of professional competence. Following the hierarchy established by nursing authorities maintains a high standard of communication.
Applying Credentials in Real-World Scenarios
The credentialing hierarchy translates directly into how a nurse signs official documents, is introduced professionally, and appears on business cards or email signatures. For instance, a nurse with a BSN and a national certification in medical-surgical nursing would correctly write their name as Jane Doe, BSN, RN, Med-Surg-BC. This format immediately communicates their highest education, legal status, and specialty expertise.
A nurse with a graduate degree would omit the BSN, listing the terminal degree first, such as John Smith, MSN, RN, CCRN. While the RN designation may be placed directly after the name on an employee identification badge for immediate identification of legal status, the degree-first sequence remains the recognized standard for all professional documentation and communication.
Common Credentialing Mistakes Nurses Make
One frequent error nurses make is listing credentials that are no longer active, such as a lapsed certification. Another mistake involves listing multiple degrees at the same or lower academic level within the same field, such as listing both a BSN and an MSN. The accepted practice is to only list the highest degree earned, as the higher degree implies the completion of the lower one.
Nurses also sometimes incorrectly place non-nursing degrees, like a Bachelor of Arts (BA), within the core nursing sequence. The professional standard requires that non-nursing degrees be listed after the nursing degree and licensure, or omitted entirely if they do not directly contribute to the nurse’s current role. The goal of listing credentials is to provide a concise and relevant summary of qualifications.