Properly listing your nursing credentials is essential for demonstrating your qualifications, expertise, and professionalism. However, with various degrees, certifications, and licensures, it can be confusing to know the correct order and format. This guide will help you understand the right way to list your nursing credentials, ensuring clarity and consistency.
Table of contents:
- Why credential order matters
- The correct order of nursing credentials
- Examples of correctly listed nursing credentials
- Additional tips for listing nursing credentials
Why credential order matters
The sequence in which you list your credentials is important because it reflects your education, licensure, certification, and achievements in a logical order that can be easily understood by employers, colleagues, and patients. This standardized approach avoids confusion and maintains a professional image.
The correct order of nursing credentials
The general rule for listing nursing credentials is to follow this order:
- Highest Degree Earned: List your highest educational degree first because it is typically permanent and does not expire. For example, a doctoral degree (PhD, DNP) comes before a master's degree (MSN, MPH).
- Licensure: Next, list your state licensure, which indicates your legal authority to practice nursing. The common licensure designation is RN (Registered Nurse) or LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse).
- Certifications: List your national certifications that are relevant to your practice and specialty. Nursing certifications show additional expertise in specific areas of practice. Examples include CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse), FNP-BC (Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified), and CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse).
- Awards and Honors: If applicable, include any special recognitions or awards that you have received. Examples are FAAN (Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing) or DAISY Award Honoree.
Examples of correctly listed nursing credentials
Example 1: Basic format
If you have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, are a Registered Nurse, and hold a certification in critical care nursing, you would list your credentials as:
Jane Doe, BSN, RN, CCRN
Example 2: Advanced degree
For a nurse with a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Registered Nurse licensure, and certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner, the credentials would be:
John Smith, DNP, RN, FNP-BC
Example 3: Multiple degrees and certifications
If you have multiple degrees and certifications, list them all in the proper order. For instance, a nurse with a Master of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Registered Nurse licensure, certifications in Emergency Nursing and Pediatric Nursing, would list:
Lisa Johnson, MSN, BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN
Example 4: Including awards
When including awards, ensure they are listed last. For a nurse with a Master of Public Health, Registered Nurse licensure, certification as a Nurse Executive, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, the credentials would be:
Michael Brown, MPH, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
Additional tips for listing nursing credentials
- Use Commas: Separate each credential with a comma for clarity.
- Consistency: Be consistent in how you list your credentials in all professional settings, including your resume, business cards, email signature, and name badge.
- Avoid Redundancy: Do not list a lower-level degree if you have a higher-level degree in the same field. For example, if you have an MSN, you don’t need to list your ADN.
- Abbreviations: Use the standard abbreviations for degrees, licensures, and certifications to ensure they are universally recognized.
Ready to show off your credentials?
Listing your nursing credentials correctly is essential for showcasing your qualifications and professionalism. By following the standard order of degrees, licensure, certifications, and awards, you present your achievements clearly and concisely. Whether you are just starting in your nursing career or have advanced degrees and multiple certifications, using the proper format will help you stand out in the professional community.
