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DEAR ANNIE:
This alphabet soup is not only confusing to you; it is confusing to the public and other healthcare providers. Basically, there are 6 types of credentials that can be used after a name.
• Degree (for example, BSN, MSN)
• Licensure (for example, RN, LPN)
• State designation or entitlement (for example, CRNA)
• National certification (for example, RN,C)
• Awards of honor (for example, Fellow of the American Academy of
Nursing [FAAN])
• Other certifications (for example, certification for computer skills)
A general rule is to follow your name with the highest credential that can least be taken away from you, in descending order, with awards or fellowships last. For example, let's use "Mary Maloney, MSN, RN, CRNA." The MSN degree cannot be taken away. The licensure could be revoked and the certification could be taken away if the licensure is lost. Mary could certainly list additional degrees and credentials if it would help her when applying for a particular position. Although she has an ADN and BSN, it's not necessary to include them since the highest degree is used.
DEAR KATHY:
Our 4 centers are planning to replace face-to-face monthly office meetings with conference calls. Do you have any tips to avoid speakerphone blunders?
— BARNEY IN BIRMINGHAM
