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

FAQs

What order do nursing credentials go in? ›

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.

CRNA- Certified Registered Nurse Anaesthetist

This certification is the most difficult and lucrative. Under the supervision of an anesthetist, a CRNA provides anesthesia during surgery and other procedures. CRNAs must have a BS and RN certification. They also need to take 2 years of classes.

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.

What Are the Levels of Nursing? There are five levels of nursing: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

Those with any doctoral degree, whether an M.D., D.O., DNP, Ph. D., DPT, O.D., AuD, DDS, DPM or a PharmD, have dedicated years toward their education and should be able to use the honorific “doctor” in academic and professional settings.

An NP is a master's- or doctorate-prepared nurse who is certified and licensed as an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). A DNP is a higher education degree. An NP can earn a DNP degree, but a DNP-prepared nurse does not have to be an NP.

So, the short answer is yes – in general, a DNP nurse may be referred to as "doctor," however, some states have regulations surrounding this. For example, California and Georgia forbid nurses, pharmacists, and other professionals from using the "doctor" title.

CRNAs also safely deliver pain management care, particularly where there are no available physicians. According to Medscape's 2022 APRN Compensation Report, CRNAs earn, on average, $217,000 annually, making this specialty the highest-paid nursing job.

What is the easiest nursing certification to get? ›

Of all the nursing certifications, LPN or LVN programs are the quickest and most convenient options. Because training can be completed at a hospital, vocational technical school, community college and even online, LPN/LVN programs are ideal for students who work or have other obligations.

A BSN degree is the easiest type of nursing degree to pursue if you are interested in continuing your nursing education and the advancement of your career.

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.

A nurse whose highest degree is non-nursing might choose to list that degree first followed by their highest nursing degree, such as Anne Peterson, MEd, BSN, RN. If you have a doctorate or a master's degree in nursing, you should omit your baccalaureate degree.

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.

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 key takeaway when thinking about RN vs. BSN differences is that RN is a licensure to practice nursing, granted by your state. A BSN is your level of education — and one that is increasingly being seen as the future of nursing.

List them in their entirety and avoid acronyms. For licenses, use this order: license type, licensing state/body, license name and number, nurse license compact, and expiration date. For certifications, start with the name, followed by conferring organization, expiration, and certification number, if applicable.