How to List Your Nursing Credentials on Your RN Résumé
Have you ever wondered how to properly display all your hard-earned credentials after your name on a nursing résumé? Or maybe you're creating an email signature, ordering a cute embroidered scrub jacket, or filling out a badge request. You want to list your credentials in the right order, but you're not quite sure how to do it. Does the order matter? Spoiler alert: It does! Let me break it down for you.
Who Makes the Rules?
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has adopted a credential order standard that aligns with professional norms in nursing. Following these guidelines ensures that your credentials are presented in a polished, professional, and universally recognized format.
The Credential Order
The standard order for nursing credentials is as follows:
1.Highest nursing degree earned
2.Nursing license
3.National certifications
For example:
Sarah Smith, BSN, RN, PCCN
This order is logical and easy to follow. Think of it as going in the sequence of when you achieved each credential⤵️
1️⃣Your education comes first because it’s the foundation of your nursing career. Once earned, your degree is yours for life.
2️⃣Next is your license, awarded after passing your nursing boards.
3️⃣Finally, you include any additional certifications you’ve earned, showcasing your specialized skills and expertise.
Pro Tip: Always separate credentials with a comma for clarity and professionalism.
Breaking It Down Further
1. Education
When listing your education, include only the highest degree you’ve earned. For instance, if you started with an ADN but later earned a BSN, you would only list BSN. Similarly, if you’ve obtained a master’s degree (e.g., MSN), you should list that and omit your lower degrees.
For example:
Sarah Smith, MSN, RN
If you have a degree unrelated to nursing, such as a BA in Marketing, you would typically exclude it unless it adds value to your nursing role. One exception might be if your degree is directly applicable to your current or desired position. For instance, a nurse leader with an MBA may write their credentials like this:
Sarah Smith, BSN, MBA, RN, NE-BC
Notice that the nursing degree (BSN) is listed first, even though the MBA is a higher degree. This emphasizes your nursing background and aligns with professional conventions.
2. Licensure
After your education, list your nursing license. This is your professional designation, such as RN, LPN, or APRN.
If you've earned an advanced degree or designation—like Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) or Nurse Practitioner (NP)—you’ll include that after your RN. For example:
Sarah Smith, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, CPN
3. Certifications
Finally, include any national certifications you've earned. These may reflect specialty expertise, such as PCCN (Progressive Care Certified Nurse) or CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse).
Certifications are typically listed in the order you achieved them or based on their relevance to your current role. For example, if you’re applying for a position in pediatrics, you might prioritize your CPN (Certified Pediatric Nurse) over certifications in other specialties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for when listing your credentials:
Overcrowding: Avoid listing every single certification you’ve ever earned. Focus on those that are relevant to your current or desired role.
Wrong order: Make sure your credentials follow the proper sequence: degree → licensure → certifications.
Outdated credentials: Remove any expired or irrelevant certifications to keep your résumé current and concise.
Wrapping It Up
Here’s a quick recap of the golden rule: always follow the standard order of degree → license → certifications when listing your nursing credentials. Whether it’s for your résumé, email signature, or embroidered scrubs, this approach ensures your qualifications are presented professionally and accurately.
Still unsure? Here’s one final example:
If you’re Sarah Smith and you’ve earned a Master of Science in Nursing, passed your nursing boards to become an RN, and achieved certifications as a Pediatric Nurse (CPN) and an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC), your credentials would be listed as:
Sarah Smith, MSN, RN, AGACNP-BC, CPN
Following these simple guidelines can elevate your professional image and ensure you stand out—whether it’s on a résumé, an email signature, or that cute new scrub jacket!
