A clarification about listing credentials - Brief Article

Health care professionals often are uncertain about how to list credentials after their names. Different organizations choose to list credentials in different ways. AORN lists the individual's license, highest academic degree earned, and any certifications obtained, in that order (eg, RN, MSN, CNOR; RN, PhD, CRNFA, CNAA). AORN lists only nationally recognized certifications.

Some individuals working as RN first assistants (RNFAs) use the acronym "RNFA" after their names in addition to their credentials. The letters RNFA stand for "RN first assistant," which is a job title, not a certification; therefore, it is inappropriate to use those letters as a credential after a name. AORN lists CRNFA (ie, certified RN first assistant) as a credential, indicating that the individual has obtained certification as an RNFA.

Certified individuals have met prescribed education, examination, or experience requirements. The purposes of certification include enhancing quality patient care, achieving professional growth, providing employing agencies with a means to identify professional achievement, and distinguishing professional nurses practicing in an expanded role. The use of the certification credential after a name recognizes this accomplishment.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group