The importance of knowing what your nursing credentials mean

Nurse practitioners (NPs) hold nursing credentials from academic institutions, regulatory bodies, and certifying organizations. Additional credentials can be earned through fellowships or other specialized training. Displaying credentials is valuable because it publicly reflects achievements and competencies commensurate with NP practice. This review outlines the sources of credentials, the recognized nomenclature, and guides presenting credentials professionally in business documents, presentations, and publications. Maintaining a structured display of credentials establishes uniformity.