[joli]

Hello! I've been an RN for two years now after graduating with my ADN. Can anyone tell me if it is truly worth it to go back to school for the BSN degree? My hospital only pays a dollar more an hour for a BSN. I heard that some hospitals pay two dollars more an hour. Whoopi doo! That alone, doesn't motivate me to get a BSN. I do have a bachelors degree in a non nursing major that I received back in 1998 (nursing was a second career choice for me).

Thanks for your replies!

Joli

[NYDreamer]

you are in the perfect forum, where you will find many threads that discuss ADN vs. BSN...good luck with your decision

[jjjoy]

At the bedside, the BSN doesn't make much difference for your career or pay. If you ever want to leave the bedside, though, the BSN will open more doors. Besides management positions, other non-hospital positions often prefer or require a BSN. For example, most public health nurse positions require a BSN. Anyone else know more about this out there?

[jmgrn65]

It mostly depends on what you want to do. IF you see yourself never leaving bedside than no don't get a BSN but if you want to do anything different such as; Case Manager, Documentations Specialist, Informatics, Management, educator some require more education, there are more that is all I can think of off the top.

[jmgrn65]

oh yea not all hospitals pay more.

[MrChicagoRN]

A dollar or 2 per hour= 2-4000 more per year, every year. Raises are typically based on a percentage of pay, so over time that higher salary will outpace the ADN all the more.

More importantly, a BSN will provide you with more latitude & career opportunities over the next 20 or 30 years you'll be working.

Since you already have a bachelor degree, why not just go for an MSN?

[Suesquatch]

I can't see stopping. I don't know if it's "worth it" monetarily, but certainly it's always interesting to learn more.

[traumaRUs]

If I was in your shoes, I would go to an ADN to MSN program because the MSN is what actually affords you more choices.

[Tweety]

When I get my BSN in August (please God) I will get a 5% raise. My job duties and discription won't change and I'm likely to keep my position as a floor charge nurse for a while longer. However, when I'm totally burned out of hospital/bedside nursing the BSN will come in handy as I persue other positions as I age and need to continue to work until I'm 65 or beyond. I'm pretty topped out what I can make as a bedside nurse as I've been in this hospital for 15 years and am maxed out. The BSN's worth for me probably isn't going to be measured in dollars and cents, but hopefully job satisfaction, or physically as I can't lift and tug on heavy patients or run up and down the hallways.

[ORSmurf]

Hey Joli,
I'm asking myself the same question! I also graduated with ADN 2 years ago. I was all set to start a BSN program this year, but then decided against it. I just can't make up my mind if it will be with the time, effort and expense. My husband doesn't think it would be worth it, financially. It would be hard for us to pay for it. I really don't want student loans again. I was so excited to get those paid off!
Good luck making your decision,
Christine