[shakshi]

Hi,
I have started my career in a community college for a ADN degree. But i am really confused if i am doing the right thing because I wanted to do bachelors but it takes four years so i dont want to spend that much time. My question is what is the salary difference and work status difference between the two different degree holders. How much do a Associate degree RN earn ?

[jmking]

It is my understanding that most ADN's and BSN new nurses earn the same amount when they first start. The BSN does offer more oppertunities if you want to go into mangement.

Jennifer

[Tweety]

Hi, I'm moving this to the forum where we discuss things.

You can always do like a lot of us and get your BSN later.

The starting salary for beginning bedside nurses is generally the same for ADNs and BSNs because they take the same NCLEX, are both RNs, and both very new and green to nursing.

The salary advantages for the BSN come later with experience, when you might be looking for other jobs that are away from the bedside or BSN preferred.

Good luck.

[juicyjake]

spend "that much time?"
You have the rest of your life to work. 1 more year of school now will be the difference of you getting that job or department switch that you want (at the VERY least). Not to mention that you may want to specialize or become a PA or WHATEVER. Having your BSN will give you many many more options for the rest of your life.

Yes, I am a BSN student, but I would give this same advice even if I wasn't.

[CardioTrans]

It depends on your life at the moment.

As said previously, new grads make the same amount of money whether they have an ADN or BSN. The money comes later in management positions.

I too, got my ADN first, worked a few years and went back and got my BSN. I make more money now, but it isnt because of the degree I have, its because of the years of experience. I worked in management, hated it.... so I went back to bedside nursing.... and yes I took a paycut.... but at least now, when I clock out after my 12 hrs I'm done and have much more time for my boys.

If you are at a point in your life to where you can go straight through and get your BSN, then great...go for it. If you have other obligations such as family or work, then there is nothing wrong with getting your ADN and going back later to finish your BSN.

[Aprilhere]

Ditto everyone else. BUT- I got my adn first. It worked better as I have 3 kids. Also..once you're employed...many facilities will assist you in going back for your bachelors.....while you're making the income of an RN. It just makes sense for me to do it that way. You have to decide what works best for you..there is no right or wrong.

I find it funny though...that many BSN nurses think it's the only good way...yet I rarely hear an ADN saying the same about BSN. They work together on the floor..make basically the same wages...you wouldn't know the difference unless you ask.

Also...it's very important what school you attend. For my area...the ADN programs have a much better reputation. The big BSN school is known for their nurses not having a clue on the floor when they graduate..but every program is different...I am NOT saying this is how all BSN's are.

[showbizrn]

Depending on the contractual agreement (union vs. non-union), some hospitals pay a differential increase for the BSN degree.

[NursePamela]

Most of the time that I know of there is no difference. But when there is a difference in pay the most i have seen is one dollar $1.00 more an hour.

If you are already in the ADN do not give up your seat b/c you "might" get the BSN seat. To quote my corney uncle - it is better to have a bird in hand than 2 in the bush.

[TexRegNurse]

Hi - I am an ADN nurse that works home health and I supervise RNs that have their BSN. I have also worked in long term care and at hospitals and our DONs have sometimes been ADN RNs. I live in a smaller town so experience & ambition go a long way. I have been taking my pre- reqs for the BSN program because that is what I want - nothing to do with my current job or pay. I do know that most of our local hospitals will assist with payment to return for your BSN degree and will work with your school schedule until you finish, if you sign a contract to work x number of years at that facility. The choice I made to get my ADN first was a no brainer for me since I would be taking the same boards as a BSN graduate nurse, and make more money while returning to school for my BSN (as I was an LVN for 5 years before getting my RN). Hope that helps.....

[caliotter3]

If it is at all possible, since you are already in an ADN program, go for the BSN soon after finishing and get it out of the way now. Your life responsibilities are probably less now than they will be in the future. You also do not know whether the requirements will change and you may be facing a harder challenge. While BSN's generally do not make more in the workplace as staff nurses, there will come a time when you will find that having that BSN designation to put on your resume or job application will be very useful.