[Boilermom]

I have a BS in Genetic Biology and and would like to become a nurse. I have been out of the work force for nine years having kids so I am heading back to school and was curious if it matters if I get an associates degree or take the extra year plus to get another Bachelor's? I would like to get out there an earn an income and I know I could always get my BS while I am working. But do hospitals look at what degree you have when hiring or pay scale? ANy advice would be helpful.

[sunnyjohn]

Have you considered and accelerated BSN or direct-entry, generic first-level MN/MSN?

With your present degree you could possibly gain entry to an accelerated BSN (Or a direct -entry, generic, first level MN/MSN) and be done in 12-18 months.


MAny of us with degrees have found it easier to get financial aid for a second accelerated Bachelor's or direct-entry MN/MSN.


In most parts of the country the pay scale for a first year nurse is the same (ADN, BSN or direct-entry MN/MSN).

[BlearnRN]

I have an AS and I know that there is a small pay difference. At one place I worked the difference was seriously about 15 cents more. There isn't any huge pay gap that I have seen between an AS starting out and a BS starting out. Just keep this in mind - and AS is a lot less expensive...you can get it in a shorter time...and when you get out and get a job, the hospital will usually help you get a BS....

[Tweety]

Both ADNs and BSNs at entry level bedside nursing are paid relatively the same. Here the BSNs might be hired at the same, after passing NCLEX and finishing orientation they are given 4% more for their BSN.

I second the idea to look into accelerated BSN programs that are designed for persons with a degree in another field.

Good luck to you. Please feel free to ask questions.

[jzzy88]

I've got a BA in molec and cell biology and am going to start an accelerated BSN in Nov. It is only 12mo long. It is also extremely expensive. Tuition alone about 47K. My main consideration was time and took what came first. I would have preferred a direct entry (probably), but missed the app deadline. I'd also, as stated above, try for a program designed for a person with a degree already. Good luck,
J

[Jerico]

Originally Posted by Boilermom

I have a BS in Genetic Biology and and would like to become a nurse. I have been out of the work force for nine years having kids so I am heading back to school and was curious if it matters if I get an associates degree or take the extra year plus to get another Bachelor's? I would like to get out there an earn an income and I know I could always get my BS while I am working. But do hospitals look at what degree you have when hiring or pay scale? ANy advice would be helpful.

Just being hired last week the difference between a two year RN and a four year/BSN/RN was literally $6,400. a year. IF I had NOT had the BSN I'd have the position but not the increased pay scale.

It also puts one in a direct line to more responsibilty and leadership which nearly always means higher pay scales.

Employers in prominent healthcare facilities PREFER BSN as the plan is to phase out less than BSNs in 2010.

Seeing as how BSNs will most often be in the administrative power positions to make these decisions this will likely come true for nearly all states.