RN Difference

[aznksswt517]

Hi Everyone.

I'm really confused about something.

I thought only nurses with BS degree could become RNs... However, I found out that nurses with diploma, assosicate degree, or BS degree could become RNs... Why is that???

Also, are nurses differenticiated with which degree they have...? like RNs with BS degree could do this while others can't? Why would anyone wanna spend four years in college/university when he/she could become an RN faster?

Does anyone know the starting salary for new graduates with BS degree?

Thank you for your time. :)

[BlueKat]

I believe that you are not a "Registered' Nurse until you pass the boards. When you graduate, you are considered a graduate nurse from a 'nursing program'. Registered does not take effect until the passing of the boards. Yes?

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

It is a complete fallacy that BSN students are required to do less clinical time. NOT TRUE. At least, not at the schools I attended and if you look at your state's BON there are specific clinical requirements for ALL the schools in that state. As for pay, our facility pays $1/hr more for BSN degree ($2080 more per year from the get go). BSN degrees open doors to promotions. But to answer the first question presented, all registered nurses, regardless of their level of education, have to take the same Board exam in order to be licensed. It's what you plan to do after that is when the ed. level begins to matter.

[suzanne4, RN]

Shodobe: Yes that is true but if they are working in a state where the RNFA can actually get reimbursed, they need to have the certification. The RNFAs are pushing for reimbursement just like the PAs but they need to have the certification. If you are working privately for a physician, or the hospital is providing the services for the doctor but not billing for it then no problem.

[suzy253, RN]

I'm in a 3-year diploma program. It has a very high NCLEX pass rate; in fact, the class of 2003 had 100% pass rate on the NCLEX. At the age of 50, I have no plans to advance my degree; thus another reason why I chose diploma. Very heavy clinical..we started our clinical rotations after 6 weeks in class. My school also just graduated its 101st class--they must be doing something right!

Cheers

[Genista, BSN, RN]

First off, I really hate the whole ADN versus BSN debate, since everyone has to argue which degree is better and how "perfect" their education was, and how much clinical time they had, etc. You will hear it from all angles, and believe me there are good bad & ugly of all types of nursing education. There are great nurses of all types and levels of education and training.

If you are certain you want to be an RN, and don't have time or money to go for the BSN then, ADN is probably the better choice for you. It is hard work, and will prepare you well for a career in nursing. Remember, you can go back to school later if you want. However, if you want more career opportunities, are thinking about an advanced degree, & have the time & money then go get a BSN.

I have a BSN and no, it doesn't pay more than my ADN peers are earning. I don't expect it to for my staff nurse position where we all do the same job. However, my BS degree does give me an edge and more job opportunities. I have many more options both in nursing and in other fields thanks to my BS degree. My program also included certification in Public Health Nursing. I'm in grad school now, so I am glad to have my BSN, since it is making my career path easier to get through. But I see nothing wrong with starting out with an ADN degree either. Whatever works best for you. Good luck. Hope you enjoy nursing.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Originally posted by bellehill

... as an ADN graduate there are many accelerated BSN programs that can be completed... if you are a licensed, working RN.

And also let's not overlook the possibility of going the RN-to-MSN route. In many situations, this may be a more attractive path to take.

Good luck!

[ADNRN]

A registered nurse requires a diploma. Everything else is superfulous. I'm an ADN, because they don't have a diploma program around here and the junior college is cheap. It's also very tough and has a very high NCLEX pass rate and reputation with the hospital where I intend to work.

I have a BSc in Liberal Arts, and I'm proud of it. When I finish school, I'm done with school. I'm going to study art in my spare time because that is something I can do that doesn't detract from nursing, which is my God-given calling.

When I stop working at the bedside at age 70, maybe I'll paint pet portraits in the mall and wait to die