Big Difference between RNs with a Diploma vs an Associates Degree?

To tell you the truth, I never know the difference unless someone tells me. I never really know the difference between a BSN and a ADN either except maybe the BSN's charting looks better. I have worked with exceptional nurses with diploma's and scatter brained and scary nurses who were pursuing a masters degree.
I do believe that the more education you receive the better for you and better for the patients of course. If a diploma works for you then by all means do it. If you some day want to pursue a management position or an advanced pratice position, then you will need to continue your education.

Sherwood R.N, (ADN)

"For RNs there are more choices to be made in regards to levels of education. In the past, hospitals offered three year diploma courses where students lived and worked in the hospital and earned a nursing diploma, and then sat for their boards to become RNs. As nursing roles expanded far beyond the realm of hospital nursing, these programs closed. Today, very few remain, and most of those are affiliated with 2 year (Associate Degree) programs."

I found an article about it. Are you sure you will be able to find a diploma program at a hospital?

I'm in year 3 of my 3-year diploma program on the east coast. I'm not sure about California but here you will have no problem getting a job. Hospitals actively seek out diploma-RN's. I already have one major hospital wanting me to join them upon graduation in May 06. You'll be well prepared.

When I worked in the midwest and the south everyone thought that diploma programs were extinct because in those areas, they pretty much were. But I remember a lot of diploma programs still running on the east coast/middle atlantic areas when I lived out there not so long ago.
They are still there, just not in every part of the country so people tend to think that they don't exist anymore just because they are not in their own immediate area.

I am a Diploma grad and I would not trade that training for anything. :Melody:

Do you get paid at all throughout your diploma program?
Good luck to you!