Pay Grade: Having an AS vs. a BS

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I have a friend who got her BSN over a year ago and she told me she only makes .25 more than the nurses with an ASN. Is this really the difference? I hardly see how going to school for two extra years will only get you a quarter more an hour.

Thank you MsAlba! The deployments come with the territory unfortunately.

There are a ton of online programs for RN to BSN and I think they usually last 2 full time semesters.

I have a friend who got her BSN over a year ago and she told me she only makes .25 more than the nurses with an ASN. Is this really the difference? I hardly see how going to school for two extra years will only get you a quarter more an hour.

In speaking with a few friends, theres not much of a difference in pay when you're first starting off. Most companies have a "new nurse" salary guideline that they follow. Like amny of the other people have stated, the difference is the career advancement and management opportunities.

I have an adn and actually make more than new bsn nurses just because of years experience, however I will have to get my bsn if I would ever like to advance. If employers in your area are hiring adn nurses, then get the adn and do bsn online while you work. Nursing school is a sacrifice but you have to do what's best for your family.

Your right... I need job security and either way I am going to have to sacrifice. maybe it's better to go for the higher degree now if I can and take less time in the long run.

Thank you all for your input. It is very much appreciated :)

That's interesting. Do you think it's geographic location or just a different facility in the same area that is willing to reward someone with a BSN with a higher rate of pay?

Specializes in ICU + Infection Prevention.

Where I worked, the difference was about $1.50/hr for new nurses... if the ADN/ASN could get a job... and then the ADN/ASN would not see the major pay raise most BSNs received after 2 years... unless they earned their BSN.

Specializes in ICU.

I currently get a $0.60 differential for having a BSN.

Around here there is no pay difference. Hospitals also regularly hire ADN new grads. Some of the magnet facilities prefer BSN, but I know ADNs that have been hired. Many hospitals here still pay for your BSN if you go back as well

Specializes in ICU, PCU.

There isn't a pay difference at my facility either. It seems to me that the hospitals that really pay attention are those with magnet status, or those in attempts to gain this status. My hospital hasn't seemed to push the issue on anyone!!

I'm a new ASN grad in North FL. I have already started a BSN program. One hospital where I was offered a RN position said that once I finished the BSN I would get an additional .50 cents per hour.

Specializes in Pedi.

No pay difference in my area for those who are employed. For new grads, there is a huge pay difference though as facilities in my city only hire BSN new grads so they have a salary while ADN new grads are making $0/hr.

Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
I have a friend who got her BSN over a year ago and she told me she only makes .25 more than the nurses with an ASN. Is this really the difference? I hardly see how going to school for two extra years will only get you a quarter more an hour.

*** I am suprised she gets 25 cents an hour for her BSN. Most places pay nothing. As it should be.

Imagine if you took two of your kids to two different physicians in the same practice for check ups. Both recieved the same exam and tests but when you got the bill it was $100 for one and $150 for the the other. When you called and asked why the $50 difference you were told "well the $100 check up was preformed by a physician who only has an MD degree. The $150 check up was preformed by a physician who not only has an MD but also a masters in chemistry."

That would seems silly to me given that both physicians are fully qualified to give your kids a check up.

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