Average Salary for ADN vs BSN

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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I know this will vary greatly by region, but what is the average pay for an entry-level nurse (right out of school) with an Associates in Nursing versus a Bachelors in Nursing? Has anyone found that it has been difficult to find a job if you have an ADN? I'm trying to figure out the best educational path, while juggling a full-time job and small child.

Thanks!

I have found just as many studies saying that it is RN, not ADN vs BSN that determines patient safety. I would really like to ready each study to see how it was set up. Carefully picking what studies you base your political decision on is typical. I bet the AACN wanted BSN over ADN to begin with.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, NICU, Med-Surg.
At my hospital ADNs and BSNs get paid the same. However, as they are working toward Magnet status, they are actively rejecting ADNs for BSNs. I think hospitals in general are hiring more BSNs in this economy regardless of their goals for magnet status. Employment is way more competitive than several years ago. In addition, we read several studies during nursing school which concluded that BSNs offer better quality of care overall to their patients. In fact, there was a statistically significant decrease in the mortality rates of hospitals who staffed more BSNs.

I worked hard for my degree and am proud of it!

I work at a magnet hospital and have an ASN degree. (I am currently working towards my BSN because I want to do education) They hire both ASN & BSN. You DO NOT have to have a BSN degree to work in a magnet hospital.

Also, that is ridiculous to think that the difference in the degree equates to lower standards of care and higher mortality for patients.

I know that you worked hard for your degree. That is an accomplishment and you should be proud of it. :yeah:

However, I worked hard for my degree as well...ASN programs are not a walk in the park. I am proud to be an RN..and it doesn't matter if the degree is an ASN or a BSN.

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.
I work at a magnet hospital and have an ASN degree. (I am currently working towards my BSN because I want to do education) They hire both ASN & BSN. You DO NOT have to have a BSN degree to work in a magnet hospital.

Also, that is ridiculous to think that the difference in the degree equates to lower standards of care and higher mortality for patients.

I know that you worked hard for your degree. That is an accomplishment and you should be proud of it. :yeah:

However, I worked hard for my degree as well...ASN programs are not a walk in the park. I am proud to be an RN..and it doesn't matter if the degree is an ASN or a BSN.

While searching for my job, the local hospital here that DOES have Magnet status stated that they "prefer" to hire BSNs, which in this economy, they can have their pick. They told me they get approximately 4,000 applications a month. They also start ADN and BSN prepared nurses at the SAME rate of pay. However, BSNs are sure to get raises, promotions, etc faster than ADNs.

I chose to work at a government hospital where there IS a $6,000 difference between ADN and BSN prepared nurses. Going in, ADNs know they will be making less, and can only advance their salary so far without going back to school. That is it. Plain and dry.

I am happy with my choice because at the hospital mentioned above there is TONS on tension/arguements between those nurses who feel that it is 1. unfair for the BSNs to advance more quickly and 2. for the hospital to assist the ADNs with tuition while they go back to school while not offering loan repayment options for those with their BSN already.

I am a BSN, and proud to be. I feel we have a stronger background for WHY we do certain things as nurses, and not just what to do in certain situations. Nothing can take the place of experience though! However, what degree matters little when we are all here for the same reason--TO CARE FOR PATIENTS :nurse:

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Indiana State University

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Specializes in Emergency.
....I am a BSN, and proud to be. I feel we have a stronger background for WHY we do certain things as nurses, and not just what to do in certain situations. Nothing can take the place of experience though! However, what degree matters little when we are all here for the same reason--TO CARE FOR PATIENTS :nurse:

Could you give at least 1 example of "why" you have "a stronger background"? That doesn't make sense to me at all. No disrespect to your BSN, but my understanding (from talking to my BSN co-workers) is the nursing portions of adn/bsn/diploma educations are essentially the same. The BSN adds the liberal arts rounding, no?

Just wondering....

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Where I work they are paid exactly the same. THe difference in pay comes from experience or certifications.

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Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.
Could you give at least 1 example of "why" you have "a stronger background"?

I think it is the 40 papers she wrote on "WHO Health Disparities"

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Top 10 research and teaching, non-profit hospital that is physician run (never will be magnet) and do not differentiate between ADN/BSN as far as pay or advancement - but on who does the best job.

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I think it is the 40 papers she wrote on "WHO Health Disparities"

:D:up:

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Top 10 research and teaching, non-profit hospital that is physician run (never will be magnet) and do not differentiate between ADN/BSN as far as pay or advancement - but on who does the best job.

Which hospitals are these? As an up and coming nurse, I would love to know!

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Specializes in Cardiac Surgery stepdown, Telemetry.
What city do you work in?

No kidding....the hospital I am at (Level 1 Trauma Center in a busy city) starts at HALF that for new grads regardless of degree level!!!

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Specializes in Home Health/Peds PACU.

I earned my BSN while working at my hospital one year after becoming an RN. No raises came my way at all. At my facility, an RN is an RN.

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