2, 3 or 4

[kmorales325]

Hello! I am new here and wanted to ask a question to you guys already in the field or if you happen to know the answer. As I am reading my textbook it points out there are three types of RNs, a 2 year associate degree nurse, 3 year diploma nurse, 4 year bachelor's degree nurse. This isn't news to me per se but I have always wondered what difference does it make? Other than the fact that you have more or less education than your fellow RN, is it all the same thing? Do you get looked at differently at the work place? Pay different? Or are you all just RNs at the end of the day?

PS: I hope I am posting to the right category! -.-

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Three year diploma nurses are going the way of the dinosaur, sadly. There are very few diploma schools left in the US.

If you'd like to go into management, teach or go into advanced practice, the BSN precedes the MSN. But if the bedside is your thing, it honestly makes no difference. I've heard a lot of talk about the ADN being phased out in preference to the BSN, and that may actually happen in your lifetime. Then again, it may not.

The ADN is quicker, less expensive and just as good a way to start. But some promotions do require a BSN. So a lot of folks get the ADN and then go on and get the BSN. Some hospitals will pay for the RN to BSN tuition, which makes it more economical to go that route.