Being an RN with an Associates Degree or a Bachelors Degree.....

[caseyrb]

I was just wondering waht in your opinion was the best way to go. I am currently a freshman in college ready to switch schools if I decide to go with a 2 year... What are the perks? better pay? An RN can do everything a BSN can do right? The problem is that Im looking at the curriculum for schools around me, and I dont think I could handle a 4 year program...but im just wondering what the best way to go is...thanks!

[rach_nc_03]

In case you hadn't read my other post, I believe I may have found a solution to my problems. I have found a program in Pittsburgh at Univeristy Pittsburgh Medical Center. It is a 2 year program, and it is completely paid for as long as you sign your life away to them for 2 years. LOL You just have to sign a 2 year agreement saying if they offer you a job, you must take it. They might not even offer you a job and your still tuition free. I'd have to merely pay for fees, uniforms, parking pass, etc... I'd have to take all my pre-req's at a community college before attending, and there is no wait list. This sounds absolutely fabulous. But the only problem i'm running into is that it's only a diploma program. I was kinda looking forward to at least having some sort of degree.. even an associates. But, if there isn't a problem having your diploma, it'll be fine with me. The only thing is that I will have went to BG for a year, MTC (marion technical school where I will be doing my pre'req's) for a year, and this nursing program for 2 years... and i'll only come out with a diploma....opinions...please! lol

one word of advice- watch the whole "Only an ASN", "only a diploma" thing. Not only is it irrelevant when looking at bedside nursing, it's *really* degrading. If you went to interview for a position in a diploma or ADN program and said that, they'd probably show you the door.

It sounds like money isn't an issue for you. If so, that's great- make your decisions based on other factors. Just remember, especially when you're asking people for advice (both on this board and elsewhere) that nursing is an exception to most of the truths about higher degrees paying more or meaning more. All three groups- ADN, diploma, and BSN- sit for the same NCLEX, and get the same positions at the bedside, with the same pay (at least everywhere I've heard of). Deciding what to do is based on other personal factors. Remembering this when you're talking to other people will hopefully keep you from inadvertently offending someone along the way.

good luck!

[mrdoc2005]

Don't say "just an AS", LOL. I forget the figure but more than half of us practicing are AS graduates.

FYI

My school (Jacksonville State University) tells us that only about 30% of nurses have BSN or higher. Now I do not know how accurate that figure.

[caseyrb]

I"m sorry about my inadvertent "sayings". I'm getting used to all the nurse talk and i'm SLOWLY learning. LOL. Right now i'm mainly just confused. lol.. I have way to many options and I wish someone would just tell me what I should do, but that can't happen. lol. Dumb question I know, but the parents are making me ask. Because I sign my life to them for 2 years, I still get paid don't i? They pay my tuition for the 2 years as long as I commit for two years, but my parents are worried that they wont pay me. I think this sounds absurd..how can they not pay you? But i promised them I would ask..:)