bsn versus bsw/msw

[blesseddesrosiers]

I have been an lpn for 13 years. my son is grown and im ready to go back to school. i am contemplating between my bsn or msw/ counseling. i really want to work with the homeless, people struggling with addictions, etc. i am just concerned about a sw salary. i have a mortgage, a car payment, etc. Any advice?

[Jennybird]

Your concerns are very valid. I fear that if you pursue an MSW, you will find salaries to be similiar to your current salary! Sad, but true. But, if you got your professional licensure (LCSW--which involves more time and $, you could be making a decent salary, but not guaranteed to be significantly more than an LPN salary. But, it all depends on the job setting/agency.)

To change from nursing to SW, you really have to be doing it because of passion for the work, not the money, because you're going to be in for quite a surprise in the pay inequity.