Clinical social worker vs RN?

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What would you recommend? I have been leaning towards nursing because I really like doing behavior/mental health but I figured as a nurse (if I do psych nursing) I can be involved with both the physical and psychosocial aspects of the patients unlike social work. And as a nurse I would have more options should I choose to get out of mental health.

But then part of me feels like I should go for Clinical social work (and this is the biggest reason) because I already have a bachelors degree and it seems like it would make more sense to go on to get a masters vs. earning another bachelors degree. I'm afraid people might look at me funny and think my first degree was a waste.

I have heard mixed reviews from others as well. Some have said nursing is better due to more options, better pay and more flexibility in hours and shifts you can work and less education. Others have said social work because it is not as draining, better working conditions, you don't see as many disturbing things (ie bodily fluid), and you have better hours and are treated more professionally with more respect because you have a masters.

So what do you think? Taking into consideration what I have written above and your experiences, what is your opinion.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

There is always entry level masters in nursing. Check out the pay rates on salary.com it may be a deciding factor as well as the additional internships and certifications to from licensed social worker/MSW to LCSW/MSW. Getting an MSW does not equate to LCSW. Just like MSN does not mean automatic APN.

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With even the mention of bodily fluids as a consideration, I might think you are more wired for social work. IME, bodily fluids are either an obstacle or a non issue, kind of like feelings about kids if you're going into primary education, you shouldn't have to toss that one back and forth, if that makes sense.

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With even the mention of bodily fluids as a consideration, I might think you are more wired for social work. IME, bodily fluids are either an obstacle or a non issue, kind of like feelings about kids if you're going into primary education, you shouldn't have to toss that one back and forth, if that makes sense.

Libby, it's not that it is problematic, I was just simply mentioning things that others have taught me. I mean sure no one actually "likes" bodily fluids lol, but I could handle it. The only one I may have some struggles getting over is vomit lol.

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Specializes in Pedi.

I don't think bodily fluids are "disturbing" at all and especially not as disturbing as some of the things social workers see on a regular basis... like people who burn cigarettes into their children's arms or who steal their kid's valium. Not that nurses don't see these things too but abuse/neglect is more disturbing to me any day than poo or vomit.

And, FWIW, you're asking this question to a board of nurses. Most of us have never been social workers, though some days I feel like one in my current job, so we can't tell you if being a social worker is better or worse than being a nurse.

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Libby, it's not that it is problematic, I was just simply mentioning things that others have taught me. I mean sure no one actually "likes" bodily fluids lol, but I could handle it. The only one I may have some struggles getting over is vomit lol.

I went back and re-read. Social workers have said bodily fluids are disturbing? I'm not trying to hash this out but that perspective is not one that would represent most nurses. Of all the things we might say should dissuade you from nursing, that's not much of one.

IME working with social workers, amd I've worked with a few, the good ones get dirty. The ones that don't IMO aren't that invested in what they do and/or are lazy/burnt. Social work is no more for the faint of heart than nursing. And like KelRN said above, compared to some of the awful situations that social workers witness and deal with, poop is nothing.

Now if you want to go more towards counseling, I believe that's your LCSW and from what a friend in the business told me, that requires 4000 unpaid intern type clinical hrs after you graduate but I can't confirm that.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

It's like comparing apples and oranges. Personally, I'd go for nursing in your place, so you can work in behavioral health AND get paid decently for the work you put in. You can get past dealing with bodily fluids. :)

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Specializes in NICU.

I'm partial to nursing of course, but you really do get used to the gross stuff. After awhile it's just another part of the day...:yes:

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Since money is an important consideration for me professionally and personally, I'd pick nursing over social work any day of the week.

As an RN with an associate degree, I earn approximately $30,000 more annually than the average social worker with a MSW degree.

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Specializes in PACU.
Others have said social work because it is not as draining, better working conditions, you don't see as many disturbing things (ie bodily fluid), and you have better hours and are treated more professionally with more respect because you have a masters.

Honestly, I am pretty sure it is the opposite. I know many social workers, and they find the work draining, the working conditions are pretty lousy (and stressful), they see far more disturbing things than I would like to mention (especially when it comes to children), and they feel they don't really receive much respect for their degrees despite having a masters and the work they do. The people they are there to serve think they're a menace and the they are severely underpaid for the work they do. I know many that don't even make enough to make their (required) masters worth it, or make their student loan payments.

You couldn't pay me enough to become a social worker after the kinds of things my friends have told me about being a social worker. I would take nursing over that any day.

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I am a LCSW in my state and a registered nurse. I am currently working as a nurse but am looking to return to social work due to the enormous focus in nursing on reimbursement. Everyone has different circumstances in their life to consider. In my current job I spend an enormous time on a computer. This is not why I entered into helping professions. Explore yourself and the options out there. No learning is ever a waste.

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