difference between BSN & RN

[jamie1990]

I've been looking into different nursing programs, and I was wondering, what is the differnce between a BSN and the other routes of becoming an RN? The school I am at now offers first an associate's degree in the science of practical nursing, then a BSN degree. I've been considering transferring schools because I want to move, but it's been difficult for me to find many other schools offering a BSN program for LPN's. Why?

[NSGstudent12]

An LPN only takes one year after pre-reqs to finish, thats why its not offered as a BSN. BSN and ADN both give you an RN, theres no difference in your title once you are finished. If you plan on going into mgt or becoming a nurse practicioner for example you might want to get your BSN. If not, ADN is the way to go, its cheaper and shorter.

[jamie1990]

Okay, thank you! It doesn't affect the way you get paid once you're working as an RN?

[NSGstudent12]

For the most part no, some places may pay them 10 to 25 cents more, but the nurses where I'm from get paid the same!

[Mike R, ADN, BSN, RN]

To elaborate on NSGstudent12, LPN/LVNs are a step below RN's. They can do some things RN's can do, but are actually limited in their scope of practice and therefore are paid lower salaries in general.

Like with most professions, higher educated individuals usually end up with higher salaries than their counterparts. BSNs usually make a little more than ADNs. ADNs and BSNs have typically the same scope of pracitce, but the BSN nurse has more education regarding leadership and proposed nursing theories.