Difference in pay?

PeggyOhio · May 21, 2001

essarge,

That has been what the "great debate" has been about for years in nursing. There has never been a difference in the pay scale for RN's from ADN (2yrs) to Diploma (3yrs) to BSN (4yrs). The system created the problem and if you ask me the only way to fix it, is to fix the system, i.e. only one program that gives you an RN and if the system decides that should be RN,BSN so be it.

Theoretically the incentive to have the BSN is to be able to move up the "career ladder". Be it into management or other roles. And that has pretty much been true.

But not always either. Whenever they can't get the candidates they, (the system), need, with the qualifications needed, they generally just take what they can get.

Thus it is not unheard of these days to see ADN nurses with as little as 6 mo. experience being offer "manager" positions, usually with the stipulation they will be 'working' on their degree.

Hospitals would create a very hostile atmosphere at the bedside if they started to pay more for the degree, simply because the responsibilities are no different. Unless the BSN nurse has some responsibilities the ADN or Diploma do not have why should they get paided more?

Don't regret getting your degree. While you may not get paided more while your at the bedside, your opportunities and options are wide open. Like they say "Luck is when opportunity meets preparation" and you already have half of those requirements. So when opportunity knocks all you'll have to do is open the door and walk on through!

[ May 21, 2001: Message edited by: PeggyOhio ]

MQ Edna · May 21, 2001

The little hospital where I worked as a nursing assistant pays BSNs $.50 more an hour than ADNs. I used to think that was a slap in the face, but now that I see that most places don't pay anything more at all, maybe it's not such a bad thing!

Laura

fiestynurse · May 21, 2001

I have never worked at a hospital where a BSN is given a differential. However, I have seen Clinical Ladder Programs, where you need a BSN in order to advance to a Staff Nurse III or IV. And every hospital that I have worked requires a manager to have a bachelors degree and many prefer a masters now. In addition, there are many jobs outside the hospital that require a BSN, such as Public Health Nurses or School Nurses. Also, Nurse Recruiters that I have spoken to tell me that if they have two equally qualified candidates for a position, they will choose the BSN over the ADN.

StaceRacer1 · May 21, 2001

The hospital where I work will give a 0.63/hour differetial to the RN's that go back and get their BSN or to the RN's that already have a BSN.

I am a diploma RN, and I am presently going back to get my BSN for my own fulfillment!!!

NOT for the differential. I started for it after graduating from high school, but due to the difficulty of getting into a college nursing program, I went onto the Diploma program. They were very happy to accept me into the program!!!!

Mijourney · May 22, 2001

Hi. I agree with PeggyOhio. The problem I face is whether pay differential should be based on education or not. Where I work, there is no distinction in pay for the same job. For an administrative level job, it is frequently based on experience and the hiring person's preference more than anything.

I do feel that there should be some type of compensation for getting additional education besides tuition reimbursement. I'm disappointed that it does not happen.