How much difference in pay do two year rn's get than four yr??

Mike A. Fungin RN · Jul 1, 2009

I'm a new graduate RN with a BSN and going to be working in critical care.

For the first six months I'll be making the same wage as any new grad ADN counterparts (though there aren't any, because in this economy the hospital only interviewed BSNs). After that, my gross annual income will be about $2,200 higher than my ADN counterpart's.

The benefit of a BSN isn't so much about money. It's more about opportunities. Most importantly, I wouldn't have been eligible for this great job with an ADN. I also have more options in terms of my career (I could be a California public health nurse, I can be a clinical coordinator), and education (I can go back for an MSN, DNP, PhD at will).

I think it was well worth the investment, and I got my BSN in the same amount of time as some of my peers got their ADNs.

jgcadet · Jul 1, 2009

So pretty much the vibe on here is that BSN are useless and now even ADN can get into management. However, does this make want to drop my 4 year uni program and enroll in a CC....uh no. I feel that a Bachelors of Science gives me a foundation of overall knowledge. Not just because of nursing but of history, math, English, and all the subjects taken during a uni stint. I like being well rounded...

jgcadet · Jul 1, 2009

IMO a BSN is like punching your ticket, showing that you did the work. Allowing those BSN grads to eventually move up to CRNA and or high level hospital management.

Castymiss · Jul 2, 2009

When I was in my AA program, I took Math, History, English, etc...My BSN did NOT change how I do nursing. Not one little bit. I believe it was a huge waste of my time, energy, and money. The ONLY difference it might make one day is if I want a particular job and the requirement is a BSN degree. I have been in upper management with only that AA degree. Been an RN for 20 plus years. Obtained my BSN in 2006. I guess it is to Each Their Own.

jgcadet · Jul 2, 2009

That's great you got an upper management position with your AA degree. However lets face it, getting a BSN greatly increases your chances of getting into management and is required for jobs like CRNA. Not all people like yourself need it but in all of the openings I have seen for upper management a BSN is the minimum...

LiferRN, RN · Jul 3, 2009

What most people don't seem to realize is that the educational difference in the diploma, associates, and bachelor's degree in nursing is that diploma and associates degrees are highly specialized to nursing. Bachelor's degrees include liberal arts courses. The diploma and ad grads have had all of the science, nursing, and leadership courses that bsn grads have had. And the diploma and ad students were having clinical experience in patient care while the bsn students were in music appreciation and English lit classes. This is simple fact, not judgement. There is never anything "wrong" with pursuing any educational path you choose, but on the other hand it also never gives you moral superiority over someone else because of theirs.

To answer the original question, there is generally no difference in pay for a diploma, ad, or bsn graduate in the same position at the same level of experience.

And I'll throw my own 2 cents in here... monetary compensation is not a good reason for becoming a nurse via any degree.

shodobe · Jul 3, 2009

And I'll throw my own 2 cents in here... monetary compensation is not a good reason for becoming a nurse via any degree.

I disagree with this because with how the economy is going nursing can be a lucrative profession. I make as much or even more than the majority of professionals out there. I don't agree with the "calling" even though it does apply to a majority of people out there. I went into nursing for a variety of reasons the utmost being the security that I will have a job for life. I like the fact that I make a very good salary and do it on a ADN degree. There is no reason at my age now to persue a BSN. I don't want to take a paycut! I, however, encourage everyone to continue with whatever higher learning you need to achieve your goals. You really can never have enough education.

livesinscrubs · Jul 6, 2009

Very small difference in pay in most places, but as others have mentioned, there are more things to consider than just pay. I currently work in a magnet hospital, love it here, the best place I have ever worked. Many people wish to work here and the competition is getting stiff. I have an ADN and was grandfathered in based on seniority and expereince (I was hired before magnet status) and now they are soley hiring BSN.

If I were to move I would have a really hard time getting into another magnet hospital and from what I've experienced we have good pay and safe pt ratios and that makes work more enjoyable for me and safer for my pts.

Also if you are ever interested in going overseas to work you would need a BSN most likely (something I would love to do)

so pay difference? not so much.. options? I guess it depends on what you are planning to do in the future..

Castymiss · Jul 7, 2009

It was the reason I became an RN 20 years ago. MONEY to raise my children as a single mom. A fast program (2 years) and obtained my AA degree. I have gone back and gotten my BSN but that was my personal choice. I am not that fond of nursing even though I take wonderful care of my clients.....but there is no other job available where I can make 6 figures a year. At my age, I am somewhat stuck....unless I want to take a HUGE pay cut and do something different.

Mike A. Fungin RN · Jul 7, 2009

In response to LiferRN:

The diploma and ad grads have had all of the science, nursing, and leadership courses that bsn grads have had.

Not true. At least where I live, diploma and ADN grads don't have the same preparation in leadership, pathophysiology, and community health nursing, to name a few.

And the diploma and ad students were having clinical experience in patient care while the bsn students were in music appreciation and English lit classes.

Again, this is not true. Yes BSN gads have a background in non-nursing coursework as a part of their general education requirements (so do ADN grads). The non-nursing coursework for a BSN is rarely if ever taken concurrently with the nursing coursework though. You get your non-nursing courses and nursing prerequisites out of the way, and then have two years of nothing but nursing and clinicals.

There is never anything "wrong" with pursuing any educational path you choose, but on the other hand it also never gives you moral superiority over someone else because of theirs.

I agree, completely. I'm sorry if you've been burned by a BSN with a god complex, but that's a reflection of the peson, not the degree.

To answer the original question, there is generally no difference in pay for a diploma, ad, or bsn graduate in the same position at the same level of experience.

True... er, generally. In some places BSNs do make more, but not by a huge margin. In my first job I'll be making $2,200 more annually than an ADN in the same position with the same experience, because of my BSN.

And I'll throw my own 2 cents in here... monetary compensation is not a good reason for becoming a nurse via any degree.

It's a pretty good reason, so long as it's not the only reason!

BigRussKCMO · Jul 8, 2009

Question hoping for an answer. I have a BS and a MBA. Looking at nursing or respiratory therapy. Layoffs killed me in corporate america. Would my previous education with an Associates in Nursing (RN) be pretty strong for advancement if what I'm reading an ADN and BSN do not have to many classroom differences. Please advise. Thank you!

Castymiss · Jul 8, 2009

For advancement I would say you should have the BSN degree. With your BS and MBA that is a huge help BUT in nursing most supervisor positions require a BSN or Masters in NURSING...not in another degree. Why not go to the program for people with BS degrees. Its a shorter program and you obtain your BSN in the process. Calif State Northridge in Calif has just such a program