Position difference between RN vs. BSN

[kalevra, BSN, RN]

I just got into the RN program, and I was wondering what the difference is between RN vs. BSN. I fully understand both must pass the NCLEX-RN in order to become a licensed RN and that both have the same scope of practice regardless of degree. I have read previous posts that there isn't much of a difference in compensation for RN vs. BSN. What I am more interested in is the positions available for RN vs BSN. Let me be specific, my mother is an BSN working for the Catholic Healthcare West system, I was told that the primary difference between the two types of nurses is the type of position that they can hold. For example she said that an RN could not be put in charge of a BSN such as a charge nurse position. However I was told that the Kaiser system didn't have such a policy. I would like to know if there are other differences in positions between RN vs. BSN.

If there is no difference between RN vs. BSN in terms of position then what is the point to having two different degrees for the same license. I also understand that some specialties require a BSN in order to move on to their respective MSN.

Keep in mind when I say RN I mean an RN with their Associates Degree

[northmississippi]

Thats a good question about if an Adn/Rn can ever become the charge nurse after so many years.

A Rn told me that a bsn and a Rn do the same work for about the same money, and if your going to go for higher degree, shoot for nurse practioner.

[JustEnuff2BDangerous, BSN, RN]

Some hospitals/organizations will only hire BSN RNs for positions, especially if it is a "leadership" role (charge nurse, supervisor, etc). It could be argued that BSN RNs have more upward mobility because of this, and this is the only time there would be a disparity in pay between an ADN RN and a BSN RN. As staff/floor nurses, there is no difference in pay between an ADN or a BSN RN unless it is compensation for years worked; a RN is a RN. ADNs and BSNs hold the same license, and it does not specify on your license whether you are ADN or BSN. Also, you must have a Bachelor's Degree if you wish to go for a MSN; so, if you are seeking a supervisory position or you will eventually want to further your education, a BSN would be a necessity for you. In most cases (from what I understand), a BSN would be chosen over a ADN for a charge nurse position because the main difference between the degrees is that a BSN RN has received curriculum specializing in leadership.

[lvnbaby]

I have a question... Once i pass the nclex rn(adn) and decided to go back to get my bsn, do i have to take the nclex again :d

[DoGoodThenGo]

I have a question... Once i pass the nclex rn(adn) and decided to go back to get my bsn, do i have to take the nclex again :d

No, you don't.

After passing the boards and meeting the other requirements for licensure by your state that is it. There are continuing ed requirements and of course your license can be suspended and or taken away for cause...

[Cowboys_RN, BSN]

A lot of hospitals in my area (Orange County, CA) are only hiring new nurses that have their BSN. Some of the hospitals that are trying to get to Magnet status are requiring all of their nurses to have a BSN by a certain date. Even the nurses that have worked there for 30 years have to go back to get their BSN.

[PsychNurseWannaBe, BSN, RN]

For my area, the only difference is you need to have at least a BSN to do pubic health nursing. And normally some management positions but that depends on the facility. I think there is a difference if you want to become certified vs board certified, but I could be wrong.

[DoGoodThenGo]

A Rn told me that a bsn and a Rn do the same work for about the same money, and if your going to go for higher degree, shoot for nurse practioner.

That may be true or not at the bedside, though most hospitals around here (NYC) seem to offer a bit more for BSN grads, you may require a higher degree than a diploma or an ADN/AAS if you want to move up or away from direct patient care.

It really almost always breaks down to geography. Some places a nurse, is a nurse, is a nurse. Others will put a new ADN grad into a charge spot without blinking.

My standard advice applies. If you have the time and funds go for the BSN, especially if you are young. The profession is changing at a quick pace and you never know where your career will take you. Yes lots of people will say save money and go for the ADN and then find a hospital that offers free or at least subsidizes your continuing ed for the RN to BSN. The operative word there is *find*.:) With so many grads of traditional BSN and ABSN flooding the market lots of hospitals are in the position of requiring or at least preferring a nurse who already has her/his four year degree.