SFriscan

I personally would have pursued an Associates degree if I was not accepted to a BSN program for the simple passion of wanting to be a nurse. I doubt anyone here is downplaying the intellect of ADN's. I know many nurses who graduated from a University with a bachelor's in hand, before pursuing a second degree in nursing. I think people are comparing nursing to other professions, such as physicians. A PhD is required, nothing more nothing less. So should a Bachelor's be a minimum requirement and expected fulfillment to attain from all nurses? An Occupational therapist was required a minimal education of Bachelor's but in 2007 has changed to a Masters. It seems to me many of us are concerned about how other professions view nursing and though their input is important, how are we as nurses valuing ourselves? The answer should be through continued education, which is already mandated by law. I think what would ease my mind as well as everyone on here is to continue bridging the gap and creating the pathway for ADNs to ease into a BSN degree while simultaneously working. The skill is already there, but to apply theory and place the critical thinking skills gained from a bachelor's education into practice puts the whole perspective of patient care under a different light. So of course I value higher education but as long as there is an easier route, people will take it. A Bachelor's at Yale is the same as a Bachelor's at a 4-yr college, but an Associates should not be under the same category or expected to receive the same treatment as a Bachelor's when we compare nursing in context of licensure, pay rate, and so forth. ADNs no longer care for only stable patients, so times have changed and if your really concerned about the direction of nursing, then be active. A forum is not going to change anything, unless you allow it to open your mind, accept criticism, and put the opinions of others to good use. In the business world, no formal degree put the person to the top, continuous training and experience did, so there. You can argue that against me. Good night.

CNA's in the bay area that I know start from $14 to $17/hr. An experienced CNA can make $23/hr.

new grads in the bay area average $40/hr, but you are probably aware that san francisco's cost of living is one of the highest in the nation. pay scale depends on location. are you planning to live in the city, suburbs, or rural part of california? what type of lifestyle do you want? good luck on the move and i hope you are basking in california's rich and culturally diverse communities!