Should BSNs be paid more?

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Jul 30, 2005

No. (that's all i'll answer here)

CritterLover, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2005

in my opinion, only if the nurse will be using the additional skills/knowledge they gained in getting that bsn. so for things like management, case management, qi, education, then yes, they probably should be getting more money. but not for bedside nurses.

i've had a few hospitals that i worked at gave those of us with a bsn a higher rate: 10 cents an hour. wow.

ok, maybe its easy for me to say because i was one who was getting the extra pay. but it seems like they did it so they could say "we reward our nurses who further their education," without really doing something meaningful.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Jul 30, 2005

Oh my goodness!

No (same as Marie)

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2005

(Please G-d stop the insanity....I'M BEGGING YOU!!!!)

Roland · Jul 30, 2005

Keep in mind that pay is not determined by who "deserves" more, but rather is guided by market forces. Thus, it is possible that someone with a two year degree (or no degree at all) will earn more than someone who has gone to school and obtained a PhD. One example that comes to mind is social work where a masters degree is almost considered the minimum for entry level into practice (psychology is much the same). My brother in law is a car salesman (both used and new) seldom earning under 150K per year and he didn't even finish his first year in college. I would imagine that many RN's (whether ASN/ADN or BSN) earn more than many social workers with masters degrees. I remember a history class where the teacher discussed the situation in Europe after the Black Plague of the Middle Ages. One thing that stuck in my head was the instructor saying that in the ten year period following the Plague that farm laborers made more than merchants, and wealthy master craftsmen. That was because the population had been reduced so much by the Plague that the demand for simple labor was at an all time high.

In addition, there is a tendency within professions, and among industries in general to lobby for legislation (and for legislation to be enacted via other means) at both the federal and state level which reduces competition (and thereby increases pay or profit for those who remain or enter the field). One example (and there are hundreds) is pharmacy where the requirements have been raised over the last century from OJT, to a two year degree, then a four, and now a six year "Pharm D" degree. A similiar situation has occured among doctors, CPA's, and even electricians and other "trades". My point is that if current trends in this area are maintained it would not surprise me to come back to a world in a hundred years (were it possible) where to become an RN required eight years of schooling, while M.D's spent decades in medical training just for entry level credentials.

I know ADNs and BSNs both sit for the same NCLEX exam, both have approximately four years of education, and at best have negligible differences (over time) in their nursing skills. BSNs take courses than broaden their overall knowledge; however, ADNs have more clinical experience prior to entering the workforce. Should there be a differential for BSNs, or should the reward for obtaining a BSN lie in the ability to advance one's career?
I'm not trying to start an ADN vs BSN bashing, I'm just curious to see what you all think.

rhapsodyRN · Jul 30, 2005

:banghead:

:smackingf

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 30, 2005

I think a BSN differential IS in order.

(and I am an AD nurse)

fergus51 · Jul 30, 2005

I don't care either way. The most I have ever been rewarded for my BSN was 50cents an hour. I feel it should be treated the same way as certifications as far as pay is concerned.

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 30, 2005

I don't care either way. The most I have ever been rewarded for my BSN was 50cents an hour. I feel it should be treated the same way as certifications as far as pay is concerned.

I do agree!

BamaBound2bRN · Jul 30, 2005

I happen to disagree with the opinion that ADN's have more clinical time. I have compared several programs in both Florida and Alabama at community colleges and universities, and the ones I looked at generally had the same amount of clinical time. The exception was the University of Alabama at Birmingham (not my first choice school) had more clinical time.

mrdoc2005 · Jul 30, 2005

BSN should make more than ADN. I know I am going to get yelled at for that statement, but more school should equal more pay.

I am not saying that a BSN makes you a better nurse. That all depends on the nurse him/herself.

For the BSNs out there. It is no wounder we do not make more since most of you are saying no or you don't care.

Sorry, you asked for a reply, I gave mine.