Should BSNs be paid more?

jennifersrexie · Aug 6, 2005

alrighty...lets first say this...an lpn does not do the same job as a rn, the roles and functions and responsibilities are different and require a more indepth knowledge bases, hence the higher level of courses when going to school. absolutely not should an employeer who uses lpn's and rn's in the same functional capacity should they pay the same to both. i say this because there is a broad difference between the two, remember everyone i am an lpn and currently in school for my rn. it is not a matter of the ability of a lpn to function at a level but rather the difference in education and roles. when an lpn works at a level of an rn, they dont put rn behind there name, however an adn and bsn rn all sign there name with rn...
correct... and just as the lpn cannot sign with the rn behind her name, the adn nurse is not a bsn nurse... they've not had enough formal education.
no i would not being doing the same job, i say that for these reason's, my knowledge base is test with nclex-rn...i am no longer working under the qualifications of an lpn.
exactly my point when you consider the fact that the bsn practices from a broader knowledge base than the adn, right?
i can tell you are a great nurse and communicator. we need more like you whether they be lpn, adn, or bsn. stay on course!
jen

sbic56, BSN, RN · Aug 6, 2005

As an RN to be, ....
Thanks,
Annette

One final comment: You sound just like me in my last LPN days. I was so totally frustrated that I did not receive the credit for all that I knew and did; just where you seem to be now. I'm sure you perform as an RN already, just by the way you argue your point. Now, you just have to jump through those last mandatory hoops; school, boards. You are sooo ready to have those initials after your name! Congratulations in advance! Sue

underwatergirl · Aug 6, 2005

Thank you Jen,

I really love nursing, I probably will never stop learning, it is an awesome career.

I do see your point regarding BSN vs ADN, they do have a higher level of education, however..they do still take the same test. In regards to LPN's we are not taught some of the things that RN's are...meaning supervision of nurses, sure CNA's. Delegation and it's roles...responsibility is not put in our hands. As RN's at the ADN and BSN level that education is given. So same job, same responsibilities, same pay at least while starting out. Now, when it comes to management where I think the BSN's are very qualified for regarding education, I def. think that they should recieve higher pay. However I don't think i personally would feel comfortable with an ADN RN being like a DON, unless highly experienced, many years as a clinic nurse and/or continueing for BSN. Please dont' be mad ADN's...I just believe that is a bigger part of BSN knowledge...but no new nurse should ever be in management IMO, it is clinical skills that makes us good clinicians. Not just education. Again with our career, education is barely a foundation for our learning and capabilities. Clinical knowledge and experience is what makes us good clinicians.

Jen you make valid points, based on this discussion, I wouldn't as to be a soon ADN, to know a BSN made a more money than me. However I would be expect to be compensated for my nursing knowledge as an LPN.

So to make that more clear...a new grad ADN to BSN, in the same job function...let the BSN be paid a few dollars more...Seriously thinking about it, it is their pay...lol What is $2 more an hour, oh about $80 per week, which will probally be lost in taxes...LOL Give the BSN's a little bit more for education, and the ADN's will be more encouraged to continue education. Honestly a part of me thinks they deserve it another part doesn't...I think real pay should come with clinical knowledge at every level.

Seriously, it is their pay check, not our buisness, all things being considered. Hmm another question with mixed answers...glad I am not writing the rules. You all be supervisors...I will work with the patients...LOL I like that, it is easier.

Let's all value each other for each others qualities...bring out the best...we are by career uplifting!!!

Annette

jennifersrexie · Aug 6, 2005

We have an APN at our unit now, I guess that is her title now. Not sure what she does but I do know she has a string of initials after her name: RN, BSN, MSN, NP, CNM, CNE - she uses all these on her lab coat, phone messages, etc. Yet her personality is wooden, her bedside manner poor, her skills questionable and I've yet to figure out what she does all day. Education does not make you a good nurse.
Melissa

That is very unfortunate, and not an isolated case. There are LOSERS in every field. Until the shortage is over (LOL) agencies have to take what they can get. It is sad. But could there also be a side to her job that you don't see. We should all try to withold judgement until we actually walk a day in the shoes of those we presume to be better than?

underwatergirl · Aug 6, 2005

One final comment: You sound just like me in my last LPN days. I was so totally frustrated that I did not receive the credit for all that I knew and did; just where you seem to be now. I'm sure you perform as an RN already, just by the way you argue your point. Now, you just have to jump through those last mandatory hoops; school, boards. You are sooo ready to have those initials after your name! Congratulations in advance! Sue

Thank you Sue, I really enjoyed our discussion...you make valid points and I love reevaluating my ideas and view points. Thanks for the encouragement...since LPN school, alot has tried to hold me back...but not stopping it is always there, my dream to work in a Trauma Center...perhaps as a PA, even....

You rock girl, thank you for your thoughts and your respect.

Annette

sbic56, BSN, RN · Aug 6, 2005

Thank you Sue, I really enjoyed our discussion...you make valid points and I love reevaluating my ideas and view points. Thanks for the encouragement...since LPN school, alot has tried to hold me back...but not stopping it is always there, my dream to work in a Trauma Center...perhaps as a PA, even....
You rock girl, thank you for your thoughts and your respect.
Annette

You're the rockingest. An inspiration to us all.

sayitgirl · Aug 6, 2005

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.

Hi

I disagree with you as far as the amount of clinical experience between the two levels of RN's. I think that they are equal, diploma nurses actually receive more clinical experience in the school setting out of the three. But I think all RN's develop their clinical skills the first year that they are out in the working arena. There's just no way that the school can provide every clincal experience. Their job is to basically help us pass the NCLEX.

In my opinion, if the RN has the same job title for example staff nurse, regardless of the educational background, they should receive the same pay. Sometimes institutions will offer bonuses to encourage nurses to obtain advanced degrees. But unless they are a manager, educator etc..,using the advanced degree, I do not think that there should be a difference in the paycheck. BSN's have a higher level degree, they are taught more. Otherwise there would be no reason to get an advanced degree. Just like a MD is more knowledgeble than a physican's assistant or nurse practioner. I think you need to give the credit where it is due.

kabarnes · Aug 6, 2005

A BSN takes 4 years of undergraduate course work. Typically, an ADN takes 2 years of pre-requisites and 2 years of nursing course work. That is where I came up with the same amount of time.
My statement about ADNs having more ADNs having more clinical experience before entering the workforce could be dead wrong. I live in Oregon, and will be attending a BSN program this Fall. From what I can see, the ADN programs here have more clinical hours than the BSN programs.

If it takes the same amount of time ??? Why would you want to get an associate's instead of a bachelor's. That just does not seem to make logical sense at all. Because if you then decide you want to further your career and get a master's you need to have a bachelor's. On the question about which should make more money. I know people probably won't agree but IMHO 1. Nurses should be paid more in general and 2. BSN should be the minumum required degree to become an RN. I think by setting this standard it will be easier to demand the higher wages we deserve and gain more respect from other members of the health care profession.

sayitgirl · Aug 6, 2005

If it takes the same amount of time ??? Why would you want to get an associate's instead of a bachelor's. That just does not seem to make logical sense at all. Because if you then decide you want to further your career and get a master's you need to have a bachelor's. On the question about which should make more money. I know people probably won't agree but IMHO 1. Nurses should be paid more in general and 2. BSN should be the minumum required degree to become an RN. I think by setting this standard it will be easier to demand the higher wages we deserve and gain more respect from other members of the health care profession.

There are different populations of people that go into the nursing field. Most students in a nursing class are not fresh out of high school, the reality is working a full time job and doing school too. So the Associate program is pretty attractive to a lot of people and within their reach. Just one nurse's opinion what's yours?

GracefulRN · Aug 6, 2005

To those who say we should be "paid what we are worth"....
well then, how do we justify professional ball players making millions and us peanuts then? (just a random thought---NO ONE is paid what he is worth in the USA---we are either grossly under or over-paid, period)
Anyhow, I did digress. One more thing: wish we could quit comparing ADN/BSN programs...it varies too much by state and city. Where I went to school , our clinical hours were literally identical, just when we did them varied. The BSN nurses had community health, research and senior practicum, as well as statistics and a few other electives over us. Yes, they did have more educational hours. But ALL OF US were prepared to assume the role of RN/Charge nurse in Oklahoma.
The differences between ADN and BSN nurses cannot be discerned just by watching them work side by side, either. Or by "listening to them talk". I have heard people say then can tell a "BSN from an ADN" a mile away. Bull pockey. Anyone who says that, to me, is seeing things through some very shaded lenses--and it's usually a BSN or higher nurse making such claims.....anyhow.....
Truly, I do think we ought be paid commensurate our education AND background/experience. I think there OUGHT be an incentive, of sorts, to advance one's education. WHY THE HECK NOT? What is so wrong with paying people with more education better? Why is nursing so "hung up" here???? If someone chooses to gain a baccalaureate degree or higher, well then, PAY THEM FOR IT. Maybe more of us will advance our education and improve the overall educational status of our profession. Why should it be so different than making cert. differentials?
I say the time for education differentials is long overdue. Pay people well for their education and experience, and overall, you will have a MUCH stronger, better and competitive nursing workforce! It only makes sense.

Well said.

sbic56, BSN, RN · Aug 6, 2005

1. Nurses should be paid more in general and 2. BSN should be the minumum required degree to become an RN. I think by setting this standard it will be easier to demand the higher wages we deserve and gain more respect from other members of the health care profession.

I agree. Of course, at the present time, that's not feasible, as w/o ADN's the current healthcare system would collapse. As I have said before, though, eventually all entering nurses will be BSN's. It's occuring slowly and will become the standard as the the economy permits.

pepsihla · Aug 6, 2005

I personally think BSN's should get paid more.

Currently I am doing the RN to BSN program, and the time, effort and finances I put into it, should be recognized by my employer.

Although, I'm not saying because I'm continuing my education, it makes me better than nurses who hold an associates. I think that employers need to reward nurses who continue education so they can improve their patient care. I feel the same monetary rewards should be given to nurses whom attend conferences, complete CE's and earn specialized certificates.

I recognize the nurses who hold an associates degree in nursing are just as valuable as a BSN. Many have much more experience, and excel at patient care.

In summary, education should be rewarded because regardless of how much experience we have, we can always learn a new way to improve patient care. Nurses should be recognized by their employers for going above and beyond the extra effort to increase one's knowledge.