What is the difference between an associates and bachelor's?

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Sep 12, 2004

basically, associate degree rn's do the same tasks as bsn's when they are staff nurses--nurses that take care of patients directly. the paperwork is the same.

pay seems to be based primarily on years of experience, shift and day worked (differential--they add on some money for unpopular shifts and days) and responsibility (if you are precepting somebody, or are the charge nurse, or are a nurse manager, etc.)

as for being looked down on, i can't tell who is a 2, 3 or 4 year rn--they wear the same uniform. i'm sure somebody will look down on somebody for some reason, but nobody, to my knowledge, "looks down" on an rn because they have an associate degree rather than an bachelor's.

however, if you are unkind, lazy, irresponsible or in any other way a poor nurse, it doesn't matter what your degree is, you probably will have some issues related to respect.... that's not you or me, though, right?

bsn's might have a better chance of assuming a leadership position, and getting promoted, earlier, although i have known asn's and adn's (both associate--2 year--nurses) who were supervisors in a major hospital here, so apparently it isn't a big problem.

it kind of depends on where you are and what your state nurse practice act says and what the protocol is for your particular hospital.

at least this is what i have observed and understand.

fluffwad · Sep 12, 2004

I know that BSN's have a lot more responsibility over other nurses (and probably more paper work), but is the pay a LOT different? Are 2 year RN's looked down on?

Depends on what you want to do.............on the floor ADNs & BSNs are the same, pays the same too. But if you want to teach, be a DON at a hospital ( not in a nursing home though), work for the VA, you need a BSN.

ADNs and BSNs take the same exam for licensure. BSNs get more training in management / public health / etc.