What should I do? (diploma or degree)

Published

Hi, I have only about a week or two to decide which nursing program I should attend(since they all start in Aug. and b/c of deadlines) I currently go to one of the best universities in my area(Norfolk, VA). They only offer a BSN program and I won't be able to attend b/c of my financial situations and commitment(have a 18 month son who needs lots of attention). The only other good program that alot of people are talking about offers a diploma and I like it alot (already applied and took entrance exam). This school seems like it got the goods b/c it is run by Sentara and all the hospitals in the surrounding area are Sentara Hospitals. Alot of their graduates get jobs at these hospitals. There are two other colleges in this area that offers associates degree but they don't seem to have the recognition that the diploma school has and I don't really like them. My real question is what is the difference between an RN with a diploma and one with a degree? Will our workload or pay be different? Don't get me wrong, all I ever wanted to be was a nurse and I will go back to school to get my BSN when the time is right.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi, I have only about a week or two to decide which nursing program I should attend(since they all start in Aug. and b/c of deadlines) I currently go to one of the best universities in my area(Norfolk, VA). They only offer a BSN program and I won't be able to attend b/c of my financial situations and commitment(have a 18 month son who needs lots of attention). The only other good program that alot of people are talking about offers a diploma and I like it alot (already applied and took entrance exam). This school seems like it got the goods b/c it is run by Sentara and all the hospitals in the surrounding area are Sentara Hospitals. Alot of their graduates get jobs at these hospitals. There are two other colleges in this area that offers associates degree but they don't seem to have the recognition that the diploma school has and I don't really like them. My real question is what is the difference between an RN with a diploma and one with a degree? Will our workload or pay be different? Don't get me wrong, all I ever wanted to be was a nurse and I will go back to school to get my BSN when the time is right.

I am a diploma nurse and I make the same rn pay as the bsn nurses. Not as much as masters or doctorate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for replying to my thread!! I have decided to go to the diploma school that has a good passing rate that a degree school that doesn't have one.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.

Congratulations! I'm in a diploma program and can't say enough good things about it. You can always go for your degree later on (you're young too!). I'm sure you will enjoy your program. Good luck. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

Congrats on your decision and best of luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

BSN's can go into management because they have a BA. Hospitals in Illinois do pay a little more for a BSN than an ADN.

Good luck! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion