Would I have any problems being a nurse with an associates degree?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 6, 2008

I have been so stressed because I don't know if I should get my BSN vs an ADN...I'm currenty in a community college about a semester away from applying for the nursing program...I've heard there is plently of job security in the nursing field even with an assosiates degree... I know I wouldn't want to have any supervision positons in the nursing profession I just want to be a floor nurse working in the ER or labor and delivery. So i'm just wondering what current nurses thing about an ADN and what they would reccommened...thank you!

70 percent of all RNs in the U.S. are educated at the ADN level. RNs with associate degrees from community colleges and trade schools are the backbone of healthcare, whether or not anyone wants to realize it.

Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · Nov 6, 2008

In a word? No. Some fields, like school nursing (at least in my state) require a BSN, but there are plenty of jobs available for someone with associate's degree.

oncrn17 · Nov 9, 2008

You will never have trouble finding a job with an ADN degree. Nurses are in high demand with bonuses everywhere! I have one and when I was hired 26 years ago, there was only 25 cents difference between ADN & BSN. ADN is more bedside learning and practicing while BSN is more paper and managerial driven. You can always get your BSN later. Most hospitals will pay your tuition or at least a portion of it. Good luck and welcome to nursing!

j621d · Nov 26, 2008

I agree with Tweety, too.

I started out thinking I only wanted to be a floor nurse, but after 6 years in critical care I was ready for a change. I had my BSN with helped me get a different job over someone that had an AD. If you have the opportunity to get the BSN, go for it, and don't short change yourself. It's easier now (if you don't have family/children) in your life.

truern · Nov 26, 2008

It'll probably be harder to get into ER or L&D right off the bat as a new grad if you get your ADN because the preference is given to BSN. Out of all the new grads in my critical care internship, we're all BSN.

While that may be true in Washington, it's not true here in the Research Triangle Park. I know several of my classmates got positions right out of our ADN program in the ED, L&D, ICU, etc.

jaclyn888 · Dec 2, 2008

I have worked at a private university for 4.5 years (in CA). For some of that time I was counseling students looking to enter the RN-BSN program. From what the nurses have shared with me over the years, one of the biggest reasons they pursue their BSN degree, is not money (very rarely was there a substantial difference in pay), rather it was to get off of the floor and into management.

Lstcats · Dec 4, 2008

I have been so stressed because I don't know if I should get my BSN vs an ADN...I'm currenty in a community college about a semester away from applying for the nursing program...I've heard there is plently of job security in the nursing field even with an assosiates degree... I know I wouldn't want to have any supervision positons in the nursing profession I just want to be a floor nurse working in the ER or labor and delivery. So i'm just wondering what current nurses thing about an ADN and what they would reccommened...thank you!

Hi Pinkstar,

I agree w/ queenjean. She said almost exactly what I said except for your location. Where do you live? What state? That does matter re: BSN vs. ADN. I live near Boston and some of the large hospitals (Brigham's & Boston Medical and ?MGH) are only taking BSN grads. I believe another hospital BIDMC takes only BSN as well. I teach in an ADN program and the first two hospitals that I mentioned do not take ADN students. Currently, we do not have clinical in any Boston hospital and the college is close to Boston. In MA, there is NO difference in pay. Many other states do this but MA does not.What counts here is "experience". I believe I am right that things have not changed re: pay. The pay is higher than most other states except for CA but the cost of living is skyhigh hence, the reason for starting salaries for new grads w/ base pay of $29 to $30 an hour. This, of course, is strictly hospital nursing. Home care agencies pretty much take BSN nurses and will take new grads w/ BSN. And, here you need a MSN to be a manager in the Boston hospitals but in the small community hospitals may hire a BSN but that I believe is a rarity now. So, answer to your question all depends on location. What you can do is get your ADN and then go back for your BSN in a couple years. It totally depends on your geographic area and your financial situation. But, I would highly recommend a BSN at some point in your career. Don't give up on nursing like the other person stated about "where will you be in 30 years". There are tons of avenues to take in nursing. I have run the gammit. That is the beauty of nursing. You can do different types of jobs. Hope this helps.