RN or BSN ?

[kmd]

I am 34 mother of 2 I started to go for my nursing degree out of high school but lost interest and quit college, I have decided to go back to college but want some information on what are the different job oppourtunities and pay are between a RN or a BSN. I have 30 credits now and need one more BIO class before I can start the nursing program which I am signed up to take this spring semester. My local comunity college offers a 2 year nursing program once you have 33 required general BIO,PSY,ENG courses. Hopefully if I get accepted and If I do I will start full time in the fall. My question is I looked at the site for the University in my area and it says once you have completed the nursing program and have your RN you only need 31 more credits for the BSN, Are the BSN jobs more management related? Do BSN's make more money then RN'S I am trying to decide if it is worth getting my BSN. I am new to this board and very exicted about going back to school, this is something I have always wanted to do.

[cassioo]

depends on where you are at but where I'm at there is no pay difference for ADN or BSN unless you are in management but we have nurse managers at my hospital that have ADN. We do have clinical ladder and a BSN will get you 3 points on the ladder but it takes many more points then that to get the ladder and only 10% of nurses on any unit can qualify for the ladder a year.
I have my BSN basically it's more school work and more paperwork. It can give you a broader base and if you are up for a job and all things are equal I think BSN would get the job first but now extra $$$ around here.

[grapejam88]

kmd...the only reason I recently started back to the BSN completion program is for my creaking/aching bones. As more and more desk jobs and things unrelated to actual staffing at the bedside are listed as BSN-preferred or just plain BSN required, I fear I might not have work down the line if I am no longer able to stand at the bedside. I don't want to wait for my brain cells to shrivel up to where I can't obtain my degree. Plus, the main catalyst for me returning is the fact that employer is paying the way. Did you think of seeing at your local hospital whether they have a tuition assistance program? It might be well worth the time.

[nursinghumor]

Depending on how quickly you want to start working, I'd lean towards the ADN.

A registered nurse new graduate will make basically the same on average whether they have an ADN or the BSN.

BSNs take an extra two years of school and open more doors if you're looking to work in administration, go on for a masters or take your nursing skills into another field.

If money isn't an issue and you can spend the additional time in school, getting a BSN is more prestigious. Whether it'll every pay off in terms of salary or what you spent to get it, I have my doubts.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com

[kidrn911]

ADN all the way, unless you want management, teaching, or a MSN