i really want to become a nurse! i am taking classes now but I need advice from some nurses! does it really matter if you have a bsn? can you have an associate's degree? does it make a difference as far as pay rates and hiring?
Hi Mandy,
It is my understanding that the pay and the work is the same. The big difference is if you plan to get into the administration side of nursing (e.g. nurse manager, case manager, etc.) Of course, no amount of education can hurt you, only benefit you. I plan to go on and get my B.S.N. when i am finished with my associates. I also plan to stay in the emergency nursing end of things too. I love the ER too much. Never a dull moment! Good luck to you in whatever you decide!
Rick
I am an RN with my Associates degree- I have been working as a nurse manager since '98 in longterm care and skilled nursing . Not having a BSN has not really held me back. My employer recognized my abilities and promoted me. With the more management experience I have gained I have found it easier to find new management positions. Experience is the key . I do eventually plan on returning to school and pursue possibly an NP program but it is out of my own desire at this time. Not because a higher degree is what I need to get that next job. I say ADN is fine- you'll still be as marketable because of the shortage in nursing. Then in the future you can go back and get your BSN if that's what you want. Now there are all types of degree programs you can pursue as an RN. Good Luck!
Having practiced as an Associate Degree Nurse for 26yrs. obviously I did not think I needed my BSN. I am now in my second semester of three for an RN to BSN degree. I would never have appreciated it before but I must say that whether or not the pay is more, whether or not you will or will not work in an administrative capacity, a BSN is very necessary. There are things which I have learned that were never even brought up in my 2yr. program. You don't know what you are missing until you learn what that is. Continuing education is not only necessary but it empowers us to give better patient care and to better serve our profession as a whole. There is nothing wrong with a 2yr. program but it should only be a temporary step toward getting your BSN. You will understand when you return to school. Best of luck to all.
Welcome to the world of Nursing!! I think these days you can do so many things with an ADN. You'll need a BSN if you plan on getting into management or if you want to go further ie Nurse Midwifery or Nurse Anesthesia. There are many in the industry who feel it enhances us as professionals to have the BSN but the step from ADN to BSN isn't hard. There are even online programs. I haven't been held back a bit with an ADN (and believe me...nobody had asked me what degree I hold). I did the ADN because I couldn't spend four years in college working as a waitress, being a single mom with a baby. There are differing opinions though
I am not trying to start an argument but I need to respond to your rationale for getting a BSN. Getting a BSN should not be viewed only as a conduit to a management position, anesthesia or Midwifery. The decision to return to school for your BSN should be based on the desire to be the best nurse you can be, give the best patient care through empowerment of knowledge, to gain knowledge on why we are where we are and where we need to be in the future and I could go on and on. Getting a BSN should not be a "reactive" but a "proactive" choice. Again, I say there is NOTHING wrong with an ADN. It is my current degree and has been for 26yrs.
I agree with your post. The reasons for BSN study vs. ADN study should be proactive and I think it only enhances our professional practice when we decide to take advantage of the BSN. However, I think this is idealistic. As I was facing this decision years ago with many personal challenges, I knew I couldn't make a four year commitment. The ADN program was put into effect to train nurses and get them in the field faster. Has this helped our profession? I don't know. But for me personally, I wouldn't be a nurse if not for the ADN and I think there are others like me. I think the ADN program is great for those who can't fathom the commitment or for those who are changing careers. Realistically, the program is shorter and costs less. This is a debate that has been around since inception of shorter programs but the fact is, we're facing a severe shortage and this option reaches a broader range of people. Thanks for a healthy exchange!!
I looked up idealistic in the dictionary. I had to get down to a root word to get the meaning. Ideal-ultimate object of aim or endeavor or standard of excellence. I am not sure of your meaning in your post. I think we can all agree that no matter what your degree or level in the healthcare system, we should all seek the ideal. I work with many ADN's who have it all over some BSN's and even some MSN's. I think we are on the same page. We need nurses and we need them now. Get a degree, any degree but come with compassion ready to give of yourself and not enter nursing to take for yourself. This is a generic statement for all of us. Your input is valuable and thank-you for keeping the lines open!
Wait - you had to look up what idealistic meant? Anyway, I think regardless of what you plan to do with your nursing education you owe it to yourself and your patient to obtain a four year degree in today's nursing world. I think it is a tremedous benefit to me in my work atmosphere and I am regarded as more of a professional. I am actually back in school to obtain my M.S.N and certification as a nurse practitioner and then on to doctorate school.
I often look up definitions of words in the dictionary so that I may be sure to know the inflection of one's comment. Your comment leaves me to believe you think this is a bad thing. The manner in which you opened your post seemed inflammatory to me so I wish to get you on the same page as I when I made the post to which you replied. I am currently in school for my BSN after 26yrs of practice. I defend and encourage this because I believe in what I am doing. At the same time I realize that it is not a reality for many men and women to complete a BSN right out of high school or at mid-career change. The ADN program has a valuable place in providing our market with nurses. I would rather train our nations people than to end up "subing" out to other countries for nurses who could potentially upset our pay scale not to mention many other issues. Now, I am not saying that foreign nurses are bad; I was one not too long ago when I worked in Ireland. I hope this helps clear up your confusion about the ADN vs BSN to which I was addressing. I would have liked to e-mail you personally but I was unable as you did not list your address.
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