differences in salary paid for degree

Im interested in attaining a rn nursing license. Getting a bachelor's degree requires more classes, thus more time to finish. While attaining an associates the prerequisites are less as are the requirements. Anyhow once i get either, who pays the most? Also would i recieve a better job, benefit's, etc with a bachelor in nursing. not sure really, i just got out of a business major so im just roaming my choices.

 

Hi,

I think the salary will depend largely on where you live. In my area, nurses with only a 2-year degree start out making close to $20 hrly. Of course there are postions for nurses that hold a bachelor's which of course pay more. It just depends on what the RN is hired to do. Some RN's with bachelor degrees don't work clinical; more so on the administrative/business side and boy do they get PAID.

I'm not a nurse but I work amongst them and have friends who are nurses - hence, the feedback I'm able to give you.

 

Well thank u so much for ur time medgal. Im thinking about nursing because here in silicon valley there is a real need of em. thanks again. and merry christmas.

 

Merry Xmas to you as well!

And yes, there is a shortage and need for nurses everywhere!! Just at my job alone there are roughly 15 nursing positions open. Nursing is a great field and a steady field. You can't go wrong. Good look in whatever you decide to do!

 

Brittany,
I have much to say on the subject but I will try to keep it brief. Your question is one that is highly specialized and cannot be answered by anyone not familiar with the subtle (and not-so-subtle) differences in the degree levels. Since you already have a Bachelor-level degree you should look for a nursing program that will build on what you already have but will offer you a BSN. An Associate degree in nursing will allow you to sit for the RN exam but you will miss important distinctions that the BSN offers. These distinctions may or may not be important to you. I will be happy to discuss the subtle distinctions privately ([email protected]) if you need more information. (Hopefully, your grade-point average was very high as admission to BSN nursing programs is very competitive.)

Now, regarding the questions you actually asked. There is no real difference in pay once you attain the RN status (small differential for BSN but not significant) if you work at the bedside. There are differences in what jobs are available to you (Public Health requires a BSN, for example)...but that really depends on how you intend to use the education and where you want to go with it. If you are headed directly for management and a Master's in Nursing we should talk.

 

Debtormey,

I must say that was well put.

 

thank u

debtomey i thank u for ur interest in helping me. very much so. But i think u misinterpreted my thread. I meant im just gettting into classes that are pre& req for nursing. i am far off the mark of having a bachelor degree, because if i did, i most likely would not be attending school anymore. Unless i suppose if the specialization of the job i'd like requires it. Anyhow thank u.

 

Brittany,

It would probably be a very good idea for you to explore this field and the requirements before you begin your nursing education. Deb's post has alot of very good information it.

In the field of nursing, there are several kinds of nurse. Among these are "registered nurses" who have taken a test by their state and been granted the title RN. (others include practical/vocational nurses and nurse practioners)

The minimum requirement to take the RN test is a two-year associate degree. Nurses who have completed a 4-year BSN can also take the same RN test. Nurses who complete a 3 year certificate program (these seem to be going away) can also take the same RN test.

The difference between the jobs that an ASN nurse and a BSN nurse can get is the real key. Usually, any nurse that holds an RN (regardless of which degree was earned) can work in the hospital in direct patient care at the basic levels.

In very simplest terms (though sometimes not the case) ASN nurses take care of the routine nursing duties in direct patient care and BSN nurses supervise them and take care of more advanced needs.

Some jobs will require the BSN (4 year degree) though and the ASN nurses won't even be considered for hiring. These are generally the jobs that pay more money. Some of them pay ALOT more money. Examples can be found in specialized care and especially in administration and management. Many jobs at this level will also require advanced degrees.

I've known many BSN nurses to complain that their jobs don't allow enough patient contact. I've known many ASN nurses to complain that their jobs didn't pay enough money and provided too much patient contact.

There is also an MSN (have to get the 4-year degree first) that prepares specialist nurses (such as Mental Health) and Nurse Practioners (nurses allowed very much greater patient care responsibilities).

An important thing to consider here is that while you can get an ASN and then go ahead and get a BSN later through completion programs, all of your ASN credit will not transfer directly to the BSN program. I personally would have lost 30 semester hours (one full year) of credit had I taken the ASN to BSN route. Back in the late 80's, I didn't care for the assignments a male ASN nurse was given and so I changed careers altogether.

If your motivation is that you really want to be a bedside nurse then the ASN (2 years) will meet your needs. If your motivation is that you want to be a nurse but also want to make as much money as possible doing so, then the BSN (4 years) is the way to go. If you want to do research or provide advanced care then you will want an MSN (5-6 years).

If your motivation is to make alot of money -- there are other less stressful ways to do so. If your motivation is job security then nursing is one of the two fields that seem to always always always need more people. The other is truck driving.