What are the advantages for nurses with a BS of getting an advanced degree?

Also, can you tell me what the pluses are for a nurse with a master's obtaining his/her doctorate?

I have been a registered nurse for 3 yrs now at a large level one hospital in Texas. The only difference that I have noticed is that BSN nurses are often the only ones considered for the education department of the hospital and this is true when it comes to school nursing as well, especially in the larger school districts. Positions like nurse recruitor and high end management positions like Director of Nursing or DON, and Assistant Director of Nursing or ADON will also require that you have a BSN and or your Masters plus several years of experience. However, I have seen plenty of ADNs in lower level/unit management type postions. Now in order to be considered for CRNA or NP school you do have to be a BSN graduate simply because they are Masters programs. Hopefully that helps you out. Also at my hospital, which tends to be very traditional, having a BSN vs. ADN does not effect your salary if you are a staff nurse, (meaning that you are doing bedside pt. care). What hospitals look for when staffing for the floors, and the ICU is that you have a valid nursing liciense for that state and that you are drug free.

The only real benefit is a higher pay-scale, and perhaps a bit more selectivity in choosing where and how you want to work.

Advanced degree in ALL other professions except trash pick-up means more money....so I would have to say the money part is an advantage! lol! Also, you get more responsibility which means avancement...and who wouldn't want that??