Is there a difference in salary if you're an RN (Registered Nurse) with a Bachelor's or Associate's degree?

I know that you cannot transfer to grad school if you have an Associate's, but I heard somewhere that "An RN is an RN, the degree doesn't matter." Is this true? I mean, what a waste for those with BSN's and don't plan on getting their Master's. It's also a waste of time and money since Bachelor's takes another year.

The simple answer is, the base salary for an associate degree RN and a BSN RN are usually the same. SOme facilities pay a differential for the BSN degree in the entry level positions, this usually amounts to about $2500-$3000 per year. (not all hospitals pay this differential).

The difference comes in the availability of positions and the ability to advance. Many hospitals and health care organizations require a BSN or higher to move into any level of supervision above staff nurse or charge nurse. Also, except for traditional hospital positions, many positions will be open to BSN preferred or BSN or higher required.

Due to the ability to advance, and the hiring preferences in many preferred positions, a BSN will make a higher income over the course of their career than an ADN.

In the entry level job, there is not an advantage, but who wants to work in an entry level position for 50 years.

Generally those with a BSN are paid a little more and are more likely to be promoted to management. If this is a late career change for you I would probably just go for the Associates, but if you are still young and planning on doing this for 40 more years, I think it is worth it to get the BSN.

Check out www.allnurses.com

There are a lot of message boards there with some great stuff.

I just went back to school nursing at 30 yo. I came to this decision while my daughter was in treatment for cancer. For almost six months I was surrounded by nurses and picked their brains. At Children's National Medical Center (in DC) there is NO pay difference at all. Only BSN's can be charge nurses, however and in that title there is more money. So, do you want a management job? Do you want to go on to grad school? Obviously a BSN offers you more choices but if you just get your assoc., you can probably get tuition reimbursement for a RN to BSN program and be making money while finishing your degree. That is my plan!

I thought an Associates in nursing was considered an LPN.(Licensed Pratical Nurse) and those with a BSN is a registered nurse with a four year degree. It is not a waste for those with a BSN not to get their Masters because they are getting paid! Nursing is not like social work, were you need a Masters to get paid.

An Associates degree in Nursing prepares one to take the Registered Nursing Licensing examination. Once you pass that exam, you are an RN. An LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) is something else entirely. It requires less education and training and therefore pays less than an RN.

You can get an associates degree in 2 years (4 semesters) but it is tough! Consider doing it over over 3 years (6 semesters). A bachelors degree can be done in 4 years and is not quite as hectic a pace even though it is more course work.

A nice thing about the ADN is that you can get out and start work as an RN. At most institutions there isn't a huge difference in starting pay for new grads (pay differences increase with longevity, and there are more job opportunities for BSNs).

If you get an ADN, many facilities will offer educational reimbursement for you to go back for you BSN. There are also nursing programs out there with programs for ADNs called RN-to-MSN where you skip the bachelors degree. These are extremely hard to get into but another option out there.

there are very good answers already
but wanted to say that the trend is for all RN to get their BSN
but that is not ever going to happen
but is you want to work in a world renowned hosptial like
it would be a good idea
and if you want to get into mangement
but if you don't a RN with an Associates degree is find for just about most jobs
www.payscale.com
great site check it out and do it twirce one with the rn-2 year degree and the second with the BSN and see the difference in your area of the country
you will love this site and only wished i found it years ago