Associates Degree and Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, which one is...?

is better for me.. (RN)

I do not want to be treated like underlings or dogs when I work in a hospital, but a professional.
Is the salary range that wide or narrow?
If I'm an RN with a Bachelor's than a Associates what happens?
How much longer will it take from Associates to Bachelors?

How are nurses treated in a workplace?


I was going to a Pre-Med program but a lot of issues concerning, time, finance, and family came up.

When starting in the entry level positions as an RN the nurses with both degrees are treated about the same. There is usually a $1.00 to $1.50 per hour differential for the BSN.

Though an ADN or associate degree is technically a 2 year program, almost every program I know of now requires the prerequisites to be finished before the student starts the nursing core curriculum. Previously, these were often taken as co-requisites. So now the 2 year program takes about 3 years for most students to complete. (This is based on most students, some may complete their programs faster)

A BSN is a bachelor of science degree in nursing. It is planned as a 4 year program, though many students require an additional one half to 1 year to complete the requirements.

The differences are primarily didactic, and are made up of foundation classes (taken before the nursing program) and some additional classes taken during some programs (usually in public and community health and nursing leadership.)

Because of the differences, there are some positions which are open to hire BSN or higher or BSN or higher preferred. A BSN is often required for supervisory positions at many hospitals, and in public health agencies.

RNs, just like all other people in the work environment, have to manage the personalities of the people who they work with and for. How they are treated in the workplace is a direct relection on the people in the supervisory positions in those facilities. At some facilities RNs are highly respected, and treated as integral members of the health care team, and at others they are not. Of course, if an RN acts responsibly, and demonstrates a level of professionalism, they are more likely to be treated with respect.

Studies have shown that RNs with higher levels of education, have higher scores on professional attitudes assesments, higher scores on level of professionalism, and higher levels of autonomy.

For decades the American Nurses Association and the National League for Nursing have attempted to make the BSN the only educational program for RNs in the US. Studies have shown that the higher educated RNs have a better overall patient satisfaction, better outcomes related to medical condition, and a lower overall cost of care.

Good luck with your school and your career, whatever path you choose.

You may find out that you don't like Nursing. Just get your A.A. first as an R.N. once you decide you liked doing after a year. Go back to school against to update your AA to a BA. Good luck!

I strongly suggest getting your BSN.

Here is why:
The trend in nursing is going professional. Professional nursing in the hospital setting in particular is associated with a bachelor's degree. Associate degrees, diplomas, or licensed practical nurses, are considered "labor" in many settings. Additionally, you may be able to get on with a similar income at first, but you will find growth beyond basic jobs, limited.

You can consider working as a NAII (nursing assistant) while going to school if cash is the issue. Most schools of nursing require it anyway. I don't know how much education you have already, but the nursing program in a BSN program is usually the last two years anyway.

Additionally, once you graduate, you will be able to use this undergraduate degreee to get into another graduate program if you like. Consider nursing anesthesia. It pays excellent.

Healthcare is progressing toward advanced degrees. The BSN is really entry level now. Don't believe what some nurses will say...it does matter. Time changes things. And lower paid workers to do the dirty work is the way of nursing too. You have heard of health care techs or other axillary staff. The less than BSN will go that way in the future.

I have been a nurse for a while. I went the associates degree at first because I had another bachelors degree. BIG mistake. Later I went back to get my Masters. It takes time and misery later to get it all done.

Nursing can be rewarding. But if you wanted Pre-Med...don't settle for Associates. You will regret it one day. Suck it up and finish 4 years. You will thank me later.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the degree I earned. I will make it quick. In 1999, high school 10 yr. reunion, did not go, dead end job, married once and divorced, and living with my boyfriend. I decided to go to college. I wanted to apply for the Associate Nursing Program, but a non-traditional student that I was, I could not score high enough on the ACT for acceptance. I continued to take pre-reqs, I figured I would take the ACT again and again. Well I was WRONG. I took it three times and found I was pregnant with my daughter and had enough of that test. I had to make up my mind quick on school bc a baby was coming. I ended up taking all the pre-reqs for the Bachelor proogram, applied one time for the program and was accepted. The Bachelor program did not require ACT, Just a GPA. My GPA was good. Nursing Clinicals began that Spring, had my daughter in the summer, went back to school in the fall. Still in the Bachelor program, passing, with a baby at home and boyfried which turned to husband, the following fall suprise suprise, I am pregnant again, with my son. Had him in the Summer and graduated in the fall and Passing the INCLEX on the first try. I have many co-workers who has the Associates degree, and they are not singled out, but I am glad that I have the higher. Associate and Bachelor programs take the same NCLEX.

Depends on what you want to do with it. First, if you are only exploring, dont bother. The rigor of the work will turn you off if you arent 100% dedicated.
Second, all roads lead to RN (diploma, AA and BSN). If you want to get into advanced practice (this requires Masters Degree) go for the BSN, if not, a diploma program or AA is better for you.

I strongly encourage you to get the BSN. There will be doors open to you that you will not have with the AD. Most public health positions require a BSN, certification in many specialties is only available to those with a BSN, & any jobs in management will be out if you don't have the BSN. You will not be sorry to get the bachelor's degree. Trust me. It is hard (not impossible, but hard) to go back for the additional degrees later.