Here is the deal, I am trying to pursue a degree in nursing at the moment. I don’t want to be a nurse for the rest of my life. I plan on getting another degree in biopsychology. So the nursing degree is just a stepping stone for me. So what is the difference in the way I can use these degrees? Will I make less money with an associates degree? Or is it just that I can’t apply for nursing supervising positions? If I did the associates degree, I would be saving 7,000 and would be finished a semester earlier. I hope you shed some light on this situation. It will be truely appreciated.
Nurses with a BS make more than those with an ASN.
An associates degree is typically what most registered nurses (RNs) have. You only need a BS in nursing if you plan on being a supervisor and getting into the management side of nursing. Typically supervisors have a BS.
If nursing is a stepping stone on your way to becoming a psychologist then a BS in nursing is unnecessary. Get a BS in psych and start working toward your terminal objective.
My mom is a nurse with 20 years of experience with her Associates degree and I am just finishing up my Associates degree in nursing. It’s been our experience that with the nursing shortage hospitals will hire you… ADN nurses don’t make less to start out and they don’t have limitations as to what they can do. ADN programs focus more on practical knowledge and skills while BSN programs focus more on theory… most BSN programs where I live don’t actually start true “nursing” courses until their 3rd year anyway. I would honestly suggest the ADN route. There are even programs out there that you can get your masters degree in nursing via a bridge program with only an ADN. Good Luck!
There is no pay difference between an nurse with an ADN and a BSN. Both start at the same pay and merit determines raises after that point. As to not being able to progress, I have to disagree. I have an ADN and have been manager of 2 Emergency Rooms and a hospital administrator. Ability and drive will determine what you do with your nursing career.
A side note is that nationally ADN programs have a higher first time pass rate on NCLX than BSN programs and ADN nurses are better prepared clinically to start work upon graduation.
I’m currently working on my MBA with my BS in microbiology.
Most places do pay more for a bachelor’s degree, but I don’t think it’s typically very much more – maybe $1 more per hour. If you don’t want to use the Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, probably not worth the time and money and trouble, unless the same courses would save you time towards your biophys degree.