Now, I am blessed to have many non-nurses who read this blog, so let me explain what the controversy is all about. An ADN, or Associates Degree in Nursing requires about 3 years of time, in most schools. A year of required basics to get accepted, then a two year clinical course in nursing-with time spent on “book-learning” and real-world hospital/clinic training.
A BSN, or Bachelor’s in Nursing, of course is a four-year program with the traditional first two years of basics, and then two years focused on both upper-level nursing courses, theory, and the “clinicals” or hand’s on training.
ADN degrees are popular among formerly displaced workers, who already have a family, who want a better paying, more reliable job-in a hurry. They aren’t excited about writing papers, and doing research required for a BSN.
For those who want to move up, and away from “bedside” nursing, a BSN or even a Masters are prerequisites for advancement. And all teaching positions usually require at minimum a BSN, and most a Masters, with PhD’s preferred in academic institutions.
So what does all this mean for “Millionaire Nurses“.
The financial differential is very little when it comes to beginning salary-most entry-level positions pay no “extra” for a BSN. So those with an ADN have the advantage of a year less of school costs plus one year of extra salary compared to BSN’s.
However, for those who may want leadership positions in the hospital, or get away from shift work,- which may lead to significantly more income over a lifetime, then a BSN makes good financial sense. If you get a 10,000 bucks extra per year promotion for a leadership position, then the payback time on the extra year in school is 5 years or so or less.
Not having to work nights, however, for many people is worth a lot of money!
So, how do you decide?
You have to realistically look at your future. If all you want is a steady paycheck, no management responsibility, and you have extra mouths to feed now, then an ADN degree may suit you.
If you are just starting out, and want to make nursing a career, I think the BSN is the way to go, being careful, as always with trying to pay as you go, look for scholarships, and grants. Graduating without a student loan hanging around your neck for the next twenty plus years will make life so much sweeter!
For a recent salary survey for nurses, check out this link here.
So let me know your thoughts about ADN or BSN. There are many other factors I couldn’t get into without making this blog post into a book!
