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Nurses- Associates vs Bach?

Question for all the nurses out there. In the job market, is it easier to find a job with an Ass. or a Bach.? HOw much of a difference is the pay rate? Are better jobs available with a Bach?

Here is my background, I am debating what to do with school:

I have a Bachelor's in art education. Was an art teacher, but due ot the economy, everyone cuts art, so I've been working retail managment for a few years now, while teaching pt at the park district.

I started going back to school for nursing. I am attending a community college, which is known for a pretty good nursing program. I am in the last semester before I can begin the program, but have to wait a semester since they have a waitlist (so I'd start in Fall 2012)

I recently looked into a school with a accelerated bachelors program in nursing. I would have to complete two more additional classes (which I can take here at cc), and transfer there. I would have to take a "preterm", since it's a private school, its basically ethics and religion classes... and then I can start the actual nursing program. (nursing program would start in Spring 2013).

 

I'm thinking I am better off just continuing now and finishing my Bachelors.

Pros and cons of both? If I don't now, I will go back for a Bachelors.  Any advice?

TIA!!!

Re: Nurses- Associates vs Bach?

  • Honestly, I would go for the Bachelor's. At the hospital I currently work at, they will not hire anyone with an AD, even if the person has been working there through their schooling. We have lost some potentially great employees because of this policy.

    I think the other two hospitals in town will hire ADs, but are phasing them out. I have two friends that had ADs, but then needed to get their BSN. If possible, I would go right to the BSN.

     Your situation sounds similar to mine - graduated with an unrelated BA, went back for my nursing degree 5 years later. Started at a community college for prereqs then transferred to a private school to get my BSN. It's worth it!

     Hope that helps!

  • SIL is a nurse and in our town it is so competitive - just like any field and most need a Bachelor's to get a good job. I'm sure your pay would be more too. I would look into a bachelor's program. I know she is going to a school that will take 2-3 years but then she'll be done. She has her prereqs done and was going to do the Associates at a cc but decided to just go for her Bachelor's.
  • DH had bachelors degrees in business and PR and went for the accelerated BSN program. I'm glad he did. Where we lived at that time, they were phasing out ADNs. He's never worked somewhere that paid more for a BSN than an ADN, but he was able to move into a managerial role with his BSN which helped him get more money.
  • I am in the same situation as you are. Everyone I talk to say that a BSN will be required one day. Either way I go, I plan on getting my BSN as some point down the line.

    If you plan on seeking a masters at some point you may want to look into whether or not you need a BSN. I have found a few school that do not require them, but more that do.

  • Get the BSN for sure. Hospitals are starting to phase out Associate Degree nurses and only hire Bachelors Degree nurses. In my city, if you just have an AS degree, your're limited on the kinds of jobs you can get.
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  • Do the bachelors. It opens so many more doors for future. Any advanced degree will require the BSN first.
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  • Some schools I am familiar with (Chicago) have MSN for non-BSNs.  Basically you take your pre-requisites with them or the city college and then start with the Masters.  Its probably just as long as getting the BSN but you end up with graduate level course work.  And for some weird reason, its easier to find a grad program that is nights.
  • Well I am about to apply to nursing school this Jan and I am going for my Associates for now. I plan to get my A, then go back and do a bridge program for B. I thought this way I could get my foot in the door and have a job in the mean time while going back for my B.
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  • Do the Bachelor's.  I did the ASN/BSN program and finished in 4 years but was able to work as a nurse while I did it.  I'm not sure that is an option anymore.  Most places want a BSN due to Magnet status and studies that show BSN nurses are "better".  While I don't agree with this, it's the reality of the job market.
  • imageaosborn89:
    Well I am about to apply to nursing school this Jan and I am going for my Associates for now. I plan to get my A, then go back and do a bridge program for B. I thought this way I could get my foot in the door and have a job in the mean time while going back for my B.

    This is one of the options in my plan. I plan on applying to an array of programs, both AA and BSN.

  • My mom's a nurse and should would say bachelor's without a doubt. As a patient, I would say bachelor's without a doubt. :) 

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