Associate Degree Nursing Program In Georgia?
Q: I'm due to begin an associate degree nursing program in the fall and would
like to have some input on the job market for associate degree RN's versus
RN's graduating from a Bachelor program. Obviously the income levels would
be different but is the demand equivalent?
A:I should have said that I do live in the US
(midwest). I am returning to school after being out a while so the Associate
degree is great for me although I had some reservations. I think I'll
continue with my plans.
I recently graduated from an ADN program, and am now employed in the 2nd
busiest Emergency Department in this city.... I work with probably half
RN's with 2 year degrees, and the other half with the BSN's. There is no
difference in the pay scale, and there is no difference in the skills or
abilities of any of these nurses. Where the big difference comes in (in our
facility anyway) is that job postings that are "administrative" in nature
usually state "Prefer BSN" and those applicants with their BSN probably get
first consideration. I also intend to receive my BSN and probably MSN down
the line. The only reason that I am choosing this route, however, is that I
feel that I will be nursing for at least the next 25 years, and would like
to be prepared to deal with the possible changes that will CERTAINLY come
about. I love bedside nursing care, and truly have no desire to be in
administration, ever.