Is there a difference in salary if you're an RN (Registered Nurse) with a Bachelor's or Associate's degree?

I just went back to school nursing at 30 yo. I came to this decision while my daughter was in treatment for cancer. For almost six months I was surrounded by nurses and picked their brains. At Children's National Medical Center (in DC) there is NO pay difference at all. Only BSN's can be charge nurses, however and in that title there is more money. So, do you want a management job? Do you want to go on to grad school? Obviously a BSN offers you more choices but if you just get your assoc., you can probably get tuition reimbursement for a RN to BSN program and be making money while finishing your degree. That is my plan!

You can get an associates degree in 2 years (4 semesters) but it is tough! Consider doing it over over 3 years (6 semesters). A bachelors degree can be done in 4 years and is not quite as hectic a pace even though it is more course work. A nice thing about the ADN is that you can get out and start work as an RN. At most institutions there isn't a huge difference in starting pay for new grads (pay differences increase with longevity, and there are more job opportunities for BSNs). If you get an ADN, many facilities will offer educational reimbursement for you to go back for you BSN. There are also nursing programs out there with programs for ADNs called RN-to-MSN where you skip the bachelors degree. These are extremely hard to get into but another option out there.

Generally those with a BSN are paid a little more and are more likely to be promoted to management. If this is a late career change for you I would probably just go for the Associates, but if you are still young and planning on doing this for 40 more years, I think it is worth it to get the BSN. Check out www.allnurses.com There are a lot of message boards there with some great stuff.

there are very good answers already but wanted to say that the trend is for all RN to get their BSN but that is not ever going to happen but is you want to work in a world renowned hosptial like it would be a good idea and if you want to get into mangement but if you don't a RN with an Associates degree is find for just about most jobs www.payscale.com great site check it out and do it twirce one with the rn-2 year degree and the second with the BSN and see the difference in your area of the country you will love this site and only wished i found it years ago

I thought an Associates in nursing was considered an LPN.(Licensed Pratical Nurse) and those with a BSN is a registered nurse with a four year degree. It is not a waste for those with a BSN not to get their Masters because they are getting paid! Nursing is not like social work, were you need a Masters to get paid.