Nurses with associate’s degrees can earn nearly as much as those with bachelor’s degrees. An associate’s degree in nursing usually prepares students for entry-level staff positions. Although most perform similar duties to nurses — recording patient’s medical histories, operating medical equipment and consulting with doctors — they may be limited on the medications they can administer. Nurses with associate’s degrees — often designated as ADNs — are still considered registered nurses, as are nurses with bachelor’s degrees. This is only slightly less than the average salary the U. Nurses with bachelor’s or associate’s degrees need compassion, patience, emotional stability, and communication, organizational and speaking skills.