Clinical social worker vs RN?

What would you recommend? I have been leaning towards nursing because I really like doing behavior/mental health but I figured as a nurse (if I do psych nursing) I can be involved with both the physical and psychosocial aspects of the patients unlike social work. And as a nurse I would have more options should I choose to get out of mental health.

But then part of me feels like I should go for Clinical social work (and this is the biggest reason) because I already have a bachelors degree and it seems like it would make more sense to go on to get a masters vs. earning another bachelors degree. I'm afraid people might look at me funny and think my first degree was a waste.

I have heard mixed reviews from others as well. Some have said nursing is better due to more options, better pay and more flexibility in hours and shifts you can work and less education. Others have said social work because it is not as draining, better working conditions, you don't see as many disturbing things (ie bodily fluid), and you have better hours and are treated more professionally with more respect because you have a masters.

So what do you think? Taking into consideration what I have written above and your experiences, what is your opinion.
There is always entry level masters in nursing. Check out the pay rates on salary.com it may be a deciding factor as well as the additional internships and certifications to from licensed social worker/MSW to LCSW/MSW. Getting an MSW does not equate to LCSW. Just like MSN does not mean automatic APN.
With even the mention of bodily fluids as a consideration, I might think you are more wired for social work. IME, bodily fluids are either an obstacle or a non issue, kind of like feelings about kids if you're going into primary education, you shouldn't have to toss that one back and forth, if that makes sense.
Quote from Libby1987With even the mention of bodily fluids as a consideration, I might think you are more wired for social work. IME, bodily fluids are either an obstacle or a non issue, kind of like feelings about kids if you're going into primary education, you shouldn't have to toss that one back and forth, if that makes sense.
I don't think bodily fluids are "disturbing" at all and especially not as disturbing as some of the things social workers see on a regular basis... like people who burn cigarettes into their children's arms or who steal their kid's valium. Not that nurses don't see these things too but abuse/neglect is more disturbing to me any day than poo or vomit. And, FWIW, you're asking this question to a board of nurses. Most of us have never been social workers, though some days I feel like one in my current job, so we can't tell you if being a social worker is better or worse than being a nurse.
Quote from Healthcare102Libby, it's not that it is problematic, I was just simply mentioning things that others have taught me. I mean sure no one actually "likes" bodily fluids lol, but I could handle it. The only one I may have some struggles getting over is vomit lol.
It's like comparing apples and oranges. Personally, I'd go for nursing in your place, so you can work in behavioral health AND get paid decently for the work you put in. You can get past dealing with bodily fluids.
I'm partial to nursing of course, but you really do get used to the gross stuff. After awhile it's just another part of the day...
Since money is an important consideration for me professionally and personally, I'd pick nursing over social work any day of the week.As an RN with an associate degree, I earn approximately $30,000 more annually than the average social worker with a MSW degree.
Quote from Healthcare102Others have said social work because it is not as draining, better working conditions, you don't see as many disturbing things (ie bodily fluid), and you have better hours and are treated more professionally with more respect because you have a masters.