Respiratory therapy vs. Nursing

U.S.A. Alabama

Published

Hey you guys. I'm in quite a confused state. Recently I've looked into respitory therapy to offset having to wait to get in a rn program. Can anyone tell me if this would be a right move? Wallace has a program and a advisor looked over my stiff and said I had a very good app to he considered for the program. It's not as competitive Yo get into which really makes me more interested in it. I'm open to any views/opinions. The start off pay seems to be about the same and it seems like I would get the people interaction I would get in nursing which is also a plus!

I'd say...............do both.

:cheers:

Is that possible? And which would u reccomemd starting with first?

Specializes in Post Anesthesia.

I regret every day not having gone into RT instead of nursing. RT: A crazy patient is swinging and spitting at you- "so sorry, he is refusing treatment" A demanding patient is narcotic seeking : "Hey Nurse..." The patient crashes and burns- "it's not thier fault" Nursing: The more demanding, confused, and violent a patient is the more time you spend with them. Every aspect of the patients stay in the hospital is your responsibility- (including resp threapy). When a patient crashes and burns you call the doctor and more often than not - get blamed for a 92y/o non compliant diabetic smoker who weighs 120kg going into some type of physical decline.

RT in my area make about 20% less than RNs. No way is what I do is worth only another $5./hr.

Ed my only concern about going the rt route was would I be able to find a job? I stay in Birmingham, and I really don't know the job rate for rn vs. Rt. -"are the job outlooks good for rt?

Is that possible? And which would u reccomemd starting with first?

Since I am licensed as both, I would say it's very possible.

I personally went with Respiratory Care first, and found the experience served me extremely well for my role as an ICU RN.

Love both. No one is better than the other.

Thanks! You made my decision a whole lot easier! I was just worried I wouldn't be able to find a job in rt. Are the jobs plentiful as this for rns?

I can tell you in Northern Virginia that there has always been a need for RCPs.

I can't answer how it goes in Alabama.

thanks so much for th input!n i think im going to do both! aybe do the rt first and go bak for my lpn or rn

My theory, if you are going to do the time, go all the way and get your BSN or ADN...From what I hear, the employement market is pretty tough right now. There are more opportunities available for an RN in an health care setting. If you are still debating, check the local hospitals websites and see how many job postings are available for RT vs. RNs. I am a post graduate working on my second degree (Previous BS in Advertising). Going back to school can be a tricky situation once you are out of it for a while. You get caught up in life and the opportunities aren't always there. If you get an ADN, most hospitals you get hired on at will help you with continuing your education for either a BSN fast track or MSN. It just makes more since to devote the time once your in school to go all the way, if an RN degree is what you ultimately want. Work as a PCA/CNA while you are waiting to get into a program, it get's your foot and head into the health care world. You might find tuitition assistance by doing this also.

Good luck either way!

Thanks so much for responding! I decided to go the nursing school route, and just got accepted to jeff states rn program! I'm still interested in rt though and I might go back after getting my bsn and get a as in rt. My eventual goal is to become a CRNA and from what I heard having nth under your belt is actually preferred by the schools that offer CRNA because you have extensive knowledge of the cardiopulmonary system! Go figure!

Thanks so much for responding! I decided to go the nursing school route, and just got accepted to jeff states rn program! I'm still interested in rt though and I might go back after getting my bsn and get a as in rt. My eventual goal is to become a CRNA and from what I heard having nth under your belt is actually preferred by the schools that offer CRNA because you have extensive knowledge of the cardiopulmonary system! Go figure!

Hey futurernjap, I am in the same boat as you were. I just wanted to know your opinion regarding your decision...are you happy to have chosen RN instead of RT? Thanks :D

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