[abigailfaith]

Yesterday I received an acceptance to a college that I had almost forgot I applied to! When I wasn't sure about the wait lists to nursing school, I applied to a college for respiratpry therapy and I was accepted! Now I am not sure what to do because with that degree, I will start 1 year sooner & finish 1 yr sooner and the pay is about $6,000 more a year (I know it is not all about $, but I want to do well for my daughter.) I was also looking forward to nursing...but the few nurses I spoke with and told them about this, they told me to take it and "run as far away from nursing as you can."

It's tough b/c I have a family to think of first and without ever really "working" in either field, I don't want to make the wrong decision.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

[RN 2005]

Wow! Hard decision I would try to think long and hard about the pros and cons of both. Maybe make a list of what a typical day would be like, $$, work schedule, etc and weigh the pros and cons. I personally have a problem with respiratory because I gag at phlegm (sp) Do you have time to decide before you have to commit to the program? Are you already on a wait list for nursing or are you still waiting to find out somewhere? Whatever you decide (and only you can decide!) CONGRATULATIONS on being accepted!!!

[abigailfaith]

Originally Posted by RN 2005

Wow! Hard decision I would try to think long and hard about the pros and cons of both. Maybe make a list of what a typical day would be like, $$, work schedule, etc and weigh the pros and cons. I personally have a problem with respiratory because I gag at phlegm (sp) Do you have time to decide before you have to commit to the program? Are you already on a wait list for nursing or are you still waiting to find out somewhere? Whatever you decide (and only you can decide!) CONGRATULATIONS on being accepted!!!

Thanks for the reply! I did a pro/con list today the best I could and RT outweighed nursing for pros-but I could only go on what I have heard about both professions. My nursing is suppose to start June '05 b/c of the type of program it is, but I have to finish all my non-nursing courses first before I can start it and they keep filling it so there is risk of being pushed back another year. It is so hard! I felt so pulled to nursing, like I belonged there, but I worry so much about being like many students who think that and then they hit the "real" world and end up hating it! Then I would be starting all over. I really want to work with kidney patients so I thought nursing first and then today I found out that RT's do also! EEEKKK! Here is my question: Who works with them more? That will be my deciding factor.

Thanks for the congrats! I appreciate it!

[kats]

I have a similar situation. I am applying to two nursing programs and a surgical tech program. The nursing programs are so competitive that one of the schools didn't take anyone with lower than a 3.9 gpa last semester. My gpa is good, but not that good. I decided to take Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology from the harder teacher rather than the easier one to develop better study habits. I ended up getting close to A's, but just missed. The surgical tech program is much easier to get into and I have been leaning towards surgery anyways. The programs are the same length and the entry salaries are about the same. I would even be able to be further trained to be a 1st assistant (they stand across from the surgeon and take more of an active role in surgery like cutting, suctioning, suturing, etc.) I suppose I might take the place in the nursing school if I am accepted, but I am equally tempted to take the surgical tech spot. I am not sure yet which I will pick if I am given the opportunity to choose. Good luck with your decision.

[Chevelle]

Originally Posted by abigailfaith

I felt so pulled to nursing, like I belonged there, but I worry so much about being like many students who think that and then they hit the "real" world and end up hating it! Then I would be starting all over. I really want to work with kidney patients so I thought nursing first and then today I found out that RT's do also! EEEKKK! Here is my question: Who works with them more? That will be my deciding factor.

I just wanted to let you know that I have that same pull towards nursing. I have been told that it is special and do not ignore it. The career will be what you make of it-no matter what you choose.

You want to work with kidney patients. I do too! Have you looked ito nephrology nursing? You would be able to work with kidney patients all day, every day! That would defiently be more time then the resp. I am not sure what you have to do to break into nephrology (like "x" number of years in ICU, certifications) but if you find out, please let me know!

Good luck!