RT says her scope is wider than mine. Ok?

Wile E Coyote, ASN, RN · Dec 20, 2016

I say it's a large degree of tunnel vision exacerbated by bitterness, yes.

That RT likely IS a rockstar who could teach even a seasoned RN at least a few things...but doesn't know what she doesn't know about all of our other nursey stuff. They see us needing advisement about something they have down cold, and extrapolate from there.

Nearly every RT bud of mine who has gone on to RN either before knowing me or while knowing me has eventually remarked on just how much there was to that 'other nursey stuff' (and how little RN programs teach about cardio-resp than their RT programs, but hey, wadda ya expect...specialty focus > generalist focus, right?)

heinz57 · Dec 20, 2016

Okay sure. I'm not even gonna argue that. I'm sure you can. I'm just a lowly ICU nurse. I wipe booty.... das all guyzzzz.
Peace out.

Did that RT actually say this to you or is this your own view of what you do?

There are places where RTs are grossly under paid for what they do. Texas, Arizona, North Carolina and Florida are examples. The wording of their scope of practice leaves it up to their medical director. The RTs have very extensive scope of practice but make less than half of a nurse. This is especially noticed on transport teams. The RTs of some teams are able to give the same medications as the nurses, insert PIVs, A-lines, UVCs and UACs, needle a chest, insert a chest tube, needle cric, manage balloon pumps, insert PICCs and ECMO as well as intubate. They may also be expected to have a Bachelors degree with lots of alphabet soup behind their name. But, they only make about $20/hour compared to $35 - $40/hr for the nurse. Even LPNs make much more than most RTs. In some places RT pay is closer to that of a CNA. It doesn't seem fair but then I guess you can be tell them to become a nurse.

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Dec 20, 2016

Why do you care if she thinks her score is wider? Clearly she is feeling a bit insecure and undervalued. I would just reiterated to her how much you appreciate her, and move on. RT's, I would say, have a deeper scope of practice on respiratory things, while RN's have a wider scope overall on a broader variety.

Libby1987 · Dec 20, 2016

At first I thought, well of course an RN's scope is wider but then thinking about it, in what way? RTs assess, report, accept MD orders, intervene, administer drugs, educate and perform highly difficult procedures. While much of what a general RN performs in terms of tasks that RTs don't/can't can be taught and performed by lay persons.

Serious question, where does the scope really splinter off that no RTs are able or allowed to perform? (please don't say something basic like a catheter change or venipuncture).

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 20, 2016

She is................delusional.

LovingLife123 · Dec 20, 2016

Did that RT actually say this to you or is this your own view of what you do?
There are places where RTs are grossly under paid for what they do. Texas, Arizona, North Carolina and Florida are examples. The wording of their scope of practice leaves it up to their medical director. The RTs have very extensive scope of practice but make less than half of a nurse. This is especially noticed on transport teams. The RTs of some teams are able to give the same medications as the nurses, insert PIVs, A-lines, UVCs and UACs, needle a chest, insert a chest tube, needle cric, manage balloon pumps, insert PICCs and ECMO as well as intubate. They may also be expected to have a Bachelors degree with lots of alphabet soup behind their name. But, they only make about $20/hour compared to $35 - $40/hr for the nurse. Even LPNs make much more than most RTs. In some places RT pay is closer to that of a CNA. It doesn't seem fair but then I guess you can be tell them to become a nurse.

PICCS and Art Lines? What states are these?

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 20, 2016

When I have heard that kind of talk ... my response has always been ... "Well, if the money means that much to you ... I guess you should have gone to nursing school then."

guest769224 · Dec 20, 2016

PICCS and Art Lines? What states are these?

RT's put in arterial lines all the time in my hospital. Utah.

Extra Pickles · Dec 20, 2016

Her scope of practice is different, which is all that matters. not worth an argument as there is no point. If she wants to believe that everything you do is included in what she does, then so be it. No skin off your teeth.

Besides, maybe the next time you have a CBI to set up or a CPM to adjust or a set of cardiac drips to coordinate, titrate or a particularly nasty wound vac to change she'll be able to show you how it's done, right?

CardiacDork, MSN, RN · Dec 20, 2016

Did that RT actually say this to you or is this your own view of what you do

Sarcasm, my friend. It was sarcasm.