Any RNs out there who switched to RT

[MightyMilly]

Hi all,

I'm an RN who's thinking of going back to school to become an RT. Are there any nurses out there who've done the same? And if so what do you think about your choice?

Thanks

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

We have a long-time member of these forums named GilaRRT who started as an RN before transitioning to the RT role. If you click on his profile and read some of his previous posts, perhaps you could get a feel for his personal transition from nursing to respiratory therapy. Good luck to you!

https://allnurses.com/members/215791/

[wooh, BSN, RN]

I knew a guy who did it, was much happier. There's less variety in RT, they make a bit less in most places, but they get to do breathing treatments and GO. Not like us that have to attend to every desire the patient and family has ever had.

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

I knew a guy who did it, was much happier. There's less variety in RT, they make a bit less in most places, but they get to do breathing treatments and GO. Not like us that have to attend to every desire the patient and family has ever had.

My thoughts too! The only problem is, in smaller hospitals more responsibility falls on the shoulders of the RTs.

I think I would add BIG hospital to my wish list. Then it would be perfect.

[GilaRRT]

Looks like somebody snitched on me. LOL I am a fairly new RRT. Made the transition a few years ago after I destroyed my back. I'm very happy, but still keep an active RN license and occasionally work as one. Let me know if you have specific questions. It's a big change.

[wishful09]

I'm an RT who wants to go back to school to become an RN. I want more of a challenge, more opportunities for growth and development, and I want to have a better understanding of what's happening to my patients. Why is it that you are seeking to become an RT?

[Biffbradford]

I would always tease the RT's as they would try to ask what intubated patients needed, but could NOT get themselves to ask: "Do you need a bed pan?"

[tishluvnc]

I'm looking into going back into the health care field too. I'm a sociology grad who do not desire a MSW, I love human biology. I was thinking about PTA, Radiologist, or RT. I'm currently a cna who loves health care, but don't really want to be stressed out with life and death situations. Do all RT work with people who can possibably die or could you just give treatments all day?

[GilaRRT]

I'm looking into going back into the health care field too. I'm a sociology grad who do not desire a MSW, I love human biology. I was thinking about PTA, Radiologist, or RT. I'm currently a cna who loves health care, but don't really want to be stressed out with life and death situations. Do all RT work with people who can possibably die or could you just give treatments all day?

No, you will work with critically ill and injured patients. You may even find yourself discontinuing ventilation on patients and allowing them to die. There are respiratory specialties where life and death situations are much less common however.