Do RN's seem just as happy in their careers as Respiratory Therapist?

[northmississippi]

Yes, I'm aware that most will say nursing pays more, has more demand, and more opportunity to advance, but do you see Rn's enjoying their job just as much as an RT? Do you see both as having the same job satisfaction since they are both serving patients in a hospital? Any of you done both? I ask this as I may have a chance to go into either program. I am leaning toward nursing since it was a nurse that inspired me to get into healthcare. Plus I have ALL the pre-req's done in nursing and will only have to take 9-10 hours credit each semester for ADN.

So how about it, one job seem just as good as the other in level of happiness?

[AgentBeast, MSN, RN]

Nursing Respiratory Therapy, or any other career all fall in the same boat. You'll have 5 to 10 percent of people that love their jobs. Another 5 to 10 percent of people that loath their jobs. Everyone else falls somewhere in between.

[roma4204, BSN, RN]

in the hospital setting resp therapists probably would be happier...or at least have more satisfaction. but there are many RN's that do not work as a bedside nurse where most of the frustration is.

[Heidi the nurse, BSN, RN]

I did home health care and several times over the years the children I took care of ended up in the hospital (usually in the ICU because they were on vents). The RT's seemed to love their jobs. I think the nurses did too, but maybe it was just that unit of that hospital. I would have loved to be an RT, or an X-Ray or US tech (got the feeling with my US's when I was pregnant)

[BigButtNurse]

I was a Respiratory Therapist for 10 years prior to becoming a nurse. I enjoyed my job very much. As time went on, I had several co-workers who were going to nursing school, while working as RT's, so I decided to do it too. I have no logical reason for the career change, I just decided to do it. Honestly, as an RT things were not as "complicated" as with nursing, which in my opinion being an RT was easier and a lot less stressful. Of course you treat critical patients in both lines of work. The pay for an RT isn't quite as much as a nurse, unless you work your hinny off with a regular shift and PRN shifts.

Whatever program you go with will work out fine for you. A plus to being an RT is that you can find a job fresh out of school with no experience making about $57K a year.

Good luck to you.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Every once in a while I envy the RTs ability to say "not my job".

RT has clearly outlined job responsibilities that nurses do not.

[DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP]

I'm not sure how to define "happy".. However,

Once in a while I'm jealous of an RT, when he/she says to pt: "Hang on, I'll get your nurse....":D

But 99% of the time I like the variety of positions that nursing offers. You just don't get as many as an RT.

[DarkBluePhoenix]

I'm not sure how to define "happy".. However,

Once in a while I'm jealous of an RT, when he/she says to pt: "Hang on, I'll get your nurse....":D

But 99% of the time I like the variety of positions that nursing offers. You just don't get as many as an RT.

I agree.

More variey.

Vs

Just respiratory. Blah

I don't want to be bored so quickly and easily

[EMSnut45, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

A little off topic, but I had to respond...

Once in a while I'm jealous of an RT, when he/she says to pt: "Hang on, I'll get your nurse....":D.

I work with an RT who fetches water, blankets, bedpans, and even helps with bed baths!

She is AWESOME!!!!

[jmqphd]

Good grief! I know some miserable RT's. Sometimes they are covering ICU, carrying the code-blue beeper and have to respond to emergencies in the ER.

Happiness is what you make it.

When I look at all the horizons and opportunities open to nurses... I figure there isn't another profession like it in the world. On the other hand, an RT can be... um... an RT.

[GilaRRT]

I actually jumped ship after working as a nurse for many years. Thus far, I absolutely love respiratory therapy. However, my prior nursing and EMS experience has enabled me to transition into a great role as a therapist. As somebody who appreciates physical science, I rather enjoy the chemistry, physics and cardio-respiratory anatomy and physiology I've had to take along with all the formulae and technical aspects such as ventilator management. I also enjoy not being tied down to a specific floor as a therapist and the work is much better on my spine.

I am still working as a nurse part time, but have largely pulled back from my role as a registered nurse in favour of education and respiratory therapy. Ultimately, it is largely up to the individual to define happiness. Some people can enjoy nursing and others respiratory therapy. Both fields have pros and pitfalls. Personally, respiratory therapy is a better fit for me but I do not plan on turning in my nursing license anytime soon.

[DPSGraduateNurse]

I'm a nursing student, haven't regret it. Good luck!