Going from Respiratory therapist to Registered Nurse?

[msr91331]

I am currently in school to get my AS degree in Respiratory Therapy, and I should be done with it within a year. I am always thinking about what to learn next and to advance my career, so I was thinking about applying for a RT to RN bridge program. I was wondering if this is a good idea? What would my career advancement be having two licenses? What kind of specialties would you suggest that I do? I have been thinking about doing critical care transport, Emergency Room, ICU, or surgical or PACU nurse. Will being an RT first help me get into these specialties.

[Good Morning, Gil]

Possibly, though it would probably only help you when competing against new grad nurses. If you're competing against an experienced nurse, they would probably get it first. And, also, critical care transport isn't easy to get as most people want that at some point (haven't done it yet, but know it's a good gig, but you'd want ICU experience first anyway as an RN).

If you want it, go for it! There are many ICUs and ERs that take new RN's. Many of the burnt out RN's on here might say: "But why would you want to give up being an RT?" (d/t the job description, aspect of care). However, I understand why you might want to broaden your scope. Being an RN does give you more options as far as different lateral moves you could make, as well as a good variety of advanced practice roles. I actually like being responsible for different aspects of the patients' care, ensuring they get that psych consult or PT consult or get placed on the ETOH protocol, etc, but some RN's don't.

[Biffbradford]

Every RT that I ever knew wouldn't be an RN for any amount of $ since it involves 'things' below the waist. Also, they kinda like coming in, doing their thing, and leave. "I'll get your nurse for you!" and they're gone. In my experience, the two fields are independent. ICU nurses used to run the vents, wean for extubation, give breathing treatments, but not any more.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Career advancement with two licenses: No advantage. Pick one. Nobody will hire you to do both jobs.

RT will not have occasion to give meds, do full patient assessment, determine nursing plan of care as an RN.

RN will not be an advantage to a department who wants RTs and has no use for RN functions.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Work as an RT for a while and gain some experience and insight.

Watch the nurses at work and talk to them about their jobs. If after a year or two, if you really want to be a nurse, then apply for the bridge program.

[msr91331]

I have asked some friends who are Nurses and they have worked in many aspects of the industry. I am just trying to get some more perspectives.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I do know of some instances in which RNs in (very) rural hospitals are crosstrained to assume ventilator & other RT duties if there is no RT available. So I suppose having a dual background would be advantageous in those locations.... but doubt whether the OP would be interested.

[msr91331]

that is the purpose of me wanting to do both either to be able to move around or to work in rural areas and to help people disadvantaged.