possible career change advice? leave nursing for rad tech/x-ray school?

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hi guys,, im an rpn here in ontario,, next year im planning to get into bscn program for IENs,, but im thinking deeply about other career options,, ever since i became a nurse i always have the feeling that nursing is not really meant for me,, i always tell myself that if ever i will start again i could have studied a different program,, now here i am again im thinking of upgrading from RPN to become RN mainly because at my work i do almost everything RN's do and they get paid significantly more than me,, im thinking if i stay in nursing i might as well complete BSN degree again here in canada,, but im kind of getting interested in radiology tech course too,, im thinking is it worth going to school 2 years to become RT or just spend those extra 2 years to earn my BSCN degree? its very difficult for me to decide,, i think i even need to hire a career adviser :) any of you guys here have an idea how the job market for Rad techs (xray techs) especially in ontario? all my nursing career i worked in the operating room because i cant imagine myself working as a floor nurse and handling the same patient for 8 hours, (im an introvert) i think it just means i cant be 100% nurse :( please help :(

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Specializes in med-surg, OR.

Make a pros and cons list on what you like about being an OR nurse. Are there any areas of nursing that might meet your pros? If not rad tech might be a nice transition for you. OR nurses have a good knowledge base on anatomy and body structure, and are a little more "techy." Good luck!

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im a bit 50-50 right now,, since i have nursing degree in the philippines i only need 2 years to get a degree here in canada,, but the thing is,, i usually am choosy when it comes to accepting areas/jobs,, so far the areas i have worked for which i think suited me are operating room and endoscopy clinic,, and both of them does not involve interacting with patients alot,,, its usually the doctor's which i really have to deal with. and im hearing some comments from others saying rad tech jobs are very hard to land? is it wise to choose an associate rad. tech degree for a bachelor in nursing degree? i live in ontario i hope some nurses here can give me an insight regarding the job market for rad tech/ x ray tech in the province,, thanks for all your comments! :)

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actually,, sad to say but the less patient interaction, the better it is for me,,, :(

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Specializes in med-surg, OR.

Maybe talk to rad techs at your workplace, they would know more about job prospects in their field. See if you can job shadow a day in the medical imaging department. Also if there are any other areas in nursing you may want to work, job shadow those departments. Most workplaces support job shadow opportunities, for their employees.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I know one of my coworkers has a son that is a rad tech and he had to move out west because there were no jobs in Ontario.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.
actually,, sad to say but the less patient interaction, the better it is for me,,, :(

I find it quite puzzling that someone would go through all the trials and tribulations, to say nothing of the expense, of becoming a nurse then have no desire to have any patient contact. It's not like it's a big secret that the average nurse is going to be involved with patients.

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I find it quite puzzling that someone would go through all the trials and tribulations, to say nothing of the expense, of becoming a nurse then have no desire to have any patient contact. It's not like it's a big secret that the average nurse is going to be involved with patients.

im here to get some insights and advice, not to be judged or criticized or whatever you may call it. im sure im not the first person who picks a career then realizes in the long run that other careers might be the right suit for me,, i hope the word burnout sounds familiar to you. thank you for your comment anyway, still appreciated.

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I don't know how the market is in Canada but in the U.S. (nationwide) it's very difficult to get a job as a new rad tech grad. If you think about it, hospitals only need a handle of rad techs to operate, versus nurses are needed in EVERY department 24/7. I graduated with a bachelors degree in rad tech in May 2014 and still haven't found a job. Thinking about going into nursing... But it seems radiology could be the right fit for you. You seriously don't need to have conversations with patients at all if you don't want to. Just ask history, give directions, and send patients away. Hopefully the job market is different in Canada. Best of luck!

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Do whatever you have to to get out of nursing.

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Holy dead thread resurrection!

The OP hasn't been back since this thread ended.

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