Shutech

So far all of the nurses I know that I've talked to about this have all told me to go for it too-one even told me last night "It is not a mistake, do it!" So I think I'm going to expand my scope as soon as possible. Thanks again for all the advice/kind words

I don't know much about rad techs or nursing but I do know a whole lot about respiratory. Jobs aren't very easy to come by but if you do well in your clinical rotations you'll make good connections and start per diem. Most places aren't hiring staff therapists so be prepared to have a rotation of two or three places and have your own benefits. Your scope of practice is extremely limited which may or may not be good for you and what you're looking to do. You'll shine in critical care and hopefully in the management of ventilators. On a side note I don't think you'll be required to have a bachelor's degree by 2016, very few schools actually offer a bachelor's in respiratory care, it is usually an allied health degree.

I have a few too. I'd be sure to have them covered but patients never seemed to mind or be offended.

Thanks guys! I'm pretty sure going from my associates to a BSN won't be too bad. I took most of the same prerequisites that my nursing colleges did but finding a program isn't the easiest. I'm about 95% sure this is the right route for me as I think jumping into PA would leave my skillset lacking. And I also really enjoy working with peds/neonates, and/or ED. I'll be honest, I'm not looking forward to the poo but I don't think anyone does and everyone gets past it. Some people said I'd never get used to suctioning people but it never really phased me.

Hey everyone, I am a recent graduate of respiratory care school with an associates degree and working in the field. While I enjoy respiratory I find my scope of practice very limited and I am considering becoming a RN hopefully with a BSN. My plans beyond that would be to look into a NP. My question to you all is if you think this would be a good path or should I perhaps get a bachelors in a health related field and look into being a PA. I feel that NPs have a lot more experience in patient care being RNs first and that would be extremely beneficial to my patients. Also I was wondering if anyone would have any insight into going from a RRT and an associates to a BSN ie what might be a good route to take, located in NJ. Thank you all in advance and look forward to hearing from you all. Shu