Radiology vs. Nursing

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Hi, I have my prereqs done, now I'm just deciding between going to nursing school, radiology, or diagnostic sonography? Nursing appeals to me because I think there would more opportunities in terms of getting to pick my own hours. The other fields appeal to me because I think they would less stressful than nursing, and I heard that agency nurses get treated pretty badly by the staff nurses. (I'd want to be an agency nurse).

Other than that, are the wages for nursing, Radiology Tech, and ultrasound techs the same? Because I'm not seeing that much difference in salary (managerial and speciality areas aside) according to the Job Search sites. BTW, I know you're not supposed to look at salary, but truthfully I can see myself in all three fields, so the only factors left for me are salary and flexiblity of schedules. Oh, and I also want to join up with a travel agency, but from what I told out of state travel assignments are hard to come by for RT and UT these days. Any additional info from people with firsthand knowledge would be apprecitiated.

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

hello and welcome to the family of allnurses. good luck to you.

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There was a thread on this a week or two ago. Actually there were a few of them. They was very detailed. Do a search. It might help you.

Good luck.

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I would suggest that you shadow the different areas that you are interested. Nursing while it can be stressful at times, I think still offers a little more variation and although the three may start at approximately the same wages, increases may be more available with nursing.

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Well, my sister and I have it covered. I'm a nurse and she starts Radiology school the 22nd. lol I'll ask her where she found her info in her research on the subject and try to let you know..good luck in whatever u decide.

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Well, my sister and I have it covered. I'm a nurse and she starts Radiology school the 22nd. lol I'll ask her where she found her info in her research on the subject and try to let you know..good luck in whatever u decide.

Is she by any chance attending school in Waco?

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Hi, I have my prereqs done, now I'm just deciding between going to nursing school, radiology, or diagnostic sonography? Nursing appeals to me because I think there would more opportunities in terms of getting to pick my own hours. The other fields appeal to me because I think they would less stressful than nursing, and I heard that agency nurses get treated pretty badly by the staff nurses. (I'd want to be an agency nurse).

Other than that, are the wages for nursing, Radiology Tech, and ultrasound techs the same? Because I'm not seeing that much difference in salary (managerial and speciality areas aside) according to the job search sites. BTW, I know you're not supposed to look at salary, but truthfully I can see myself in all three fields, so the only factors left for me are salary and flexiblity of schedules. Oh, and I also want to join up with a travel agency, but from what I told out of state travel assignments are hard to come by for RT and UT these days. Any additional info from people with firsthand knowledge would be apprecitiated.

Hopefully I can answer some of your questions . I am a licensed xray tech, ultrasound tech and registered nurse. I loved working in radiology, however it did not provide me with the flexibility that I so desired . Radiology offers lateral moves, whereas nursing offers much upward mobility and this is something that you really need to look at. As far as pay , I feel that you make more money as a nurse because of the perks and differentials included in pay, for example bedside or charge nurses may make an extra 1.00- 1.50/hr, shift differential an extra 4.00-5.00 per hour. I didn't get this kind of differential in pay as a rad tech or ultrasonographer. Also being an xray tech is a very physical job. There were many days when I suffered back pain from pushing those large portable units and heavy cassettes. Who wants to do that as an older adult? Nurses have much more autonomy also. I decided to go back to school because I began to get bored with radiology. While I miss xray and scanning at times, I am very glad that I chose nursing as a 3rd career. I have no regrets and it is such a good feeling knowing that I contributed towards nurturing someone back to a state of wellness. Good luck and Best wishes!!! :)

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Hi, I have my prereqs done, now I'm just deciding between going to nursing school, radiology, or diagnostic sonography? Nursing appeals to me because I think there would more opportunities in terms of getting to pick my own hours. The other fields appeal to me because I think they would less stressful than nursing, and I heard that agency nurses get treated pretty badly by the staff nurses. (I'd want to be an agency nurse).

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You just answer your own question.Don't focus on the negative environment of Nursing ,everywhere you go, you will find some mistreatment on this field. my advise to you is..Follow your Heart is and your body will follow , if Nursing appeal to you in a great way, Go for it :)

Nat

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