Respiratory therapist to RN

[lavacake]

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I wanted to become a neonatal nurse practitioner when I was in high school but I had a baby and went through a respiratory therapy program to make sure we would always have a roof over our head. It's been 8 years and I still think about nursing. If I went back, I'd spend time in ER, ICU and then l&d or NI.....and teach :)

I always enjoy teaching or students.

I know what nurses do more than an average applicant and still think I should've been a nurse. Should I spend the time, effort and money to get there? (as it would effect our family of now 6.)

Thanks

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

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I wanted to become a neonatal nurse practitioner when I was in high school but I had a baby and went through a respiratory therapy program to make sure we would always have a roof over our head. It's been 8 years and I still think about nursing. If I went back, I'd spend time in ER, ICU and then l&d or NI.....and teach :)

I always enjoy teaching or students.

I know what nurses do more than an average applicant and still think I should've been a nurse. Should I spend the time, effort and money to get there? (as it would effect our family of now 6.)

Thanks

There are so many variables to that question that I'm not sure strangers on the internet can give you appropriate guidance.

[Larry3373]

If you want to do it, then do it. You will likely be paid less than a floor nurse to teach, however. Your RT experience should help you land your first ER or ICU job. It may also help with school as well. It you can make if work financially then I say go for it.

[dream'n, BSN, RN]

If you are wanting to teach nursing didactic, you will most likely need a Master's degree. But to teach nursing clinical, experience and a Bachelor's degree are usually sufficient.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

If you are wanting to teach nursing didactic you will most likely need a Master's degree. But to teach nursing clinical, experience and a Bachelor's degree are usually sufficient.[/quote']

Depends on the state. In my state MSN is required for teaching clinical & didactic at ASN or BSN label. BSN for LPN level. Doctorate for MSN or doctorate level. Clinical instructors and simulation/clinical lab instructors must have 3-5 years or more nursing experience in the area taught (i.e. an OB nurse can't teach geriatrics or mental health)

[dream'n, BSN, RN]

Depends on the state. In my state MSN is required for teaching clinical & didactic at ASN or BSN label. BSN for LPN level. Doctorate for MSN or doctorate level. Clinical instructors and simulation/clinical lab instructors must have 3-5 years or more nursing experience in the area taught (i.e. an OB nurse can't teach geriatrics or mental health)

Thanks for the information. I'm currently thinking of furthering my education to teach and it's good to know what's happening around the country.

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

You're really going to have to crunch the numbers big time. RTs at my hospital make more than RNs do, not to mention you would be an experienced RT switching to new grad RN wages. So, you'd potentially be facing a significant pay cut on top of student loans. That would be a difficult pile to get out from under under normal circumstances, but with a family of that size, it might just be insurmountable.

You'd be in a better position to take on the debt and survive the pay cut if you waited until the kids were out of the house.

[lavacake]

Thank you for your replies, I did the cost of lost income for 3 years plus day care and it's just incredible the amount that it would be to forfeit with the family responsibility. I'm in the Bay Area and rns do exceptionally well here but I don't know if getting into debt (was even looking at Samuel merrit absn) is smart with my oldest to head off to college (hopefully) in 8 years..... Then 3 more kids to follow. Life happens í ½í¸ƒ