Respiratory Therapist VS Nursing

Golden_Clover · Feb 6, 2006

I just applied to RT school that will start this summer! I am so nervous to see if I get in. Anyone who has any more info or more opinions please share because I have been debating with the same careers ( nursing/RT)

Thanks,

Clover:)

airis · Feb 8, 2006

hi there! I actually started RT school at concorde. Right now I am doing GE but so far I like it. I also like how its not a big class (20 classmates) we all get along and get together for group study. I like it so far . Any field you get into you will always go through stress, overwhelm, sleepless nights heheh but thats part of trying to be successful. The reward of it will be greater.

As for nursing, I was a nursing student but it wasnt for me. I really dont like taking care of the same patient all day. I want to be able to take as many as I can but not stay longer in a patient room. Just in and out of the room. To be a nurse you have to like to really really take care of the patient from head to toe. Even their waste thingy. You also have to deal more with their family, their complaints and so on. Dont get me wrong nursing is a great career but remember what nurse means. To nurse someone... On the other hand, RT is also technical and basically just have patients who suffer from respiratory diseases. Nurses handles every kinds of patients but not RT. There are days that RT are extremely busy and days that arent as for nurses based on my experience they are always busy because there are always new patients that gets admitted. Eventhough there are new patients get admitted everyday but not all of them suffer from respiratory disease. Anyway, try to call your school and see if you can go visit a hospital and you can ask or observe what both fields do.

What school r u going to???

Anyway, goodluck!!!

Golden_Clover · Feb 8, 2006

airis said:
hi there! I actually started RT school at concorde. Right now I am doing GE but so far I like it. I also like how its not a big class (20 classmates) we all get along and get together for group study. I like it so far . Any field you get into you will always go through stress, overwhelm, sleepless nights heheh but thats part of trying to be successful. The reward of it will be greater.
As for nursing, I was a nursing student but it wasnt for me. I really dont like taking care of the same patient all day. I want to be able to take as many as I can but not stay longer in a patient room. Just in and out of the room. To be a nurse you have to like to really really take care of the patient from head to toe. Even their waste thingy. You also have to deal more with their family, their complaints and so on. Dont get me wrong nursing is a great career but remember what nurse means. To nurse someone... On the other hand, RT is also technical and basically just have patients who suffer from respiratory diseases. Nurses handles every kinds of patients but not RT. There are days that RT are extremely busy and days that arent as for nurses based on my experience they are always busy because there are always new patients that gets admitted. Eventhough there are new patients get admitted everyday but not all of them suffer from respiratory disease. Anyway, try to call your school and see if you can go visit a hospital and you can ask or observe what both fields do.
What school r u going to???
Anyway, goodluck!!!

I go to fairmont State in West Virginia. They just started an RT program, one of the only ones in North Central WV. There is a HUGE need for RTs in my area because of the two colleges in my area, neither offered a program until the one at Fairmont starting this summer. I am so nrevous to see if I get in. We find out the end of Feb, beginning of March, so I don't have too much longer. They only take 20 students-- so that adds to the stress!! I have wanted to be an Rt for like 4 years, but I didn't want to move and there was no program so I started looking into nursing. Nursing sounds great and I still might go back to school for it eventually, but beginning an RT was my aspiration from the get go. After seeing my aunt with asthmatic bronchitis and the RT treatments-- I was hooked. I always liked the thought of specializing. Anyway-- do you start clinicals soon? do you know what supplies you have to get? Tell me about your program b/c there are no older students to ask about ours!!

Thanks

Colver

RTatnight · Feb 15, 2006

Hi everyone! Interesting thread... I thought it would be nice if I could add a few of my own opinions on the subject.

I am a fairly new RT in Canada for just about over a year now. I am currently a night-shift worker since I am pursuing my pre-university studies in Engineering during the daytime. When I made the decision to join the RT program, I didn't really know yet what I would do with my life. The profession was a bit falsely represented to me when I started. I soon noticed how things really were when I started my clinical rotations. I knew right away this wasn't what I would be doing of my life, but I decided to finish the program anyways since it was important for me to finish what I had started (and it would also be a good back-up plan to have an RT diploma in my pocket) I know I'm far from being the pioneer of respiratory therapy, but I did realize quite a few things during both my short period as a practicing RT and as an RT student. First, let me start by saying that this is a relatively new profession... If I'm not mistaken, the first RT's (which were then called Oxygen Orderlies, and Inhalation Technicians later on) appeared in the 50s approximately. Sure it's been about 56 years, but it's still quite new when compared to other health care professionals such as nurses, who have been present for a few hundred years. From what I heard from RTs who have been practicing 20+ years, this profession has progressed A LOT lately, most probably due to the increase in respiratory diseases in patients as well as the technological advances with the medical equipment. Most of the modern ventilators being used now in North America use processors and software and are therefore more complex in operation than the good old MA-1.

I am currently working in a 700 bed hospital, which includes 2 ICUs, 1 CCU, 1 NICU, and of course an ER, PACU, and 20-theater OR. We are approximately 40 RTs working in this hospital (not counting the RTs working in the OR).

As mentioned previously by a nurse, no, we do not only chart ventilator parameters once every few hours. We participate in many things; intubations, bronchoscopies, bronchial suctioning, non-invasive ventilation, aerosol/MDI treatments, code blues, nocturnal CPAPs to only name a few.

One thing that striked me the most when I read the postings here was how one RT prospect was saying that respiratory therapy has so much possibilities of advancement. I think that is mostly false. When it comes to our field, the most you will get in advancement is possibly being chief or department chief of a department, and by then your job will be much more administrative than anything else. Other possibilites include working for home care, flight service, or private companies (such as Siemens or Dragaer, who manufacture ventilators) However, these possibilities are very remote and I would say less than 5 % of RT's eventually make it to that.

Sure, there are more exciting things that an RT might come accross, such as high frequency ventilation, inhaled nitric oxide, or independent lung ventilation... however, I wouldn't see any of that as advancement since you are still an RT. Post-degree studies are very limited (atleast here in Canada). We used to have a university certificate available but it got removed. Now, all I am aware about is another certificate that can be done by distance.

One of the biggest possibilities for RTs (and as well for RNs) was to become a Cardiovascular Perfusionist. However, in Canada atleast, Universities have changed admission criterias. They now require both RN or RT certification AND a bachelor in science.

Also, one thing I'd like to add is that it is false that RTs are more respected and that their inputs are more valued than RNs. I think RTs may be well qualified to answer questions in the respiratory component of a patient, but when it comes to the whole image, an RN is definitely more qualified to answer. And when a panicking resident wants quick answers, the RN is the one to be questioned.

My point in this post if just to say that the RT profession is much more technical-oriented than anything else. They do not care for only one patient. but care for many patients all over the hospital. They do however tend to care for the sickest patients, since the very ill usually end up on ventilators. They are the best ones when it comes to ventilator modes and troubleshooting. I believe that on the other half, the RN profession is a very big mix of technical and clinical work. And with more and more auxillary nurses coming in, I believe RNs are moving away more and more from the technical portion of their jobs and are becoming more involved in clinical work.

Don't get me wrong, Respiratory Therapy is a nice profession and can be very rewarding, and it's also far from being easy to be a Respiratory Therapist. However, I believe that at this point and time, Nursing has much more advantages in terms of advancement, satisfaction, level of responsibility and so on. So, to anyone thinking of seriously joining the RT profession, I really encourage you to call a hospital and arrange a visit with a therapist. Ask him/her questions and find out if this is what you want... Only you will know if this is really for you.

Golden_Clover · Feb 15, 2006

RTatnight said:
Hi everyone! Interesting thread... I thought it would be nice if I could add a few of my own opinions on the subject.

Hi RTatnight

After reading this website I have a fairly good understanding of a nurses duties, but I still don't have a strong understanding of RT duties. Could you tell me a little more of what you do as an RT and what schooling is like? I have been juggling between the both of these careers for a while. I understand that nursing has more advancement opprotunities, but I am very interested in specializing in respiratory as well. I have not been able find an Rt to shadow, I just met several while volunteering at the hospital. Any more info on RT would be greatly appreciated!!

work4choc · Feb 16, 2006

I too am interested in hearing more from you RTatnight.

When you say that RT is more technical and nursing is clinical and technical but more clinical, what exactly do you mean?

I am curious because RT is on my list of considerations if I ultimately do not enter the BSN accel program I am considering applying for. I think it would be interesting to work with peds patients who have chronic respiratory problems and to help them manage their problems.

I have always kind of equated technical with clinical as a descriptive term so I would love to hear your insight on it.

Thanks - hope to see you back here.

nightrider5020 · Feb 25, 2006

You all have some interesting concepts on the differences of RN's vs. RRT's.

How about a perspective towards education vs. clinical time?

I have been an RRT for 24 years and was one of the first to receive the NPS (Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist) designation also. I had 3 years of RT schooling, 1st year is normally general studies, biology, A&P,etc. 2nd year: Basic Respiratory A & P, Physics, Fluidics, Gas Laws and equipment operation with trouble shooting. 3rd year consists of clinicals normally three days a week and advanced respiratory classes twice a week. We are required to be competent with ABG's drawing and analysis with interpretation in all age groups. We must also be able to operate, trouble-shoot almost any piece of equipment we use. In addition, be able to identify different significant objects on X-rays, ie. ETT placement, pneumo's, blebs, foreign objects and be able to point this out to MD's and suggest possible resolution methods. In addition to critical care, some of us have branched off into pulmonary function laboratories, NICU-PICU, ER, helicopter/fixed wing transport and a few into MD's.

I would never say, and RN or RRT isn't important. I have helped RN's with IV insertions, moving patients, lifting, NG tubes, ECG's; If I have the extra time, I'll help anyone else that appears to need some help. We just need to remember, "Do the Right Thing."

Remember, that patient is someone's: Sister, Mom, Dad baby, etc.

As long as we can help each other as a team, we can help our patients through their tough times.

David, RRT-NPS

potentialnurse · Aug 7, 2006

Sirena922 said:
I too was thinking of switching from Nursing to RT, but I surely cant make my mind up. Money wise I'd like nursing, but it seems to me that there are just to many obstacles to get into nursing programs, thats my only dilimia. Then having to take all these test to get into the program. It makes me lean more towards the RT program.

Does anyone have a real idea of what starting RT's make? I'm starting the program in August and as one person stated earlier, what the salary sites say the pay is and whar people tell me it is different so I'd appreciate the insight if anyone knows so I can make a change of major if necessary. My first class is Aug 24. 2006. I too at first was all nursing but its so hard to get in and so few slots and too many applicants. I'm thinking of just doing nursing later after completing my rt program. Is there a niche for a nurse who was an RT?

MAnders1405 · Aug 7, 2006

2 questions addressed here.

First "Does anyone have a real idea of what starting RT's make?"

From the dept of labor http://www.dol.gov webstie:

Median annual earnings of respiratory therapists (RRT) were $43,140 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $37,650 and $50,860. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,220, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $57,580. In general medical and surgical hospitals, median annual earnings of respiratory therapists were $43,140 in May 2004.

Median annual earnings of respiratory therapy technicians (CRT) were $36,740 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $30,490 and $43,830. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $24,640, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $52,280. Median annual earnings of respiratory therapy technicians employed in general medical and surgical hospitals were $36,990 in May 2004.

Here is Missouri a starting RRT makes $16.13 and starting RN makes $17.45

Question 2, "Is there a niche for a nurse who was an RT?"

I work with several nurses who also have their CRT or RRT. one is a cardio/pulmonary rehab specialist, one is general manager for two fitness centers (also does rehab), one works in a sleep lab, and three do general nursing. Two of those are on the cardiac floor the other in ER/ED. in that dept he does both RN and RT work. The other two just stick to nursing duties.

I currently work with one CRT who just finished her BSN and another RRT who is starting nursing school this month after being an RT for 10 years.

I hope that helps.

MAnders1405 · Aug 7, 2006

RTatnight said:
I am currently working in a 700 bed hospital, which includes 2 ICUs, 1 CCU, 1 NICU, and of course an ER, PACU, and 20-theater OR. We are approximately 40 RTs working in this hospital (not counting the RTs working in the OR).

Wow. I work at a 300 bed facility (1 10 bed ICU, 1 10 bed CCU, 1 15 bed level 3 NICU and ER/ED (level 1 trauma center). We have 46 RT on staff not counting the ones in the sleep lab, HBO lab, Rehab or the ones who are also nurses. We keep one RT per unit with a floater to travel in between. 1 in the ER/ED each shift. The acute care floors have 5-7 during the day with 2-4 at night. This is all 24 7. Some are PRN staff but they still count. How do you guys make it with only 40 RT and 700 beds?

Mommy TeleRN, RN · Aug 9, 2006

I am a nursing student and by no means an expert - but just one general observation. When I had hospital orientation there were 4 RT's starting and they ALL stated their plans were to become RN's...not sure why but I found that really interesting!

rninme · Aug 9, 2006

Mommy Nurse2b said:
I am a nursing student and by no means an expert - but just one general observation. When I had hospital orientation there were 4 RT's starting and they ALL stated their plans were to become RN's...not sure why but I found that really interesting!

I spent 18 years as an RTT prior to becoming an RN. It is not the goal of all Respiratory Therapists.

To answer some of the posters questions....in 18 years, I was never treated with anything less than respect by any of my co-workers....lol....not counting a couple of residents...but they soon learned:devil: . I never felt that I was not a valued member of the team...and I loved being a respiratory therapist. When I became an RN...I took a very large pay cut....but I gave myself more flexibility and got the heck out of management, which I hated....my 'long term goal' is to teach and I am entering an MSN program this fall.

IMOH opinion....I am a much better nurse because of the years I spent as an RRT.