Respiratory Therapist vs. R.N.

[nursemelani]

I am currently an LVN, taking pre-reqs to get into an RN program. However, the RN programs are all so impacted, that there is a good chance I won't get in the first or even second time I apply. As a back-up plan, I am thinking of going to school for RT. What do you all think about Respiratory therapy as a career ? I know that the pay is good, though not as good as an RN (here in CA). It seems like it would be less stressful, since you are mainly focused on respiratory issues, and not the whole body. Then again, I don't like vents, and I have to admit I get a little grossed out about respiratory secretions...............

Advice/input please !

[TazziRN, RN]

But is it something you would be interested in? Positions in the medical field are unique in that, if you don't enjoy what you're doing, you will not do it well. If it's something you think you would like to do, go for it. As for the feelings about secretions, most nurses have a phobia about something....we just grit our teeth and work through it.

[Larry77, RN]

Makes me think of a joke someone told me once:

How did "they" find out who should be RT and who should be RN's?

They buried all the applicants in poo up to their necks and they spit on them with a nice chunk of sputum, the ones who ducked became nurses and the ones who didn't became RT.

All kidding aside you probably would get over your fear or dislike of sputum after being forced to be around it day in and day out. My problem with something like RT or radiology tech would be the "boring" factor. The nice thing about nursing is the diversity if you get bored with your job you can switch it completely just by transferring to a different dept...not true in the other fields.

[CSLee3, ASN, BSN, LVN, EMT-P]

Like larry said, takes a different kind of person to do that tough job.

They are very good at what they do and usually experts on airway management. There are usually two types of Therapist. Cetified and Registered. One is certificate and the other college degree plan. Most prereqs and gen ed course are same. BUT it is totally different field from nursing so be cautious, could be very costly decision.

C