Xray tech~ more $$$ than RN???

tridil2000, MSN, RN · Jul 13, 2005

You need to do three things:
1) next time she brags, look her in the eye, smile, and say "wow, I am so glad that everything is going so well for you; My family and I are really happy with our choices." it sounds silly, but practice it-be ready (and see #3)
2)Be proud of whatvever choice you make-I've checked, in pretty much every state, RNs make more than X-ray techs (this does not include specialty techs, or techs that work in a radiology facility); You'll likely be able to pass this woman by long term. BUT also remember why you made your choice-Money is important(I have three kids with college looming) but it is also who you are and what you do. You can never "win" with such an incredibly insecure person as this woman is-she has to continually brag to make herself feel better.
3) and this is the hard one; DO NOT let her suck you into these conversations that drive you crazy; I know someone just like her, and I let her say her piece, say something like "wow that's great" and leave. DO NOT try and compete with her however great the urge is-you'll just feel annoyed and stupid for doing it later.
And I promise you, keep in mind if this woman is really such a braggart, that you are not the only one who feels this way-so try and feel sorry for her and her need for continual attention and one-upping. Be the better person. It s*cks, but in the long run you'll feel better.
Good Luck,

you want to really throw her...

tell her you love your work so much, you'd do it for free.

you'll leave her speechless!

student4ever · Jul 13, 2005

you want to really throw her...
tell her you love your work so much, you'd do it for free.
you'll leave her speechless!

LOL, I did that when I left my job as a hospital admitting clerk to take a patient care tech job. I took a considerable pay cut (don't ask me why that is - it's rediculous because it's a much harder job), and everyone tried to talk me out of it. I looked them in the eye and said, "this job will help me become a better nurse when I get through school, and I want the experience enough that I would do it for free. I'm glad for the opportunities I have to learn all I can, and I believe that a mind full of knowledge is ten thousand times more valuable than a bank account full of money." That shocked them all speechless, and I now have a job that I love doing, and I am looking forward to a nursing career that I will love even more. Who cares what everyone else says or if they have more gadgets from circuit city than I do... I'm happy, and that's what matters to me.

And on the x-ray tech vs. RN thing... at my hospital, x-ray techs make less, but not by much. The CT, MRI, and Nuclear Medicine techs do make more, but they have gone to school much longer and most have to relocate just to go to school for it, because there aren't a whole lot of those schools in my state. But they don't have as much contact with the patients as nurses do, which is why I would never be happy doing that no matter how much I would be making.

mysticalwaters1 · Jul 13, 2005

You know...maybe this was answered in the previous posts but since it's near the top again what EXACTLY does the xray tech and mri tech do? And their education? I didn't realize they made that much but then again what my hospital calls radiology techs are just transport people pusshing the beds to xray..wait maybe I've been off for 2 years! But I am curious what they do. I assume participate in the diagnostic part.

But I know about braggers! Sadly my friend when i was little or rather a young teen would do that. We would ride bikes and she'd have to be ahead ALL the time. It didn't bother me until she kept doing it over and over again then it irked me for some reason. One time we raced to an area in the woods I tolder her to meet up at...of course she stops at the one spot first then I zoomed by and yelled I meant the other spot...SHE was so MAD!!! I thought it was hiliarous NOT because I beat her but that she was so upset! yeah I felt a little guilty about it but you know this utlimately ruined our friendship. But you know I tried to make it work but she was the one that could not deal with it. I would be the laid back one (that's funny i'm actually high strung now). And she was just too jealous. Well what funny about this all is that I thought it was a little kid thing and I find it with other adults and coworkers!

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jul 13, 2005

Hi Chrity,

Don't believe everything you hear. "Mrs. Braggart" seems to have a big mouth and an obnoxious one at that.

About her comparing your childs brand to her childs, the boat etc..... What is she in kindergarden? :uhoh3: And it shouldn't bother you what she says as long as you have your child dressed, have a roof over your head and food on the table. Anyhow, she seems to be one of those families that try to keep up with the "Jones'".

The best thing is to try to stay away from irritating people like that (keep them at a safe distance). Follow your dream and do what you have to do regardless of what people say.

Who knows...maybe she tried nursing school but couldn't handle it so opted for x-ray tech :chuckle :chuckle :chuckle and is bitter when she found out you are going for nursing.

I wish you the best of luck to you and your precious family

angelac1978 · Jul 13, 2005

Hi Chrity,
Who knows...maybe she tried nursing school but couldn't handle it so opted for x-ray tech :chuckle :chuckle :chuckle

is this really necessary? :rolleyes: I am about to finish my first year of rad tech school and it is tough. We have the same pre-reqs as the nursing students do, with the exception of micro, but in its place we have to take 2 semesters of physics. Right now, we are in clinic 40 hours a week. During the regular semester we have 20 hours of clinic in addition to our classes. I am not trying to make an argument about which program is harder or which career is harder or more lucrative. Why can't we just agree that both programs are tough, and that anyone who works in healthcare has a tough job, whether you realize it or not. Also, can we avoid generalizations like the one about rad techs just standing around during a code waiting for the RNs to do something. It really isn't necessary.

You know...maybe this was answered in the previous posts but since it's near the top again what EXACTLY does the xray tech and mri tech do? And their education? I didn't realize they made that much but then again what my hospital calls radiology techs are just transport people pusshing the beds to xray..wait maybe I've been off for 2 years! But I am curious what they do. I assume participate in the diagnostic part.

Here is a link that explains the job that radiologic technologists do. Registered technologists must complete an accredited program that lasts from 18-24 months. There is a shortage of techs in most imaging modalities and so entrance into those schools is extremely competitive. Most schools will not accept you unless you have completed most or all of your pre-reqs. Once you complete the program you have to sit for the board exam adminstered by our national registry, http://www.arrt.org If one wants to work in an advanced modality like MRI, ultrasound, radiation therapy or nuclear medicine, more schooling is required, usually another year of classes and more clinic time. If your hospital is calling transporters radiology techs, then something is very very wrong there. I would never work at a hospital that gave transporters that title. It's like calling a CNA a nurse, which we all know is not appropriate.

Also, I know of no state that requires that you be an RN before becoming an RT or MRI tech or any other imaging tech.

I'm really not trying to be preachy here, but it is frustrating when there are so many misconceptions about my future career.

A

sunnyjohn · Jul 13, 2005

is this really necessary? I am about to finish my first year of rad tech school and it is tough. We have the same pre-reqs as the nursing students do, with the exception of micro, but in its place we have to take 2 semesters of physics. Right now, we are in clinic 40 hours a week. During the regular semester we have 20 hours of clinic in addition to our classes. I am not trying to make an argument about which program is harder or which career is harder or more lucrative. Why can't we just agree that both programs are tough, and that anyone who works in healthcare has a tough job, whether you realize it or not. Also, can we avoid generalizations like the one about rad techs just standing around during a code waiting for the RNs to do something. It really isn't necessary.
Here is a link that explains the job that radiologic technologists do. Registered technologists must complete an accredited program that lasts from 18-24 months. There is a shortage of techs in most imaging modalities and so entrance into those schools is extremely competitive. Most schools will not accept you unless you have completed most or all of your pre-reqs. Once you complete the program you have to sit for the board exam adminstered by our national registry, http://www.arrt.org If one wants to work in an advanced modality like MRI, ultrasound, radiation therapy or nuclear medicine, more schooling is required, usually another year of classes and more clinic time. If your hospital is calling transporters radiology techs, then something is very very wrong there. I would never work at a hospital that gave transporters that title. It's like calling a CNA a nurse, which we all know is not appropriate.
Also, I know of no state that requires that you be an RN before becoming an RT or MRI tech or any other imaging tech.
I'm really not trying to be preachy here, but it is frustrating when there are so many misconceptions about my future career.
A

Very informative post about your future profession.

:Melody:

TypicalFish · Jul 13, 2005

I don't think that the OP was trying to make a judgement between the two, nor has any post that I've read said that 'nurses are better than rad techs' -the Op was merely asking who made more between the two, due to this braggy kind of person who drives her nuts; it wasn't really about RT's-if this braggy woman would of been a chef or truck driver the post would of been the same-I think the OP just wanted to vent, get advice, and see if this woman was exaggerating-there was no implied or overt attack on RTs :)

lady_jezebel · Jul 13, 2005

It isn't that we "hang out" together. Our husbands coach 2 different ball teams together that our kids play on, so it's kind of an unavoidable thing but i've been doing my best to avoid her lately lol. She's also a friend of a friend of a friend as well. I do have one thing to say about her though, she has 2 great sons but I've noticed that they've gotten in the habit of talking over people too. Guess it runs in the family. He he he.

You sound a little obsessed by this woman. There have & always will be people like her. For your own self-esteem, you've got to let this stuff go. It's my guess that you talk about this woman quite a bit to your husband or friends, thereby making yourself feel angry or jealous. Who really cares what she has said, does or thinks? Let it go! :)

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jul 13, 2005

is this really necessary? I am about to finish my first year of rad tech school and it is tough. We have the same pre-reqs as the nursing students do, with the exception of micro, but in its place we have to take 2 semesters of physics. Right now, we are in clinic 40 hours a week. During the regular semester we have 20 hours of clinic in addition to our classes. I am not trying to make an argument about which program is harder or which career is harder or more lucrative. Why can't we just agree that both programs are tough, and that anyone who works in healthcare has a tough job, whether you realize it or not. Also, can we avoid generalizations like the one about rad techs just standing around during a code waiting for the RNs to do something. It really isn't necessary.
A

So sorry you took it that way. I believe you somehow twisted things and took it to the heart. I was talking about the braggy person and how childish she is.

No, it was not necessary. I apologize if your feelings got hurt somehow :rolleyes: and no one here has posted sterotypes about your profession or any other.

All I can say is read things and don't get offended especially if the post was not directed to you. Just move on. I do apologize though. Have a wonderful day.

Very useful and interesting information by the way :)

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jul 13, 2005

I don't think that the OP was trying to make a judgement between the two, nor has any post that I've read said that 'nurses are better than rad techs' -the Op was merely asking who made more between the two, due to this braggy kind of person who drives her nuts; it wasn't really about RT's-if this braggy woman would of been a chef or truck driver the post would of been the same-I think the OP just wanted to vent, get advice, and see if this woman was exaggerating-there was no implied or overt attack on RTs :)

Thank you kindly TypicalFish. (I feel more at peace) since I thought I did something wrong

MOnurse · Jul 14, 2005

Hi everyone. I'm a little confused about something. I know this girl, let's call her Miss Braggart. Anyhow, she's a friend of a friend of a friend and after speaking to her a few times i've come to the conclusion that I don't like her and I like just about everybody and anybody. She and her husband are those obnoxious type people who brag about EVERYTHING. Example- My son wears this brand, what does your kid wear? We have a boat, do you? Etc... Anyway, to my point...she is an x-ray tech (for 3 years, oh and don't let me forget to mention she has a best-friend relationship with all the doc's at the hospital, they all love her and say she's the best ...EVER! ) and when I told her I was going to school to be an RN (I'm taking my pre-req's now) she laughed in my face and said "I'm in x-ray and I make more money then most nurses that work there, besides nurses get no respect" Of course I just smiled because I was so shocked by her blunt comment I didn't know what else to say. This can't be true can it? A big part of me thought she is one of those "try too hards" , you know those people who try so hard to impress they leave the opposite impression? If I remember correctly she said she made $18 an hr. Well, of course I'm not following my dreams for money....BUT...I do have 4 children and a husband who is the breadwinner and I want to know that if something ever happened where I'd have to support my boys I could. I'm sure most of you can relate. My question is....will I go to school and bust my rump for 3 and a half years in nursing school to make less income than someone who finishes school in a lot less time? (Not that an x-ray tech is a bad thing, please don't get me wrong, but money does come into play when you're poor and eating beans and cornbread so you can pay for college.) I live in KY and I'm not sure what the starting salary is for new nurses here. Can anyone shed some light on the average pay for new nurses in your state/area please?
Thanks,
Christy

Hey guys,I am new to this site... I did not read the entire thread, but did read SOULSHINE75's initial post. I am an RN ('99) living in the St. Louis subarbs and my husband is retired Navy, about to graduate from RAD TEC school. My first job as an RN in Texas, on a VERY difficult floor, paid $13.41 and hr!!!!!! Unbelievable to me, made more than that before the degree with far less responsibility and stress. My husband has friends that have graduated that are making $17.00 - $26.00. hr. Now the high end pay is with no bene's or are PRN. With 5-6 yrs exp a major hospital here would only pay me $19 an hr and some change. That is inconceivable to me. I have to work agency here to make more money. Now I am not complaining about what RAD TECS make, to the contrary, I am happy, as my husband is about to graduate. But there is no comparison between our jobs, RN most certainly should make more. IMHO

angelac1978 · Jul 14, 2005

((Speaking of x-ray techs, meaning a tech. not an RN))..
How do x-ray techs save lives? When ever there is a code, they just stand there! When something goes wrong, they look to the RN on what to do!
The RN's do all the work and take responsibility. I think RN's should make WAY more than they do now!

If this isn't a generalization, I don't know what is!

The post that I replied to seemed to imply that nursing is very difficult (which I know is true) while radiography was a piece of cake, which is not the case. My feelings were not hurt, not sure where that impression came from, and there was no need to apologize, with or without the rolling eyes. However, I do not appreciate being told to "move on" and to not let things offend me. Just because a post is not directed at you does not mean that it can't be offensive to you.

I have no problem with the OP and I realized her intent from the beginning. I was just commenting on some of the posts here and answering a question about an RT's job description and education.

A