Nurse vs Respiratory Therapist - Which is Better? (RN vs RRT)

[@RespiratoryTherapyZone]

RN and RT are both amazing careers! But I want to hear your honest opinion... Which career do you think is better? Leave a comment and let me know. You can read our full guide on this topic here ➜ ➜ ➜ bit.ly/3eQJg9m

[@YolandasLifeVlogs]

I'm an RT. Being a nurse maybe better some because there are so many other avenues they can take and they're not responsible for the whole hospital just their 7 to 8 patients. But for someone like myself who can not and will not do wound care (sometimes see maggots 🥴), poop, and all that extra charting being an RT is for me. Grant it there have been trach patients with maggots. I have thought about going back to study for P.A. but I can't stomach the things PAs do either. Pay scale wise there are RTs making as much as RNs but very few. Working as an RT is off the charts stressful FOR ME. But there have been plenty of nights I've felt I got paid for doing nothing. But at the end of the day it's all about patient care, working together as a team, and no codes. Finally, never ever say ____ ______ during the shift. Just wait till you get to your car! 😄

[@elritawashington1133]

Respiratory therapy

[@rosaleelugg7288]

00

[@mattiestewart8371]

It’s honestly the poop. I can’t do poop. Also when I shadowed nursing, I only saw a lot of nurses injecting medicine 24/7 and that’s it. ( I know they do so much more) but the bulk of it just wasn’t it for me.

[@zacharygleisner3894]

Where I workCNAs primarily Deals with patient daily needs while RNs focus on the health.

[@lorrenwood7747]

They both are equally important! I'm an RRT at COVID hospital and both RN and RRT work together as a team to make sure these patients live another day. Not one is superior to the other.

[@emelyo4690]

New RT here, it’s very obvious with this pandemic that the RT dept should be more invested in and RTs should be more recognized! :) Proud to be part of the RT dept and glad I chose this path.

[@justinem9215]

The first whiff of that colostomy bag will have RRT's saying thank the LAWD I'm not the RN. Chest up baby! LOL

[@GillVRRT]

Peep over poop

[@AliannaRenell]

Lmaoooo!!!!!!

[@LizethSandoval006]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Petta_chip]

Facts🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kaystewart1534]

I have friends in both fields and there's constantly debate about it. Its really dependent on what an individual feels passion for. I'm currently an RT student with two semesters left. I was drawn to respiratory because of my own asthma difficulties and seeing how my grandfather was so kindly taken care of in his final years of ALS by RT's. Respiratory is an amazing field and I can't wait to get out into the world as an RT!!

[@nathalieerdain4618]

RRT❤

[@Bustercherryy]

I’m an RT. And all I can say is go to hell

[@naturallynay7231]

@@Bustercherryy why would you say that? I'm in the dental field and I'm considering changing careers to RT.

[@markedwards6730]

I have been a registered respiratory therapist for 28 years and a registered nurse for 16 years my wife, daughter, and son are Registered Respiratory Therapist both of them saw me in the capacity of Respiratory Therapist and Registered Nurse and still chose to be Respiratory Therapist I worked for a private hospital for 17 years first as a Registered Respiratory Therapist then a Registered Nurse. I worked for both state and county hospitals as a Nurse Educator and I currently work in the federal health care system as a Clinical Nurse Educator. Both fields have been rewarding, both programs we’re equally as tough. As a Registered Respiratory Therapist and Registered Nurse I worked at a 500 bed hospital, there was only one respiratory department, as a Registered Nurse in that same hospital there are 15 nursing departments so for me being a Registered Nurse has given me more opportunity to expand my known base, skill set, and education. I did obtain my MSN and currently work as a Clinical Nurse Educator. I love being a respiratory therapist, as a matter fact I work 10 hour shifts as a Clinical Nurse Educator which allows me to work one day a week as a Respiratory Therapist in an on call capacity. So for me it has been better working as a registered nurse over these last 16 years with all the educational opportunities, the expansion of my knowledge base, skill set, and being able to work in different departments. Not working in the same department with other Respiratory Therapist who hold the same Credentials. During morning and night shift report I would hear the therapist who had those credentials arguing back-and-forth about who’s turn it was to be in the PFT lab that day or who should be in the sleep study clinic that night, As a Registered Nurse working on the unit we never had those discussions we had nurses who were hired as charge nurses and house supervisors so there was no question of who was going to be charge nurse or house supervisor. I Would like to thank all healthcare professionals for what you do on the front lines

[@kaitlinmacdonald327]

I am a current RT student, and so far I love it! I like to think of a nurse being a jack of all trades while RTs are specialkzed in cardiopulmonary health and rehabilitation 🥰🥰🥰 both are essential in caring for the patient though

[@carriecooper5326]

There shouldn’t even be a Vs. between these two! We are both part of a Team to treat and care for our patients. We work together to serve up the best options and bounce ideas off of each other to help think outside of the box to help each patient with their individualized needs. Pros and cons are everywhere, it is personal preference, can you handle blood more than sputum? Are you more interested in working in a specialized field, or can you work in multiple anatomy systems? ((I started this comment before the ads were done)) Thank you for your disclaimer!

[@BillLingad]

BSRT, RRT for 7 years and I'm loving it! I make $65 per hour so I'm pretty sure I'm making good money as well.

[@6a6yPeaches]

Pre or post covid?

[@BillLingad]

@@6a6yPeaches both

[@6a6yPeaches]

That’s awesome where are u located?

[@realsuperchanchan]

Nice

[@hidros1461]

Whats difference in BSRT vs RRT

[@tonyajones7192]

Just started my second year in respiratory. This is great information for someone who is undecided or looking for more information.

[@Rasheens-Story]

Definitely getting my masters 100% physicians assistant sounds great for me. I ended up choosing RT because it was way more appealing to me 😍

[@GillVRRT]

Congrats! Or you can just work 3 days a week as an RRT and start a side business doing something else! Just enjoy life and make the most out of it. Being a PA, you may still be looked down upon by the doctors. Been in the medical field for 11 years. I've seen it all.

[@thejasosei]

@@GillVRRT you’re so right, your comments have been very helpful

[@jaimecarter8584]

At my hospitals we have young new rns who think they’re on top of the world. They treat RTs like crap but I’ll always love RT over any other profession. ❤️

[@GillVRRT]

Haha physicians love their RRTs in the ICU so it don't matter what the nurses think tbh.

[@oakpkdude]

@@GillVRRT My sister is an RRT and she told me that an RN gave her an order and the doctor who was head of the dept. overheard it and told her, "She is an RRT, not your assistant. Do it yourself". She quickly added that most of the nurses are great though and they respect each others abilities and concentrate on their patients and not their egos.

[@maayannurilov828]

I would like to start by saying that I honestly think that both careers are amazing and SO IMPORTANT! But personally I prefer the RRT career. When applying for university I thought about applying for both Nursing and Respiratory Therapy, but after reading more about each career, I got a lot more interested in Respiratory Therapy , and that’s what I chose. I especially loved the fact that Respiratory Therapy profession focuses on one area of expertise! At this point I didn’t really know the differences in the salaries and more facts such as what was mentioned in the video. This video actually helped me understand more about the differences and similarities between the two careers, and also helped me learn many new things that I did not know before about this topic. Was very interesting :)

[@highvalue1195]

I guess it’s personal choice and both jobs are important but every nurse I talk to hates their job. Pretty much every respiratory therapist I have talk to you or come in contact with say they pretty much enjoy their job.

[@danealsilvera4686]

That’s crazy! Thank you for that

[@highvalue1195]

@@danealsilvera4686 But on the other hand my sister is a nurse and she says it just depends where you work. She prefers low income areas because she feels like she’s making an impact on people’s life. When she works at non-low income areas she feels she doesn’t have purpose

[@smilinjoe23]

Because nurses sometimes has to do RT jobs in addition to theirs. For eg; ABG, teach care, neb tx, suction etc etc.. RT don't usually do nurses job

[@DabidRobinson]

My friend was a RRT and was in nursing school with me. His starting pay was high due to his experience

[@lazfromtexas5705]

What is his starting pay if you don’t mind me asking?

[@melindapalotai1511]

I’ve heard from several RN’s that they think respiratory school would be harder. I chose to go to school for respiratory because I can handle all the goo, but not poop! I start my clinicals in the fall!

[@brucemangioet693]

Other's countries don't have RT in there health care settings yet they have ventilators.

[@naturallynay7231]

How's school going as a RT? DO you have and regrets?

[@flashbang5075]

​@@brucemangioet693they might have vents but what is their rates of mortality and morbidity? There is a reason RTs exist and that reason is the complexity of the lungs interfacing with a machine. Trying to pack RT training into Nursing is asking for less then optimal patient care.

[@Yasuke4d]

My perspective about Rt and RN. Respiratory Therapy is a specialty. We specialize in pulmonary where as, nurses must know everything about the human body. Therefore, nurses are the primary care givers with total responsibility. With malpractice suits, nurses licenses are usually referred to State and are also in federal court. RT is rarely referred due to lesser responsibilities. Being a nurse is a very big responsibility. However, RTs are under the radar. We have very minimal overhead. Nursing overhead is ridiculous. They have nurse managers, CNO, nursing supervisors, team leaders, and the Doctors. etc. The money for both disciplines are great. Nurses make more but RT does great as well. As RT, my 15 year salar range was $60,000 to 106,000 with great retirement and benefits. Both careers are great. It's just all about what you're looking for as a healthcare professional.

[@Bookauru]

Do you usually get health insurance with your jobs?

[@xx-knight-xx2119]

​@@Bookauru Depends on the state in North Carolina all full time employees have to be offered health insurance by their employers but that doesn't necessarily mean it's good health insurance. I'm sure there's some state that doesn't require this.

[@ehiggins7476]

We are both essential to the health care system. We are both saving lives and giving patients compassionate care in a time when RTs and RNs are probably one of the most important professions in the world. To all my fellow RTs and RNs stay strong and healthy and be humble.

[@MsMichaelEllyn]

Also, it is important to mention that nurses can also specialize a specific body system, including pulmonology.

[@jacobday745]

I’ve been a RT for almost 20 years, I still love it. My department is very respected in my hospital. I enjoy educating families, students and other coworkers. Nursing does not get the same education on the cardiopulmonary system as we RTs do. At my facility the nursing staff leans on us a lot for help and support. The pay range is a difference where nursing does have a higher pay scale then RT. I do not fault any nurse for that. They have a wider range of responsibilities compared to RT. My significant other is a nurse and my mother is a nurse. I respect nursing but I know nursing is not for me. But honestly to each their own on this topic. I’m a proud RT!!

[@firefauxxz4678]

I'm currently an RRT student, and in the midst of a global pandemic I'm pretty sure we can all see and agree on the importance of RRT's (so glad they're finally getting recognition, somemany people don't even know we exist). I was in nursing school as well and both my parents are nurses; they're obviously just as important and can be argued as "more" important because of how broad there scope of practice is. In short, I can't choose between the two 😭

[@GGPop808]

This was great to read, I’m a new RT student & cant wait to help & be in my field of dreams, Thank you for your frontline 🌿

[@GillVRRT]

Stick to RRT. That extra few dollars isn't worth the abuse

[@marc.cross22]

I only found out RRT exist like a month ago and now I’m enrolled in school for RRT.

[@firefauxxz4678]

@@marc.cross22 Aye, welcome to the family man.

[@mee8492]

@@GillVRRT really? I’ve seen people talking that RT is not worth the time

[@robertbeeler1134]

I am a Registered Nurse who also happens to be a professor in a nursing program. I thought this video was fantastic. I have many friends who are RRTs that I have worked with through the years. This video gave me a whole new understanding and appreciation for them as clinicians. I hope it is OK to share this video with my students when I teach them about the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

[@carlosr.9469]

ER RN here, so much respect for my fellow RTs, yall are slammed during these times. However, RNz have many more opportunities for career advancement and Salary. I've spoken to many RTs in ICU and ED and most of them are going back to school for nursing or other areas. In many states, RNs are doing RT taks and responsibilities. You cannot say the same for RT, but we need RTs all day!!

[@Sweetheartbabez]

I agree and that’s why I’m thinking about nursing. I don’t plan at staying at the bedside, but know I ideally should work 1-2 years for the experience.

[@griselgriselda2901]

Yeah, that’s what I noticed too. Sticking with nursing.

[@zellequinonez8906]

I went to LVN school for nine months and got dropped because I got C. Never went back to retake the term again because I knew I deserved better. I left the nursing path and decided to RT because I always passionate about intubation and Advance life support, as well as trauma. So RT was the best fit for me. I’m on my third term in RT school and honestly I am loving everything I am learning and I’m glad I changed career paths. I just don’t like when nurses think they know everything respiratory wise when they don’t, just let us do our job and you do yours that way we work as a team.

[@SamBWinning]

I’m in the same boat. I’m trying to figure which is for me. I like that nurses have more opportunities and options to work in a variety of work settings. On the other hand I’ve been really looks into respiratory care. I like that rrts are specially trained in one area of medicine that deals with the lungs. But also the heart tbh. Also rrts are less of a job scope compared to nursing. Now I’m not a fan of cleaning poop but rrts aren’t out the woods when it comes to gross stuff. The mucus is gross also.It all comes down to what I have passion for.Both are great careers. Do I want to start Ivs, hang drips, poke ppl in places all over lol. Or just deal with vents, abgs, and breathing treatments? Both are hard working and can be very busy. I may go the respiratory care route. Maybe it’s because the education. Nursing is obviously more competitive. But both require science and math. So if you are like me and having to debate. Shadow a rn or rrt. Or you can get a job at a hospital as transporter like me. You get to see everything int he hospital. Best of luck God bless!!

[@Simon.EJeann]

I feel like RRTs are overlooked, under valued and never given the credit that they truly deserve. I am in my senior year in my program of Respiratory Care, I am truly excited to graduate and I am so glad I chose this field. I do believe both fields are great , but Not a lot of ppl know about Registered Respiratory Therapist.

[@GillVRRT]

RRTs are very well respected in critical care / Neonatal / Trauma. The ones who are always on the floors are the ones that get looked down upon because it's primarily neb treatments for maintenance. Congrats btw. Wish you the best in your new, rewarding career

[@elisabethdixie]

Hey girl if you don’t mind me asking how was RRT school for you and how is it being out in the real workforce? Do you still enjoy it? I’ve been thinking a lot lately about going this route instead of nursing any advice I would greatly appreciate!

[@Simon.EJeann]

@@elisabethdixie Hey girl, I actually graduate in May, two months from now, I already got a job off and work in the hospital that I am going to be working at. I too wanted to do nursing at first but honestly the poop was a deal breaker for me (lol), I love my field, it is a great and rewarding career. I have seen so much in these last 7 months. The respect thing is still an issue depending where you work, but Covid has helped with that alot because now they are recognizing how vital respiratory department is.

[@danealsilvera4686]

@@Simon.EJeann that’s sad that others look down on a specific field, both get paid a decent amount, and elevating is always an option in both.

[@TiaurraS]

Starting respiratory school in a few weeks!! So excited!

[@melindapalotai1511]

Me too!!! I’m nervous and excited!!

[@moneygameplay8864]

Wish you the best of luck! I’m still finishing up prerequisites to apply for RT school.

[@timothyboualaphaii2229]

In my final year (2 1/2 semesters left 🙏) usually first semester is rough but once clinicals come around it'll be a whole new ball game. Best of wishes to all of you!

[@pankajjoshi2032]

How much physics and stat is there in the program? Thank you.

[@MrJohnnym10]

Just a word of advice to all those coming to decide between the two. Yes, RN’s do have a higher pay by just a short amount. But if you’re someone who’s worked in the hospital for all 4 years of school to be an RT. Vs. A RN who has no experience in the hospital or in a clinic. You’re more than likely starting higher. Hospitals pay more for experience. If you’re already a Well Oiled Machine coming into your Job as an RT vs an RN who’s got a lot to learn working on a team in the hospital You’re going to be favored. Sooooo the takeaway is… if you’re going into EITHER of these two. GET EXPERIENCE!

[@griselgriselda2901]

Nurses can work in slightly more relaxed environments like after 1 year of working in a hospital 🏥.

[@pmrtprogram4044]

Respiratory Therapy! Thank you for the video. It reinforces the question I have had our college advisors ask students contemplating RT vs RN...”code blue or code brown?” :)

[@ehiggins7476]

Have you even been in a code blue? I'm a RRT and our skills and interventions are invaluable but, RNs are essential in a code blue; they start IV's, push meds, mange defibrillators, and most times run the code. While we manage the airway, ventilations and oxygenation, they manage everything else. Respect to all my RNs!

[@rachell5445]

Best KZbin Channel! Lots of great info. Will definitely be binge watching all videos! Future RT ✋

[@allthatlooovestuff553]

Saaaame!!!! Good luck

[@pennyadams8425]

I definitely would choose to become a respiratory therapist thank you

[@Gjtrhbt]

Smart choice

[@shakamac1764]

I really appreciate you doing this video. You’re awesome I’m happy I found you. Here in nyc hospitals RT is higher paying since this year over RN.

[@Malficion]

I'll be real with you, you also need to know renal and labs as an RRT. The amount of time I'd have to point out to a resident/NP that the lung opacities are due to fluid overload and not pneumonia is staggering.

[@viviana_lanina1024]

I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field just didn't know what field I would pick, but I fell deeply in love with the heart & lung an how they function the Respiratory Therapy field is so interesting they honestly amaze me. An, I can't wait to start my program this fall, I absolutely have major respect for Nurses I know they put in a lot of hard work in school just as RT's do, but RT get to go to different floors, see different patients, and are always on the go verse Nurse's get assigned to a floor in the hospital and to only a couple of patients on that floor. Especially right now RT's are key in what is going on with COVID-19 and so are Nurses, but for some reason Nurses get recognized more then RT's. #RTSTRONG

[@GillVRRT]

It's ok. Nurses are great people to work with, they just take alot of abuse and they're mostly seen by the patients. RRTs are needed if the patients are having trouble breathing or in an emergency. By the way, patients always love to see their RRTs because we help them breathe. Nurses get cussed at for everything by the patients themselves and family members, can't forget the doctors chew them out over little stuff too. It mainly comes down to snot vs poop, breathing meds vs IV/IM/SubQ meds, IV insert vs ABGs, etc... and more responsibilities for a few more dollars an hour as a nurse. Decisions.

[@insertname978]

Both are stable careers and are essential to one another in order to function as a whole critical patient care but just for me personally, I prefer to be an RRT. I grew up in the family that deeply involved in cardiopulmonary and neuro issues with the need of patient care under RRTs. I met friends that are going into the field and not to mention meeting my fiancé who was once a NICU baby that survived. I couldn’t forget the time I saw my grandpa on a ventilator at the age of 8. So, I always felt like I was surrounded by the pathway of an RRT. It just seems like something was telling me that it was meant for me to become. 🤓 P.S: I can’t deal with code brown either 😭😂💩

[@beezl3bub]

I was an RT 1978 to 1983; then practicing critical care Rn till 2019. Both fields are incredibly rewarding and I recommend both. In some respects, RT was more fun while nursing was harder work, but no regrets. But being an RT first and then Nurse? That put me way ahead of so many of my peers. All the places I worked as RN, we found partnering with RT's of the utmost importance. Conflicts usually arose from person to person drama, as always.

[@mouni910]

B.sc respiratory therapist can run own clinic

[@saradelatorre9288]

Hi everyone! I really like this video. As a respiratory therapy student who is almost done with school i have a biased opinion towards RT! both are amazing careers and they deserve recognition! (i’m also here for the giveaway hehe)

[@Sunkissbabe2]

Is the schooling hard

[@bobnicholas5994]

They are like comparing a police officer to a fireman. I have been a Respiratory Care Practitioner for 27 years. There are two different mentalities involved. Nurses are task oriented. Respiratory has tasks but in a hospital they are involved with every critical patient that can't breath. Oh yeah the phlegm secretion thing stops even tough nurses that will put their hands in anything. Financially there is more money and career opportunities in nursing. Respiratory services are not reimbursed by insurance. Admin can't get rid of Respiratory but they run it as tight as possible. With covid it is a very dangerous job.

[@amberhobbs9174]

Very well orchestrated educational video. Well said.

[@amyh.4824]

I went to school and got my bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in psychology (started off as a bio major before switching). Prior to going to college, I worked as an optometric technician at an eye care practice. Fast forward, I am now 27 and after many trial and error experiences in different careers using my bachelor's degree, I am back to being an optometric tech. I absolutely love working in the healthcare field and love working with patients, helping patients, and seeing their overall care improve. As an optometric tech, I feel like there is not much room to grow, so lately I have been looking into going back to school and becoming an RT. This video was extremely helpful as I was considering both options (RN or RT), but think I would enjoy RT more as I tend to thrive on a career that has more of a specific focus, versus an overall scope. What do you guys think?

[@25peyimwen]

Good luck, I have a bachelor in Business administration and I am thinking about switching to this as well.

[@peacebeewithinHER]

Currently stuck in Health Information Management and looking to get into a different field. The admin jobs like coding, medical records, collection jobs are being outsourced with a strong interest in productivity and the production goals tend to be praised more smh.

[@flickboogers9325]

​@@25peyimwendid you ever make the switch?

[@burniceshaw5830]

After 7 years of banking I made a career change wanted to become a Nurse so im a CNA now on my way to nursing school however I'm just now learning about RT job and still trying to decide between the 2. For new RTs how would we get experience are hospitals accomidative to new RTs?

[@wipadab4130]

Thank you so much. Fantastic information

[@arminegayayan7377]

Great video! About to enter my first semester of RT school. I would rather deal with the waist up 😂

[@alexandracruz8964]

Still a student( one semester left). From what I’ve seen in clinic, both. RT’s should be recognized more and people should know about them instead of nurses taking credit for everything. IG: Alexandracruz33

[@ashleylynde6044]

Thank you! Just got accepted and started this month. I know this is just the beginning for me and seeing my options after I finish this current program was very helpful! Was already leaning towards a PA program after this. Pretty sure that's what I'm going to end up doing. Thank you for taking the time to put this together, appreciate it!

[@ashleylynde6044]

@@nicolepachl244 Thank you, will check it out for sure!

[@elisabethdixie]

Hey Ashley! How’s is RRT school so far? Would you say is been challenging? Do you still have a life outside of school? I was first on the path to go to nursing school but recently I’ve been thinking a lot about RRT school.

[@ashleylynde6044]

@@elisabethdixie It's been challenging for sure. I've had to quit my job to focus more on school but it's going well and I'm learning so much! Not going to lie, I underestimated just how challenging it was going to be, and I've had to completely switch up the way I learn in order to keep up with the pace and to retain as much as possible. It's doable though, but definitely requires a lot of discipline! See if you can shadow an RT somewhere for a few days before making the step. Our program actually gets quite a few former nursing students that ended up not liking nursing and finding RT more interesting.

[@bouabdellaouibasma4173]

@@nicolepachl244 do they get paid the same?

[@lourlicimadomo2818]

❤very helpful!!! Thanks so much😊

[@Twicthjoepr2998]

I like RT because I am studying that and I love it ❤️

[@misterb6416]

I've been an RT for nearly 25 years, best thing I've ever done. I chose RT over nursing because I wanted to be where the action is as RTs go all over the hospital. I've really love being an RT but if I had to do it all over again, I would have gone into nursing. Nursing just has so many branches other than patient care and they are just so much more in demand because of nursing to patient ratios, as to where RTs have no ratio restrictions. The biggest reason however is the NBRC, the NBRC does absolutely nothing for RTs compared to what other allied health care boards do for their constituents but they charge more money than any of them. This is just MY opinion however.

[@matthewfrahm9850]

So if RT is the best thing you’ve ever done for 25 yrs, why would you do it all over with a BSN instead? Pay? Freedom? Ego? Limited scope? Demand, yet you’ve been in the field for 25 yrs? More bedside? Any input helps a lot. I’m similar in needing to be around the action… ER clinicals gave me a taste for it, but the lack of autonomy with RNS/CNAS/LPNS makes it a true “shit-show” (based on personal experiences & testimonies from other nurses on the overall issues of pt:nurse ratios & intertwining responsibilities). As an RT you can separate yourself from this, right? Limited scope of practice would combat lazy management/charge nurses. Anyways, if you could elaborate on this personal conundrum I’d greatly appreciate it!! Best, Matt

[@misterb6416]

@@matthewfrahm9850 Easy answer, it was the best thing that I had ever done, but after working in the field for that long of a time, I seen that it would have even been better if I had went into nursing, for ME, that is. As I got older I realized that there were just so many more avenues for nurses. Case management, infection control nurse, risk management, administration, wound care nurse, and the list goes on. I loved being an RT, don't get me wrong but nurses are so much more in demand due to the nursing to patient ratio. I do know people who started off as an RT, then went back to nursing school and were very successful because having a nurse who was also an RT meant that you were very valuable. I didn't do that and that is my fault. Now, I have friends who are my age and have been RTs for as long as me and who disagree with me. It's just what is up to you. If you're young and want to be an RT, go for it, totally, and if you feel like me, you can always take the classes that you need to become an RN as well.

[@HouseofSamiah]

❤great job breaking that down

[@veroniquedesormeaux7803]

great video!🙂 from a future RT

[@bigbadmamajama11]

From what I have seen during my Nursing career, the fact that Respiratory Therapy exist is a constant reminder of the failure of our Nursing organizations and/or incompetent leaders. I honestly believe you would be a full to pursue Nursing at this point over Respiratory Therapy. There job basically consist of doing less, but with more patients of the things we actually enjoy as a nurse without the grueling pounding that nurses have to put on their bodies. They don't have to constantly lift extremely overweight patients after the 8th time they have gone on themselves from the tube feedings, nor do they have to get pulled on by the overweight patients trying to stand up to walk after you have asked them 20 times not to do that. They are usually the last two be blamed for anything also. The amount of money they are making now traveling is ridiculous. Let's not add that almost everything they do is within a nurses scope of practice except maybe intubation which I have never seen one perform properly. Not saying their isn't some out there that can, I have just never seen it myself and I have been around a lot of different RTs. If you want to be a nurses you should definitely think about avoiding the profession all together and doing RT. As an RT you will not have to worry about the patient families, your staff, your bosses, the doctor, and the patients believing that you're HEMAN and that you should be able to constantly move and lift 300 plus pound people, because the RT that just came before you ignored the fact the patient was down in the bed and gave the breathing treatment and moved on is making more money than you are, doing something that you could have easily done leaving you the task that is going to put you on SSI disability eventually with a life of pain.

[@NurseWalker]

I like your take on things. After reading all of the comments, i am happy that i made a decision to join ur RT program this Fall. Thanks

[@matthewfrahm9850]

Thank you for your honest take.

[@BADGALBABYx3]

currently a RRT student at a 4 year university and I am not going to lie I came into this thinking it would be way easier than it actually is....

[@elisabethdixie]

If you don’t mind me asking how has it been so far? What semester are you in? I’m very undecided between going to nursing school and RRT school. I hear RRT school is slightly easier is this true?

[@BADGALBABYx3]

@@elisabethdixie I currently have one year left, we go all summer as well. I wouldn’t say it’s easier the material covers a lot such as drugs anatomy etc just like nursing and the exams are pretty tough. schedule is rigorous we have clinical rotations while still having classes and exams every week. I do know That most community college associates programs are much easier compared to the bachelors.

[@rainy3527]

I was thinking about doing RT. How is the job outlook going to be in the next five or so years? Is it hard to find a job?

[@bouabdellaouibasma4173]

Thé best informative video ever! Thank you so much

[@johnsonparker9817]

Brilliant video, I’m an emt and im leaning towards RT, my mom is an RN and I respect what she does but I refuse to clean poop haha

[@davidivey8920]

Great vid and presentation 🙏🏼

[@3li3bbas95]

This for me is better than UFC matches lol 😂

[@steevynovirus_f3099]

Hello I’m a RRT ADN you talked about becoming a PA with a master degree please explain the pathway to it thank you

[@cheripurk5037]

I'm licensed as both a RN and RRT. Is this really the question you are asking, "Which is better?" What's really underneath the question? I find it's a little different for each person when I'm asked this. There are pros and cons to both. Each is a different side to the same coin. What do you really want to know?

[@harridabdullah7573]

Hi! Im currently nursing student as of now. My question is how to become an RRT? Do i need to finish my study as nursing to study another year for an RRT?

[@cheripurk5037]

@@harridabdullah7573 Finish out nursing first. RRT is a different pathway and will take a minimum of 2 yrs. Some programs are 4 years for RRT. You can switch from nursing to RRT but check to make sure all your credits transfer.

[@itsagreatbookworld8347]

Hi! I’ve been debating between nursing & rrt for a while but the thing that keeps turning me away from rrt is the job market. We all know rn’s have a lot of flexibility but is there really a low demand for rrt? Also is the pay really that much of a difference? Thank you in advance!

[@cheripurk5037]

@@itsagreatbookworld8347, at the moment there is still a demand for RRT but with that being said I would encourage you to look up job postings for RRT vs RN. This is going to vary depending on what part of the country you live in. RRT is still primarily based in hospital systems or DME. RN can take you just about anywhere, and it does pay out more in the long run and sooner. The potential to move up does not stop with RN.

[@griselgriselda2901]

@@cheripurk5037 That’s true, you can get into less stressful working environments as an RN, whereas in an RT is always at a hospital…

[@jiaofeng6639]

Very very helpful and good video!

[@daniellemiller1192]

28:08 I prefer Respiratory Therapy and this video really helped my decision.❤

[@dwight4694]

appreciate this video, very informative

[@Bibekshrestha3024]

Rt definitely we have lot of autonomy

[@diannakrasnyanskiy4656]

Both careers are great!

[@ChiyomaRN]

I’m a new grad RRT (graduated in may) and I just applied to nursing school last week! Once I reached my 2nd semester of respiratory therapy school, I knew respiratory wasn’t going to be for me! I hate it so much!

[@GillVRRT]

What did you hate about it?

[@ChiyomaRN]

@@GillVRRT literally everything.

[@GillVRRT]

@@ChiyomaRN sorry to hear that. What do you hope to see in nursing? Both careers are not much different to be completely honest.

[@ChiyomaRN]

@@GillVRRT Respiratory just is not something I want to do long term. There’s no room to advance here unless I want to be a teacher or director and I do not. Nursing has so many areas to work in. I love that nursing allows you to have your set number of patients. There is a specific nurse to patient ratio that is respected in many hospitals. I love that nursing is more organized than respiratory. I like that you are in your specific unit as a nurse and not assigned to various units of the hospital. And also the pay here is a lot more than Respiratory therapists

[@GillVRRT]

@@ChiyomaRN I see. We make $2 less than the nurses at my hospital, doing half the work. But thanks for your input! I guess everybody is just different. Best of luck in your nursing journey! I'm sure you'll do great!

[@gabbyjuarez]

Are you able to re-take the tests should you not pass the first time ?

[@sevansnm]

RRT, no wound care beyond trachs for me

[@annamarina6060]

Can anyone recommend any schools for RT in Southern California

[@larryh311]

Thanks for the information. I’m still undecided, so it might just come down to what program that I get accepted into.

[@Delia-ou1ju]

This is like comparing Apple to oranges...both delicious on their own and amazing together in salads. I know this whole worshiping of nurses during this times had created some hurt feelings; however, I don’t think it serves anyone to try to create a division among the two professions. As a nurse I appreciate all my RTs, however it needs to be recognized that nursing IS holistic. Meaning, that besides the physical/clinical aspects of patient care we also have to deal with the psychological/psychosocial; which many times can be a whole can worms in itself.

[@linadiaz1487]

Hello, could you please help me, I have a question. Do you know if a foreign respiratory therapist can validate her title to work in the United States?

[@HEatheRO9]

It honestly depends on the person! Nurses and Respiratory Therapists are two completely different types of people. (Especially dealing with things that we can or cannot handle “sputum or poop”). Together, RNs and RTs make the most valuable team in healthcare. We strive together to provide the best care for our patients. That being said, there is not a “better” career because without each other, we would not survive. RRT here and I believe that nurses are amazing people!

[@SamBWinning]

I was considering nursing for the longest because my mom is one but I’ve been drawn more to respiratory care more. Lol

[@agbaya5314]

@@SamBWinning nurses have more job opportunities and career advancement opportunities

[@SamBWinning]

@@agbaya5314 true

[@agbaya5314]

@@SamBWinning no respiratory therapist job in most countries outside of America. Think journey, think!

[@SamBWinning]

@@agbaya5314 well I don’t think I’m leaving the us anytime soon tho lol

[@mouni910]

b.sc respiratory therapist can run own clinic

[@clintraley5304]

Both

[@dlitefulone]

Just know RTs get zero respect. ZERO! Before a nurse comes here ans says..I love rt.. I'm talking about overall. From admin on down. Many rt departments fall under nursing mgt therefore you will be considered working under them. Dynamics is important as many nursing programs do not teach nursing that rt/rn are a team. Been in the field 17 yrs. With that being said..I love rt I just loathe the negative Dynamics. Don't expect to be appreciated and compensated for your hard work.

[@lazfromtexas5705]

Great video! Future RT 😁

[@jamesedward550]

Better is subjective. RN has potential to make more money and I think it is deservedly so. I was an RT and while I thought the pay was good for what was required of me, eventually I became bored and went to medical school and am now a physician. Many RNs told me they could never work with sputum and I told them I couldn't handle vomit/stool on a regular basis. I'm glad we live in a world with diversity of taste. Remember, better is your subjective experience. With that said, I'm happy I became an internal med physician.

[@thejasosei]

Congratulations! Do you know many people who went the RT to PA route?

[@reyy568]

@@thejasosei Thats what I am going to do

[@robinbarger7665]

Good info!

[@tsetash55]

Very helpful.. Thank you!

[@julieclaycomb6532]

Thanks.

[@NASSER-qw5qf]

both but RN is the ❤️

[@leovaj9372]

well said

[@unkindguy88]

Get RN because of job availability and flexibility, wherever you go you have a place to apply. RTs have limited places to apply. Hell get PT/OT before considering RT.

[@edieadjabeng976]

This is not true.

[@unkindguy88]

@@edieadjabeng976 it is true, just a perspective RTs (at least in my area) is not needed in a Skilled Nursing Facility. That alone is a huge impact on job availability. You can cross out SNF on your "where to apply list".

[@unkindguy88]

@Todd Bradley trust me i did research. All of the departments you mentioned, how many RTs do you see compared to nurses? Ok on the hospital I worked, there are only 1 rt for the ICU (maybe 2 if its packed) , 1 RT per floor, 1 RT for both ER and delivery. Thats a total of 7 RTs in a shift if you only 5 floors in your hospital. Now if you are a nurse you won't have to worry about availability of your job. Its guaranteed you'll have a job. RT not so much.

[@unkindguy88]

@Todd Bradley yes they did but realized they need us however its just that our field is highly specialized and that insurances don't usually cover our services outside hospital settings and sub acute. even then sub acute setting only have 1 rt per 12 hr shift. In my state there is no clear staff to patient ratio pertaining to RT staff. Pediatric setting yes but not on adult setting. RTs are one of the smartest people on any given health care settings, unfortunately job opening are not as abundant as nurse's. Like in a videogame, if you're hardcore go RT, if you're only casual or mobile gamer go RN.

[@unkindguy88]

@Todd Bradley good for you, also I know east coast is better for RTs than west coast. I handle 3 facility by myself. Im an RT by the way. I use to work in prison too and there is 6-7 RT 8 hr shift for the whole prison. 26 RTs? The most RTs I saw in a work place is 14 and that is a shift change. Kaiser Oakland....

[@veebsn4856]

RT doesn't have to wear that funky little hat! but in all actuality I can't handle mucus so I became an RN

[@youyoua988]

But everyone makes more than nurses, literally everyone such as Radiology techs and definitely RTs. Such a good job, definitely way better than nurses. In my areas at least, RT and techs make more than nurses. Nurses have the worst job ever.

[@BxJct0]

i think im not built for this

[@kennyGray-z3y]

Hahaha

[@PiersYves-k2z]

Davis Eric Jones George Jackson Kenneth

[@tameckajones3339]

Respiratory Therapist

[@kaybsorensen3262]

Informative video! I’m for RT, but RNs seem happy and fulfilled too! I love the RTZ videos, but this one especially could use more diversity in the animated bitmoji people- they’re pretty much ALL white.

[@yessyroks946]

Wrong info on Nurses since there a hierarchy RN - manager, admits, plans, discharge LVN- supervisor, follows plan of care and gives medications CNA- nurse assistant, bathes, feeds, cleans

[@mh1290]

PEEP > POOP

[@armandogarcia1862]

😂

[@pympton]

As an RT who has dated plenty of RN's.... the difference in pay is ridiculous. RN's make bank!

[@topfinestthings2283]

may I know if you don't mind me asking

[@pympton]

@@topfinestthings2283 A top notch RN makes about $10 more per hour than an RT.

[@topfinestthings2283]

@@pympton I see, what states where you in at that time... As a future RT can you recommend me the best place to work at. I really appreciate it.

[@pympton]

@@topfinestthings2283 I've worked in Florida and currently NC. I've worked for non profit hospitals and profit hospitals. Honestly I'd recommend working for a non profit hospital because they don't care about money. They treat their staff so much better.

[@topfinestthings2283]

@@pympton Thank you for that information.

[@mzzcharminable]

def a biased opinion

[@Mr.ImRight]

Really? Debate? There is no Debate!!! As an RRT for 5yrs, I always tell people dont get into respiratory. It's not worth it at all. If you wanna work like a dog, get underpaid, under appreciated(unless a code happens), Not do pt care, get low census, work way under staff and many many more thing then RTs the way to go lol. RT is an awesome career in theory but in real life it sucks. We don't use all our scope of practice, instead you get loaded with SVN tx and stack stack stack. You lie about everything you chart(BECAUSE YOU HAVE TOO, TOO MANY TX NOT ENOUGH TIME). I can go on and on but if your going to RT school DON'T!!! Change career if you can. Quick story, We have RT who worked 30 plus years and are top off at 33 to 35 an hr!!! New Grads RNs Start at 35 to 40 an hour!!! YES NEW GRADS MAKE MORE THE VET RTS STARTING. Don't mean to be negative and trust me I love the field of RT but the CONS are just to great for me to recommend it. RN is a way better choice

[@godlysowah9678]

Oh damn.

[@Mr.ImRight]

@Preston White, Yup so sorry I'm always taking care of the most sick Patients!! Always having the Covid Pt... Sorry if the truth hurts.

[@BeastMode19799]

Try a another hospital buddy. You’re missing out

[@cheripurk5037]

This is truth and only a small factor in why I left RT for RN. I wish I had left sooner.

[@baileyjones7923]

So much was good information but there was so much information that was false. LVN an LPN have the exact same scope of practice and sit for the exact same licensure examination. I hardly know of any four-year respiratory therapy program, 90% are found in community colleges and or 2 year programs. There is nothing that an RRT is licensed to perform that is outside of an RN’s scope of practice. In critical care we don’t even have respiratory therapist because RN’s manage the vent settings, we draw our own arterial blood gases, and are the ones at the patient’s bedside for 12 hours. We are allowed to wean off a patient from the ventilator and extubate them as well. It is nice when there is an RT on staff to help take some of the duties off of the RN, but basically there is not one task or procedure that an RT can perform that an RN is not allowed to perform because it is outside our scope of practice. The state boards allow RNs to perform total patient care. And did I did not get a generalized education in the patient systems, one whole year was human pathophysiology that was extremely detailed and every system.

[@johnhamilton5369]

I laugh when RTs who are by that time are almost always doing a different job, talk about how they were “in medicine too, they were a trained RT”.

[@starstarling2932]

I laughed when I tried to read your post. Your grammer speaks in volumes. The fact that you are making a effort to discredit RT shows that you are not a good nurse or that you don't know what the hell is going on especially when it comes to critical care!

[@happylistener4628]

LOL!. I’m laughing at your comment. I have been working as an RT since 1997 and continue loving what I do. In my humble opinion, individuals who degrade any hard working professional is manifesting their dissatisfaction and unhappiness with their own career and life choices. I appreciate you all for everything you do. Thank you.

[@ManiKandan-rg6tx]

​@@happylistener4628 sir pls I completed muy 12 std . Which course is best to me? RT vs Nursing

[@happylistener4628]

@@ManiKandan-rg6tx I cannot choose which profession is best for you. Only you can do that. I can share that Respiratory Therapy has been very good for me. So research each career that interests you thoroughly, shadow and intently observe a working professional and choose carefully. I have never been materialistic and always a saver. Living frugally, being a minimalist and busting my butt 24 years as a (RT)Respiratory Therapist and through the Covid/Delta pandemic 😷, I happily retired at 60 free of debt in 2021 with my employer matched and unmatched retirement accounts, my nice size savings and my emergency fund which will see me through at least 2 years of my expenses. Not to mention collecting my well earned Social Security benefits I paid into for decades. Since my teens. The last 24 years busting my butt working in healthcare as an RT. Today, our family of retirees is gratefully blessed, thriving and enjoying our well earned comfortable retirement. No alarm clock. No commute. No problem. Hallelujah!. Praise God. I wish you all the best. God bless you.

[@JonBrown-po7he]

Choose R.N., NOT respiratory therapist. Physicians refer to respiratory as 'ancillary', lumped in with C.N.A.s. Despite taking the same general education, prerequisites and sciences respiratory earns about 20% to 30% LESS THAN R.N.s. R.N.s and M.D.s ate lunch, conversed idly, and even dated/married; yet, NEARLY never, can the same be said of the LOWLY respiratory therapist. My usual contribution to the 'team' was, " SaO2 is something %" followed by, "ok, ya sure", by the Pulmonologist. 37 years of such 'team work' was not pleasant, or worth it. Further, the nature of the discipline greatly diminishes the areas needed, thus opportunities are diminished. Choose R.N., NOT respiratory therapist.

[@starstarling2932]

I work as a RT There is a 1 dollar pay difference and when I give my opinion to any physician they listen.

[@JonBrown-po7he]

@@starstarling2932 Glad to hear your atypical, working experience was pleasant. Yet your response, is vastly underepresanative of the majority. My original statement is based on my, and many others, shared reality. To prevent others from being lied to by venal, mercenary recruiters employed by unscrupulous R.T. mills churning out far too many in a field already tolerating, also worsening, subpar wages. Reiteration, not retraction.

[@jertricerena9174]

Are you a RT John?

[@JonBrown-po7he]

@@jertricerena9174 Yes🙂.

[@jertricerena9174]

@@JonBrown-po7he okay thank you for all you do in the field. I think it’s a wonderful field and we actually need to raise more awareness of exactly what you all do. Awareness shines light on the importance and value which will(I personally think) increase pay in the long run. However, there are so many other ways to make money. I genuinely think it takes a special person to do what you do. My son had breathing issues when he was a smaller and I could have sure used your skills to really understand the lungs and how I could better help him. We need more respiratory therapists it is an incredible profession. Lets speak life into the career and not death. Surely more people appreciate you than you realize. I’m one of those people. I’ve just seen a few of your comments and I respectfully feel if nursing is in your heart definitely go for it.