Respiratory Therapy vs RN (employment, job openings, degree, paycheck) - Work and Employment -Jobs, employers, employees, hiring, resumes, occupations, government, laws, unions, contracts, workers, part-time - City-Data Forum

Nurses have many more opportunities for specialization than respiratory therapists. Health care teams include a number of different professionals who provide services that help people regain or improve their health. Two professionals who work directly with patients are the respiratory therapist and the registered nurse.

Although they study some of the same subjects and need similar personal qualities, RTs and RNs perform different jobs. Respiratory therapists work with people who have breathing difficulties, such as premature babies whose lungs are not fully developed or elderly patients who have damaged lungs from smoking. They may perform diagnostic tests to evaluate lung function or test oxygen levels in the blood, administer inhaled medications, and apply or manage ventilators for patients who cannot breathe on their own.

RTs must be licensed in all states except Alaska, but the licensing requirements vary from one state to another. Although certification is not required for RTs to practice, it is available from the National Board for Respiratory Care and employers may prefer to hire certified RTs.

RNs provide direct care and are also responsible for the provision and coordination of care, which may include directing members of the health care team such as RTs. With their broad scope of practice, RNs are likely to have supervisory responsibilities for staff such as licensed practical nurses and nurse aides. RNs must be licensed in all states; they become licensed by passing the national NCLEX-RN exam.

Certification is optional for most RNs, but some advanced practice nurses must be certified. Certifications are offered by a number of different organizations. Typical courses include anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics and microbiology, as well as supervised clinical experience. Although registered nurses may study the same subjects, the focus is different, as RNs must care for the whole patient. RNs also have the opportunity to obtain additional education and become advanced practice nurses, with a broad scope of practice that includes medical functions.

Although most RTs work in hospitals, they may also work in outpatient care centers, nursing care facilities or in-home care.

who makes more money registered nurse or respiratory therapist

In hospitals, RTs may need to work evening or night shifts, weekends and holidays. Depending on the work setting, they may work shifts, weekends and holidays, or work typical business hours with weekends and holidays off. RNs have a variety of opportunities for specialization, and may also work in jobs that require nursing experience and an active license even though there is no patient contact.

Which make more a nurse or a respiratory therapist

In comparison to RTs, RNs generally have higher salaries, more opportunities for specialization and a wider range of work settings. RNs also have more opportunity for advancement in clinical care by becoming advanced practice nurses.

RTs have more limited responsibility, however, and do not typically have supervisory requirements, which may suit some people. These professions need similar qualities and abilities, such as compassion, attention to detail and patience. Both jobs can be physically demanding, as these professionals spend much of the day on their feet.

The occupational risk of infections or injury is similar, according to the BLS. Beth Greenwood is an RN and has been a writer since She specializes in medical and health topics, as well as career articles about health care professions. Greenwood holds an Associate of Science in nursing from Shasta College. Skip to main content. Registered Nurse by Beth Greenwood Nurses have many more opportunities for specialization than respiratory therapists.

Respiratory Therapist 2 [Assistant Make] How Much Does an Anesthesiologist's Assistant Make? Respiratory Therapy Basics Respiratory therapists work with people who have breathing difficulties, such as premature babies whose lungs are not fully developed or elderly patients who have damaged lungs from smoking.

Nursing Basics RNs provide direct care and are also responsible for the provision and coordination of care, which may include directing members of the health care team such as RTs.

Differences in Work Settings Although most RTs work in hospitals, they may also work in outpatient care centers, nursing care facilities or in-home care. Contrasting the Two In comparison to RTs, RNs generally have higher salaries, more opportunities for specialization and a wider range of work settings.

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May Respiratory Therapists U. Occupational Employment and Wages, May Registered Nurses. About the Author Beth Greenwood is an RN and has been a writer since Suggest an Article Correction.

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