I have two decisions for college?

Question

I want to go to college for either nursing or respiratory therapist. I am already a CNA but i don't seem too interested in nursing but I also don't know much about respiratory therapy but i would like to know if anyone knows more about it or what not.

Answer 1

Yeah, they evaluate patients, respiratory therapists interview them, perform limited physical examinations, and conduct diagnostic tests.

Respiratory therapists evaluate and treat all types of patients, ranging from premature infants whose lungs are not fully developed to elderly people whose lungs are diseased. They provide relief to patients with chronic asthma or emphysema, as well as emergency care to patients who are victims of a heart attack, stroke, drowning, or shock.

For example, respiratory therapists test patients’ breathing capacity and determine the concentration of oxygen and other gases in patients’ blood. They also measure patients’ pH, which indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the blood. To evaluate a patient’s lung capacity, respiratory therapists have the patient breathe into an instrument that measures the volume and flow of oxygen during inhalation and exhalation. By comparing the reading with the norm for the patient’s age, height, weight, and sex, they can provide information that helps determine whether the patient has any lung deficiencies. To analyze oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH levels, therapists draw an arterial blood sample, place it in a blood gas analyzer, and relay the results to a physician, who then may make treatment decisions.

Although hospitals will continue to employ the vast majority of therapists, a growing number can expect to work outside of hospitals in home health care services, offices of physicians or other health practitioners, or consumer-goods rental firms.
Salary range anywhere from $37,650 - $50,860 average

Answer 2

I've been a nurse for many years. Don't get in to it unless you are truly in love with everything about it. It is really hard, and it really bleeds you dry.
There's lots of good professions in medicine. Physical therapists are in high demand. Respiratory therapists too, but I don't think they get paid as much. There's radiology, surgery assistant tech, EMT, physician's assistant, occupational therapist, speech therapist, medical social workers (also low on pay scale tho' higher than other social work jobs), ultrasound tech, CAT scan and radiation tech--all three radiology background.
I think I would start by thinking of what excites me, then research what training is needed and how much it costs, also how long it takes and how much it pays. Then find someone who is doing it and ask questions, maybe even shadow them if possible.
Good luck ... and don't forget there are also rewarding careers outside of the medical/nursing field.

Answer 3

If you go into respiratory therapy you will work with a lot of older smokers and ex-smokers. They are generally resistant to anything you tell them to do. It can get very old after a while. Some people find it to be very rewarding though. RNs have more range in what they do and where they can work.