Which Program Is More Challenging, Nursing or Respiratory Therapy?
Nurses and respiratory therapists work together in critical care. Both professionals must be capable of rapid and informed decision-making, as they need to respond quickly to emergencies and make crucial decisions regarding the best course of action for the patient’s health. While they have similarities, nursing and respiratory therapy ultimately offer starkly different paths for prospective students, especially in their educational requirements. Education options for nurses, which range from – equips individuals with the skills to diagnose, treat and manage patients with respiratory conditions or those in active respiratory distress. Ultimately, both programs will be rigorous – with one offering a broad medical education and the other focused on a specific subset of patient care. Because many nurses care for a more general population of patients, they need to have a deep understanding of multiple medical specialties, be capable of filling a variety of roles in healthcare settings and be able to adapt quickly to changing situations. A patient’s life may depend on their nurse’s critical thinking skills, as nurses are relied upon to assess patients, identify any number of potential complications and implement appropriate interventions on a case-by-case basis. Many of the challenges of being a nurse also apply to respiratory therapists, but while nurses need to be knowledgeable of countless conditions, the latter needs to be an expert specifically in cardiopulmonary issues, particularly lung function. Respiratory therapists need to possess in-depth knowledge of the respiratory system, lung diseases and various treatment modalities. Understanding complex pulmonary conditions and staying updated on advancements in respiratory care is crucial to helping patients breathe. Respiratory therapists often work with critically ill patients who may require life-saving interventions, such as mechanical ventilation. The responsibility of managing ventilators and adjusting settings to optimize patient outcomes is a significant challenge because, if not done correctly, patients could easily lose their lives. A thorough education will prepare you for whichever medical career you choose. Start your educational journey today with a school that understands the necessity of a comprehensive yet flexible education. St. Louis College of Health Careers’ degrees are tailored to give students the expertise they need to diagnose a patient’s condition, plan and implement a treatment plan and evaluate the results. We’ll teach the skills and knowledge you need to pass relevant certification exams and enter your chosen profession. Call 866-529-2070 today to learn more about our course offerings and start your application.