NP vs PA vs CNS

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I am considering going for further education. I am an RN w/ a bachelor's degree (non-nursing) and a AA in nursing. I have 6 years experience, 3 years in cardiac acute care (stepdown). I would like information on differences between these degrees and which might be a better fit. I'm married and have a 3 year old daughter. I can't really afford to work only part-time. I have interest in the CNS degree, but was wondering what the job prospects are. I am also wondering what being a PA would be like (I know this is the NP forum). I'm not sure I can handle 4 years of NP school (financially more than anything)

Any advice would be appreciated.

The man was speaking of NP's, He mistakenly wrote RN"s. Educate don't intimidate There is a good chance he wont feel comfortable seeking anymore info here. I didn't call you mean and insecure you claimed that comment for yourself. Now I'm finished.

Specializes in Public Health.

@nomadcrna One thing the most important things that i've learned, as a "musician" - with three degrees, Boston U, Juilliard School, who's performed for presidents, royalty, Nobel prize laureates, speaks three languages, and lived in a few countries - is that opinions are like rare-ends: we all have them. Some just stink more than others. That being said, you can either agree or not agree - it's called being an ADULT. Bottom line. There is no need to try to intimate that I don't know anything about what I write about. It only shows the limitations in one's(dare I say yours?) thinking...

Further, at least I took the time to find out about what I'm addressing, before I post. So, maybe you should do the same and show those critical thinking skills that you learned in school. Opinions are opinions - get over yourself.

Specializes in Public Health.

Let me clarify that I am married to an career Emergency Department Nurse... and she loves most PA's - more than doctors. Secondly, my sister is a PA, and I have friends who are NP's. Tertiary, I won't even try to justify my statements to people who clearly lack the objectivity to continue to hold a conversation with, so good luck to all of you.

By the way, I not just a street performer, who ended up in the hospital for the night and all of a sudden knows what goes on in a hospital. Even he deserves the benefit of objectivity. This, to me, is what's wrong with the world. Everyone takes themselves way too seriously. As a "musician", you have no idea what I've experienced in my short lifetime, in fact, it is one to be envied by most of you - I promise. I digress. The point is that you guys can't deal with opinions from people whom you don't respect. That is ok with me, I am very comfortable in my skin and wish only the same for you all.

Specializes in Public Health.

pghnursedjg, don't worry... this is the future of medicine. Something to be proud of. :blackeye: Forum - bullies are not worth my time, so I am removing myself from this conversation and from allnurses.com So, once again, good to you all.

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Ok. Can ypwe please return to the topic at hand which is what route to choose for an RN who wants to advance.

thanks

Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

To the OP, what type of setting do you want to ultimately work in? Some settings are better suited to one or the other.

I would scratch CNS off the list as you will have much broader opportunities as one of the other two.

For most jobs you will function in nearly the same role as a PA or an NP. The NP route, which you have already started preparing for in your ADN program, offers you the flexibility of being independent if you ever choose to do so. Your notes are signed by you not your collaborating MD, if that matters to you.

I can't stress this enough: take all the advice on this thread with care as much of it is students or those without any practical knowledge of the role/education you are considering waxing poetic about the topic.

Specializes in CCU, CVICU, Cath Lab, MICU, Endoscopy..
You are right, pghnursedjg, most PA's, have the same level of study as a BSN - unless the PA continues on to get their Master-level PA degree.(don't know what it's called.) The difference between a nurse and a PA is that PA's learn more technical things like suturing, ordering tests, interpreting tests, etc.

Furthermore, a nurse who is a part-time NP student is gaining experience every workday, which is just as valuable as a more "intensive" curriculum. I would stay far away from a new-grad PA who has no prior hospital experience. I think that an NP - especially a DNP is by far more equipped than a PA(especially Bachelor's degree PA)... don't tell the PA's that. :-) I'm not bias at all ... :-)

I will correct that point. Anyone can attend P.A school if they have a bachelor degree. Had a friend who was a history major that applied and got in.... Needless to say ended up quitting. .. the 12 lead ECGs were too much.....:eek:

To apply to any MSN program you must have a BSN and experience. ...

I will correct that point. Anyone can attend P.A school if they have a bachelor degree. Had a friend who was a history major that applied and got in.... Needless to say ended up quitting. .. the 12 lead ECGs were too much.....:eek:

To apply to any MSN program you must have a BSN and experience. ...

So the direct entry NPs have BSN and experience? PA schools have a variety of entry requirements including experience. I doubt anyone got in with just a history degree considering the pre reqs. Considering that the overall graduation rates for PA schools are in the high 90s and the PANCE pass rates are in the 90% rate they probably are doing something right.

Specializes in Internal medicine/critical care/FP.

at least they force people who aren't cut out for it to quit. unlike some of these for profit online FNP programs which would probably let him slide as long as he had the dough for tuition.

Hi,

Thank you to all who provided input as I am in the process of making decisions for my next "steps".

It was a lively and sometimes heated debate. Great food for thought.

FEM

Specializes in Long term care, MD, ALS, H & P care.

You have no clue what it takes to get into PA school. Ignorance really is bliss. I have an honors degree in Microbiology from the University of Washington, 5 years experience as a CNA in acute care, long-term care, hospice/palliative care, I am ACLS certified, and have over 2,000 volunteer medical hours. I am currently in the PA program at the University of Washington and it is one of the hardest programs to get into. They require a minimum of 4,000 clinical hours, several hours of shadowing, 3 letters of recommendation, over 60 science credits, and an 8 hour long interview, YES 8 hours!

To apply to any MSN program you must have a BSN and experience. ...

Not true. There are plenty of MSN programs that will take people directly out of nursing school, with no experience, and there are plenty of "direct-entry" MSN programs that will take people like your friend, with a BA/BS in another discipline and no nursing education or experience whatsoever. These programs have been around for decades now; I continue to be amazed at how many people are unaware of that fact and someone, in these "NP vs. PA" discussions, always mentions that all NP students have years of nursing experience. That simply isn't true.

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