Differences in Specialties?

pricklypear · Jun 24, 2005

Fran, I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for, but I'll try!

1. They go to different schools (have different degrees)

2. PAs practice directly under a physician only - a NP may practice under a physician, but can also practice independantly. I'm not sure exactly what the difference in scope of practice is between them.

3. PAs use the medical model of care, and NPs use the nursing model of care.

That's about the extent of my knowledge!!

FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I · Jun 25, 2005

Thanks for the input, pricklypear. I appreciate it. I do know the differences in their practices, and think the NP can prescribe more meds than a PA can. I have such a curious mind I won't stop until I get the whole nitty gritty. Me thinks it's time to do some research.

pricklypear · Jun 25, 2005

What would curious minds like ours do without the Internet, Fran?? Remember when you had to go the library to find anything out? And way back before card catalogues were computerized??? Good luck with your research!

FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I · Jun 26, 2005

Thank you. Yes indeedie we have come a loong way from way back when havn't we. I remember when I first began using a computer, I couldn't stand to look at the monitor for very long because it hurt my eyes. Now I get so transfixed on it sometimes I forget to even eat.

live4today, RN · Jun 26, 2005

Thank you. Yes indeedie we have come a loong way from way back when havn't we. I remember when I first began using a computer, I couldn't stand to look at the monitor for very long because it hurt my eyes. Now I get so transfixed on it sometimes I forget to even eat.

Boy, can I relate to that drastic change in myself!!! :rotfl: I remember when I couldn't stand the thought of having to be on the computer. I couldn't find my way around it for nothing. Then my estranged spouse showed me how to use it, and the rest I figured out on my own by searching for things myself via the "search engine", and now I have to talk myself into getting off the 'puter long enough to potty, feed my body, and feed my mind with other things. :rotfl:

As for an NP and a PA.....they can prescribe the same meds and they both work under an MD. Even if a NP has their own office, they still have to be under an MDs license.........don't they? I think that's right anyway. :uhoh3:

NicInNC, CNA · Jun 26, 2005

What are the differences between a Physician Assistant and a
Nurse practitioner?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses with advanced training in nursing. They specialize during their training, such as a pediatric NP, geriatric NP, family health NP, or women's health NP. Physician assistants are educated in the broad spectrum of medical and surgical care, allowing them to practice in the variety of specialties rather than one specific area of study.

The education for a NP is degree based -- that is; nursing students are required to obtain a specific degree in an advanced nursing specialty as a requirement to practice as a NP. Physician assistant education is competency based -- that is, they must master certain clinical skills taught by an accredited PA program.

Another difference between NPs and PAs is their relationship to physicians. PAs work with physicians in a team model, with the physician providing appropriate supervision to ensure the patient is receiving quality medical care. This is because PAs and physicians both practice medicine.

NPs, in most states, work in a collaborative model with physicians, that is having a physician to whom the NP can refer patients requiring specific medical care. This is because NPs practice nursing under the state nursing regulations rather than providing medical care under the state medical practice act.

RN4NICU, LPN, LVN · Jun 26, 2005

As for an NP and a PA.....they can prescribe the same meds and they both work under an MD. Even if a NP has their own office, they still have to be under an MDs license.........don't they? I think that's right anyway

Depends on the state you are in. Some states do not require the NP to be associated with an MD. They are never under the MDs license, but some states do require the MD to cosign some orders.

FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I · Jun 26, 2005

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are registered nurses with advanced training in nursing. They specialize during their training, such as a pediatric NP, geriatric NP, family health NP, or women's health NP. Physician assistants are educated in the broad spectrum of medical and surgical care, allowing them to practice in the variety of specialties rather than one specific area of study.
The education for a NP is degree based -- that is; nursing students are required to obtain a specific degree in an advanced nursing specialty as a requirement to practice as a NP. Physician assistant education is competency based -- that is, they must master certain clinical skills taught by an accredited PA program.
Another difference between NPs and PAs is their relationship to physicians. PAs work with physicians in a team model, with the physician providing appropriate supervision to ensure the patient is receiving quality medical care. This is because PAs and physicians both practice medicine.
NPs, in most states, work in a collaborative model with physicians, that is having a physician to whom the NP can refer patients requiring specific medical care. This is because NPs practice nursing under the state nursing regulations rather than providing medical care under the state medical practice act.

Thank you for clearing that up. You have just saved me hours of research. My hat's off to you. Even though I don't know your real name.

NicInNC, CNA · Jun 26, 2005

Thank you for clearing that up. You have just saved me hours of research. My hat's off to you. Even though I don't know your real name.

Nicole is my name. :)

And thank Yahoo. All I did was type in a search for "differences in Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant". :chuckle

FranEMTnurse, CNA, LPN, EMT-I · Jun 27, 2005

Nicole is my name. :)
And thank Yahoo. All I did was type in a search for "differences in Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant". :chuckle

Well now, Nicole, Yahoo sure made you look like you knew what you were talking about!!!!!

NicInNC, CNA · Jun 27, 2005

Well now, Nicole, Yahoo sure made you look like you knew what you were talking about!!!!!

Yahoo is my best friend... :rotfl:

The only problem with search engines is that you sometimes get bogus sites that don't know what they're talking about. My PSY instructor said that .edu and .gov sites are the most reliable, so that's what I look for. Just keep that in mind when you do a search. :)