PA's get more respect?

[jphume]

Do PA's get more respect? I understand that fundamentally both NP's and PA's are extremely simililar (don't want to start that debate). However, is there an unspoken perception (that nobody talks about) that PA's are more respectable? Are there any NP's that feel unfairly treated compared to PA counterparts? I'm just trying to get a grasp on reality - right or wrong.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

hello, jphume,

i've experienced zero negativity from colleagues regarding working with np or cns as opposed to pa.

i suppose with anything in life there are those who prefer one over the other and much depends upon the area of the country in which you work and the area of speciality/s.

[patnshan]

I don't see any difference here. I think that this, as with any generalization is inaccurate. You will see places where PA's are more respected and places where NP's are more respected. That is personal preference stuff. No need for you to be worried about it.

Pat, PA-C, MPAS, RN

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I too think this is just a generalization. I agree with Siri: there may be a preference for a PA or an NP or CNS over someone else, but personally, I think it is more of a personal belief system.

[lalaxton]

I think respect is elicited by the individual. There may be people who feel that they receive more or less respect because of their professional designation but I truly think that it is something that you cultivate, it may be individually and it may also be as a group.

[ERNP]

NP or PA is a matter of preference.

For instance, where I am employed we are all NPs, no PAs.

But the ER down the street from my house is all PAs and no NPs.

[Psychaprn]

I have never been disrespected. However, I do think there's a difference between PA's and NP's. PA's , to my knowledge are trained under the medical model while NP's follow a more holistic, nursing based practice.i

[elizabells, BSN, RN]

On the unit where I did my last clinical, we had ten NPs and one PA. All had the same responsibility and status - like a fellow (so above residents but below PA). I understand it may be different elsewhere. On the other hand, Doctors Without Borders hires NPs but not PAs.

[texas-rn-fnp]

Respect is earned by the individual. I have found that personal confidence backed up by mutual respect, having a good knowledge base, and a pleasant manner make a world of difference. These things will go further than any title any day.