Any RNs switched to PA career?

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Contemplating going back to school to become a physician assistant. Seems like most RNs take the NP route, but PA would be cheaper for me and might allow me to work in the OR. From what I understand NPs aren't in the OR. I'm under the impression that PAs can get hands on training in new depts, whereas NPs need to go back to school fir another certification.

I feel like I can't do much as an RN b/c I hated med surg while in school. Most of it was b/c I found it so overwhelming and my brain could not keep up. I became a psych RN and like some parts of it, but get tired of dealing w/ the same people for 12+ hrs. I know ther are other areas in nursing, but the way the market is right now no one wants to cross train you into another dept and I only have 2 years RN experience. Nursing is harder and more grueling than I originally thought. Plus I have an anxiety problem and get flustered worrying I might do something wrong and hurt someone.

So any info about RNs turned PA would be appreciated.

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Specializes in ER/ MEDICAL ICU / CCU/OB-GYN /CORRECTION.

I was an LPN for many years and then went back to school and became a RPA.

You wrote "Nursing is harder and more grueling than I originally thought". Please do not think PA school is any easier I sure will attest it is not LOL.

Also I have known many NP who are in practices that are surgically oriented and spend much time in the OR.

My preference is NOT the OR but has been IM with a sub specialty focus of HIV.

If I can help you in any way or with questions feel free to message me.

Marc

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Specializes in Ambulatory Care, Case Manager.
I feel like I can't do much as an RN b/c I hated med surg while in school. Most of it was b/c I found it so overwhelming and my brain could not keep up. I became a psych RN and like some parts of it, but get tired of dealing w/ the same people for 12+ hrs. I know ther are other areas in nursing, but the way the market is right now no one wants to cross train you into another dept and I only have 2 years RN experience. Nursing is harder and more grueling than I originally thought. Plus I have an anxiety problem and get flustered worrying I might do something wrong and hurt someone.

So any info about RNs turned PA would be appreciated.

I am the same. I worry and get flustered if I do something wrong, which I often wonder how I got myself in nursing. To be honest, I thought that once I finished with nursing I didn't have to go back to school. Now with everything requiring a higher degree I don't seem to have a choice. I thought about becoming a PA prior to nursing, but they didn't have programs in the area where I live and at that time I didn't wanted to relocate. Nursing school pretty much killed my brain cells. I don't think my attention is the same as before and I may not have the patience to sit through the PA program.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Education.

If you thought nursing shcool was hard, PA school will be worse. It goes more in depth with A&P and Patho. If you find yourself getting flustered now, wait until all eyes are on you in a crisis! I tend to think that working as a PA may be even more stressful.

I think it's great that you're wanting to broaden your horizons in health care, however, a bit more experience may be what you need so you can hone in on your skills to make a more educated/experienced decision.

Best of luck with whatever you choose. =)

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Contemplating going back to school to become a physician assistant. Seems like most RNs take the NP route, but PA would be cheaper for me and might allow me to work in the OR. From what I understand NPs aren't in the OR. I'm under the impression that PAs can get hands on training in new depts, whereas NPs need to go back to school fir another certification.

I feel like I can't do much as an RN b/c I hated med surg while in school. Most of it was b/c I found it so overwhelming and my brain could not keep up. I became a psych RN and like some parts of it, but get tired of dealing w/ the same people for 12+ hrs. I know ther are other areas in nursing, but the way the market is right now no one wants to cross train you into another dept and I only have 2 years RN experience. Nursing is harder and more grueling than I originally thought. Plus I have an anxiety problem and get flustered worrying I might do something wrong and hurt someone.

So any info about RNs turned PA would be appreciated.

I feel you! Nurses get treated terribly by management. I am thinking the same thing. PA route if I don't get into CRNA school this year.

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NP can practice on their own in many states. PAs can't yet I believe.

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Oh I don't think college is anything that would fluster the OP, me either. Loved the A&P and Pathophys, actually there is a dumbing down that occurs once you actually start working as a nurse. That part I think, is what sucks. No longer are you allowed to think. Around me, PAs are in OR a lot cardiothoracic and ortho, a lot more now in hospitalist mode too. The part of PA that attracts a lot of nurses is that you get to use your brain.

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Oh I don't think college is anything that would fluster the OP, me either. Loved the A&P and Pathophys, actually there is a dumbing down that occurs once you actually start working as a nurse. That part I think, is what sucks. No longer are you allowed to think. Around me, PAs are in OR a lot cardiothoracic and ortho, a lot more now in hospitalist mode too. The part of PA that attracts a lot of nurses is that you get to use your brain.

You are Correct! The school part doesn't phase me. I took a 12 month accelerated BSN program. I love to learn and figure things out, not just follow a dr's orders. I loved A&P classes.

The PA program here allows applicants in w/ just 2,000 work hrs in healthcare and many I talked w/ were EMTs prior to being in the program. So not sure if more years of nursing exp are needed.

I'm just trying to get a feel for how PA differs from being a nurse. I changed careers to be an RN later in life and have found that nurses can be some of the hardest people to have as co-workers. They treat each other terribly for people that are supposed to be "nurturers". Plus, you get little respect from dr's, etc. If I wanted to be treated like I had no brain I would have worked at McDonald's.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I'm just wondering how PA could be cheaper? Have you already fulfilled the pre-reqs for PA school? I see you are in your second career so maybe you have? The reason most nurses go to NP is because a BSN is what is required to get into NP programs. PA programs require more math/chem do they not?

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Specializes in cardiac (CCU/Heart Transplant, cath lab).

You could look into schools that have an acute care NP with RN first assist (ACNP-RNFA) program. UAB has a distance-accessible program.

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Specializes in LTC currently.

Its possible it could be cheaper. The community college that I am attending for nursing has an Associates Degree Physician Assistant program, and it is HIGHLY competitive, much like the Associates Degree Program. The courses at my school are pretty cheap. The Physicians Assistants are in demand in my area, jobs are plentiful. I so happen know two, that work at the local community hospital with my aunt, both graduated from the Community College I attend, one started off on set salary of 83k a yr, as a new grad, I dont know about the other one. The pay is good, but the PA's put in 12, 14, 16 hours a day, which is pretty much stressful. If things happen at work, they have to stay over. Set salary can be good, but it can also be bad.

Just my little input, good luck in your endeavor.

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Specializes in LTC currently.

typing error above, i meant much like the Associate Degree Program FOR RNs

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