Considering career in nursing, but not sure what I should do

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I am considering a nursing career, but I'm so confused with all the possibilities. I think I would like to go for NP, but I also heard good things about PAs. I am not sure what the differences are, can someone fill me in? I was wondering what the differences in responsibilities, typical daily activities are for NP and PA.

Also, in order to become an NP, does one have to work as an RN first?

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Hi jlan79. Welcome to allnurses.

I am attaching a link to a thread that discusses the differences between NP's and PA's. It has about 250 posts and a couple of PA's post as well, dispelling a lot of the misconceptions about the PA profession.

I hope you find it useful.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f34/clinical-differences-nps-pas-83016.html

Also, here is one titled, "becoming an NP with little to no experience." it's fairly lengthy, so hopefully there will be something in there that will help your decision.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f34/becoming-np-little-no-nursing-experience-193372.html

If you click the "Specialty" tab on the bar, and then "Advance Practice Nursing," you will find LOTS of threads related to being a NP.

Hope this helps.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello, jlan79,

I moved your thread to the Nursing Career forum.

Please check out the threads provided by np wannabe. Excellent educative links.

Good luck with your decisions.

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