Hello. I am considering NP and PA school. I have a few years of experience as an ED Tech in a Level 3 Trauma Center in California (busy, but not too intense). Our ED is staffed with PA's no NP's.
I have a few questions about clinical differences between NP's and PA's. I know that PA's seem to have a great ability to work in surgery specialties like ortho, neuro, peds, and cardio surgery. They do pre and post surgery exams, order interprets tests, and prescribe meds (at least in 47-49 states). Are there any NP's on this forum who do this? Are there any in California who can comment?
Second. I know that most PA schools have a much longer clinical component than do NP schools. I have been told it is because NP's already have so much clinical experience as nurses. But can you really compare the two? In our ED, the nurses are not making differential diagnoses, determining etiology of disease, etc. etc., they are monitoring the pt's overall state and response to the treatment ordered by the Physician (or sometimes PA). Therefore, does this experience compare to the rigorous training PA's get in diagnosing?
Part of my interest in medicine is the actual procedures themselves. I want to do chest tubes, central lines, suturing, first assistant surgery, etc. etc. Are there any NP's out there who are doing this?
Finally, I know some people (including some nurses) who deride the "nursing diagnosis" concept. Can anyone offer up a brief rationale for how nursing diagnoses are of value to an NP in clinical practice?
Thank you for the information. I was wondering what you thought of the PA program at the University of South Alabama?
hey siri,
I think if i knew I wanted to go into surgery I would go to either cornell or UAB. Between the two I would probably rather go to cornell because it is so well known. I would definately go to UAB but it would probably be my second choice. I think a residency is probably the real key though, especially since some of them pay competetive salaries anyways and offer some very autonomous and advanced learning opportunities.
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Hi again!!
When you say UAB, do you mean University of South Alabama (USA)? I know they have a fairly good reputation for NP as well as PA. And, I think it is a great Masters program for the PA, yes??
And, I totally agree with you regarding residency.
When you say UAB, do you mean University of South Alabama (USA)? I know they have a fairly good reputation for NP as well as PA. And, I think it is a great Masters program for the PA, yes??
And, I totally agree with you regarding residency.
I know how to become a NP. So say, for instance, that I want to become a surgical PA - Where do I start? Is there a certain PA school and how long is it? (People say PA is a popular job in the hospital but Ive never seen one on the DHealth channel or in hospitals). It doesnt seem as popular so I am having a hard time finding info on it about HOW to become one. I know its a masters degree (right?).
SORRY I have so many questions! I just want to see what's out there....
I know how to become a NP. So say, for instance, that I want to become a surgical PA - Where do I start? Is there a certain PA school and how long is it? (People say PA is a popular job in the hospital but Ive never seen one on the DHealth channel or in hospitals). It doesnt seem as popular so I am having a hard time finding info on it about HOW to become one. I know its a masters degree (right?).
SORRY I have so many questions! I just want to see what's out there....
Allie, PAs tend to blend in with Docs and NPs. Pay attention and you'll see some jackets that say "PA-C" On them. FOr more information on PA training in surgery here are a couple of links. Siri gave you the link to UAB. Below is the link to cornell's surgical program and the link to the association of postgrad training for PAs where you can find tons of different surgical fellowships and residencies. From my research I would recommend the Duke, Johns Hpokins, and Norwalk yale residencies. They range from 12-18 months of further surgical training and pay decent for a residency.
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Hello, caldje,
Not at all ~ glad you are here to provide links and information regarding the PA. We welcome you.
I'm very happy that NPs and PAs can come together at allnurses.com and offer alternatives for the membership. If we ALL could work together like this, WOW ~ what a difference we could make.
Possibilities would be ENDLESS!! Again, thank you.
The differences in both should be spelled out, thus it is good getting both NPs' and PAs' viewpoints on these professions, as the OP'er requested. I often see nurses and NPs on the popular PA forum I often visit and it is entirly welcomed, as should be other professions on this site too--negativeity aside.
JI'm a PA and work very autonomously. I do not need to "run everything" past the doc nor have everything okayed by nor signed by a doc. I ask whenever I have a question, which is a good thing for the patient, right? I write all my own scrips and fully diagnose, order tests, and interpret them, and make medical decisions, and carry out treatment plans, etc, etc... I think your preception of PAs is a little off. The indipendence thing isn't something that is as much of an issue as some make it out to be because many mid-levels, both NPs and PAs often work practically very much the same--practically speaking.
Heh i just have something to contribute, this whole discussion about NP or PA, in Australia is mute as we don't have PA's. When studying for your NP (Masters) you choose between two electives, one in medical the other in surgical.
sirI, MSN, APRN, NP
17 Articles; 45,868 Posts
Hello, caldje,
Thank you for the information. I was wondering what you thought of the PA program at the University of South Alabama?