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?
Although many of the comments on this thread have been nothing but opinion and here-say, there were some that really did help us understand the clinical differences between the two (i.e. mango-lo-maniac, npingeorgia, and Coolgramma, to name a few).
As someone who could easily go the NP or PA route, I appreciate the information - especially from those of you working in the field.
Through reading these posts, I have gained respect and knowledge of both NP's and PA's, and can make a better decision for my future career.
I'm no expert, but I've been researching schools and various advanced medical programs myself...so,
Depending on your own desire(location/educational route), and your experience there are still a variety of paths to become a PA. Some schools actually still offer a "diploma" program for PA but I imagine, for obvious reasons, this will fade quickly. There are both Master's programs and certification PA programs. If my info is not outdated, there are even several schools at which you can earn a BS of your choice and the curriculum runs with your PA school. Like I said, I'm no expert and I'm still learning but keep in mind the path and degree YOU would like to obtain(after learning all of your options) and try to match it with the school that best suits you.
I am actually still working on my ASN at this time, but upon graduation, I will work as much as I can for a short period of time(mainly to pay debt and save money) and then I will knock out my BSN which should only take me about 1 year because I am already taking classes that will be part of that curriculum. After that I will work for experience and will probably seek a PA certification(perhaps a master's program) and eventually I would like to work on a doctorate(just to have the title-ha ha). Really though, I've been interested in a Doctor of Medical Science degree for various reasons. It appears to be an interesting field of study and I will be able to teach and practice medicine without being an MD.
Good luck with your search. I know my info was kind of vague, but we do have our uncertainty in common so let me know if you find any good, concise source of accurate information. I'll do the same for you if you'd like.
i practice mainly with PAs all day long (surgery). the biggest differences i have seen through the years is...
1. they suture better than me
2. they are jealous that i don't have to take another re-cert test :)
Hello Ezra73.
It sounds to me that you are a surgical NP? And, if that is the case, may I ask what route you took to get there? (in terms of education and experience?)
I am very interested in surgery, but do not want to go the PA route. I am trying to select the most versatile NP specialty I can (you never know where your interests may take you....)
For those that choose to take an alternate route to become a PA should take advantage. The path to becoming a PA is starting to narrow. Most PA programs have converted to Master's or in the processes. From what I understand, the accrediting agency is trying to make the PA education uniform like Med School so the minimum admission requirement will be a BS/BA. However, the agency is being met with much resistence at several state levels.
PAs average a little more than NPs on the whole but an NP and PA working in the same situation usually make the same ammount.
There is no such thing as an FDA number. FDA= food and drug administration. However, the numver you need to write certain prescriptions is a DEA number. DEA=Drug enforcement agency. Both NPs and PAs have DEA numbers. PAs can write scripts in 49 states. I dont know how many NPs can write in.. last I heard it was 49 as well.
PAs average a little more than NPs on the whole but an NP and PA working in the same situation usually make the same ammount.
There is no such thing as an FDA number. FDA= food and drug administration. However, the numver you need to write certain prescriptions is a DEA number. DEA=Drug enforcement agency. Both NPs and PAs have DEA numbers. PAs can write scripts in 49 states. I dont know how many NPs can write in.. last I heard it was 49 as well.
CrazyPremed, MSN, RN, NP
332 Posts
Although many of the comments on this thread have been nothing but opinion and here-say, there were some that really did help us understand the clinical differences between the two (i.e. mango-lo-maniac, npingeorgia, and Coolgramma, to name a few).
As someone who could easily go the NP or PA route, I appreciate the information - especially from those of you working in the field.
Through reading these posts, I have gained respect and knowledge of both NP's and PA's, and can make a better decision for my future career.
Thank you all very much.
CrazyPremed