FNP vs. PA jobs

[NinaAnder1225]

Is the job market better for a FNP or PA for 2013 and the future? Are FNP being forced into jobs as charge nurses because their lack of training in inpatient settings? If you are a PA or NP, I would greatly appreciate your experience as a new grad in finding a job/pay/obstacles in prescribing meds/job satisfaction/preparedness as a new grad and where your first job was. Thanks!

[NinaAnder1225]

Any comments?

[BostonFNP, APRN]

This varies considerably based on your location.

FNPs are in fairly high demand, at least around here, and new grads are having the pick of their jobs in both primary care and speciality settings. I would assume PAs are about the same, at least until independent practice passes for NPs.

For reference, the program I work closely with has 95% employment by 9 months post-grad for the past three years.

[NinaAnder1225]

Thank you! This is helping aid my decision.

[Nurse Kyles, BSN, RN]

In my hospital, there are far more NPs than PAs. Our Cardiovascular surgery department is the only department that has PAs. I often look at employment listings in my area. Most ads I see on hospital websites or employment sites in my area look like this: Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - Cardiology (or whatever other specialty). We do not have any PA schools nearby, but we do have a NP program at the state college in my city. I am guessing that is why there is more NPs, just because there is local supply.