I have a curiosity question!

AnnaN5 · Dec 24, 2004

Who has a more in depth education? A Nurse Practitioner or a Pysicians Assist.?
I know both write scripts and both work under an MD.

Actually a NP is able to work without the supervision of the doctor, there are a lot of clinics where there are no doctors just NPs and RNs. I think that PAs always have to have a MD/DO sign off on their assesments and what not.

I think they both have a very in depth education. PA programs are masters programs and many require 1000+ hours of health care experience before one can apply.

JJRN · Dec 24, 2004

As an RN I have worked closely with both NPs and PAs. However, all of my best friends are PAs. As they completed their curriculum, it was absolutely more in depth than NP programs. They are taught following the medical model. Alot of physiology and pathophysiology of disease processes. That means no nursing theory BS. Everyone is correct in that they practice in collaboration with MDs, as do most NPs. There are NPs who are independent, but only within their clinical scope. As soon as there is something that they are unable to address alone...the patient must be shipped to appropriate care, and would no longer be the NPs responsibilty. Some may not like to hear it, but medical practice is business and loosing patients hurts an independent practice of NPs. As a PA, when uncertain of appropriate care the MD is available for direction...the patient remains in your practice. PAs can follow up and care for complex patients. Plus my PA buddies are very specialized and very satisfied with their careers. Hope this helps.

debbiemig · Dec 24, 2004

Thanks for clarifying for me. One concern I have at the ECF where I work is that there is a PA who takes call for a few of the Drs. The answering service is instructed to refer to him as" Dr. S........". When he calls the facility and speaks to a nurse, he says " this is Dan S.......". I know he isn't a Dr! I feel that the particular group of Drs are misrepresenting him as a Dr. I have seen on nurses notes where they have spoken to Dr. S and written a telephone order from Dr. S. What are your thoughts?

JJRN · Dec 24, 2004

Correct him in a non agressive manner. It's just the same as CNAs that represent themselves as RNs and say it is the same.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Dec 25, 2004

I have a best friend that will remind folks he is a PA and not the physician...that is a huge liablity to represent yourself as a physician when you are not! Even my NP's do this because of this probelm.

My PA bud wears the white coat..so everyone thinks he is a doc automatically...he says he has his little speech down so well he says it in his sleep! LOL!

But he will admit he has great respect for the NP's because of the nursing training involved. He is a believer that Docs go to school to learn about illness, Nurses go to school to learn about people and the effects illness has on their needs (which includes knowing most of what he knows!)...and even me who is only RN...oh he gives me many kudos for just being a nurse! (I wished I worked with him now...I would feel appreciated daily!!!).

I don't know though...resent thoughts have been making me think about the reality of getting my PA...(NP would take too long...I am no spring chicken...LOL!).