In need of advice about NP

[JLThomas8]

I actually posted this in the NP forum as well, but haven't had any replies yet, I apologize if I'm breaking any rules

Hello everyone! Just graduated from High School, and I've been debating for awhile now on what exactly I wanted to do. I thought about just becoming a MD, but I have since decided that I would like more personal direct patient care than most doctors are probably able to provide to every patient. General Practitioner doesn't really seem worth it for the additional schooling and tuition cost, as opposed to just becoming a NP.

I was curious though if I am even correct to assume all of these things. Will NP's be able to spend a little more time with patients? I've tried researching a lot of stuff myself online but it's hard to know what information is accurate. I had considered CRNA, I guess I still am in a way, but I assumed they probably don't have quite the personal relationship that a NP would have with a patient. Although they do make a bit more money, I would rather pick the one that I feel I would be best fit for, and would enjoy doing.

I think NP may be the specialty that I am looking for, just need some more reliable information to help me make my decision. How many hours do NP's generally work? I have read usually your typical 40 hour week, but I have also heard they're on call a lot and work many hours a week. I have read that they averagely start out around 75k, but will very quickly increase to a six figure income. Do they get paid by the hour or work on salary? Thank you in advice to anyone who replies, I appreciate any advice I can get :)

[Elle_Guerira]

Have you ever tried shadowing a couple of MD or NPs around your community?

[jjsrn1]

I've shadowed both MDs and NPs and personally I did find that the NPs spent a little bit more time with their patients. They did a lot of patient education, while MDs did a little, if at all. They seemed more "focused" on their patients than MDs did. But I agree with the above post, you should probably shadow an MD and an NP. It's important to get an accurate view of each profession before you commit your life (basically) to one of them. :)