Looking back.. any regrets as NP instead of PA?

tryingtohaveitall · Dec 20, 2012

Another big deciding factor is where you'd like to work when finished. For me, PNP was the only way. Ortho and ED are the only areas at my hospital where PA's are used but PNPs are employed in a variety of areas.

Tinabeanrn · Dec 20, 2012

I am very happy to be a NP. My best friend and I were both RNs together. She went the PA route and is very happy to be a PA. I think you should follow your heart :). Live with no regrets.

NPjh · Dec 20, 2012

Honestly no, I would not choose to be a PA. I have more autonomy in my state as an NP. Several of my colleagues own their own clinics. I would however look into your choice of NP or PA programs carefully. Our local NP program is more competitive than the PA programs here. Most employers in my area prefer NPs, so the jobs are limited for PAs.

myelin · Dec 20, 2012

I was about to say... competitiveness is relative. There are extremely competitive NP programs out there at the top schools, feel free to pursue them. I would only choose PA if I knew that I had no interest in research/teaching/going abroad and that I wanted to be in the hospital only (emergency med/surgical). Otherwise, NP all the way.

SycamoreGuy · Dec 20, 2012

I'm not yet a NP but from my POV the only advantage to being a PA is the ability to switch specialties without additional education or certifications. So unless you want to practice several different specialties throughout your career I'd say NP all the way.

mammac5 · Dec 20, 2012

No regrets. I'm an NP who attended a program that has a competitive entry process - and I felt darn fortunate to be offered admission! It was a great program that prepared me to use my gifts, talents, and skills to serve others in a way that (I hope) makes their lives better.

annfaith, DNP, NP · Dec 21, 2012

No Regrets. I am an NP and love the challenge that the position brings. We have to be diligent in our learning and stay up to date on the ever changing world of nursing, I love the autonomy and the responsibility but recognize the importance of networking and sharing with collegues. My PA counterparts are often a part of that equation.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Dec 21, 2012

Honestly I am an FNP student and am wondering if I will regret doing the FNP track as my current area of interest for specialization is ER, which I do not think my FNP program will adequately prepare me for. Even though I am considering doing an ACNP certificate post-graduation, I still worry that a PA may be more competitive in the ER.

SycamoreGuy · Dec 22, 2012

Honestly I am an FNP student and am wondering if I will regret doing the FNP track as my current area of interest for specialization is ER, which I do not think my FNP program will adequately prepare me for. Even though I am considering doing an ACNP certificate post-graduation, I still worry that a PA may be more competitive in the ER.

A post-masters emergency medicine certification for FNPs or ACNPs would be great. I have heard rumors there is one coming down the pipeline.

NPjh · Dec 22, 2012

Honestly I am an FNP student and am wondering if I will regret doing the FNP track as my current area of interest for specialization is ER, which I do not think my FNP program will adequately prepare me for. Even though I am considering doing an ACNP certificate post-graduation, I still worry that a PA may be more competitive in the ER.

Are you working as an RN in the ER currently or have you previously? I had ER and urgent care experience as an RN, and I had an offer to work in the ER right after graduation because of this. Also, you may be able to do a certain number of your clinical hours in one of these settings, so check with your clinical instructor. You may have to set up these types of clinicals yourself, but it is worth it if this is your passion (do a little networking in your area).

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2012

Are you working as an RN in the ER currently or have you previously? I had ER and urgent care experience as an RN, and I had an offer to work in the ER right after graduation because of this. Also, you may be able to do a certain number of your clinical hours in one of these settings, so check with your clinical instructor. You may have to set up these types of clinicals yourself, but it is worth it if this is your passion (do a little networking in your area).

I start an ER RN job next month, and currently work as a float RN, which includes frequent assignments in the ER. I am looking into setting up a clinical rotation in the ER, although not sure who to contact. I guess I have some work to do...