NP vs. PA Specialties

[MBrickle]

Hi All,

I am a relatively new nurse (1.5 years) and am beginning to think about my future in nursing. As a career-changer, I currently possess an ADN, and two BS degrees in non-nursing areas. I live in the Boston area where the job market is tight at best and almost non-existent without a BSN. I was lucky to find work in pedi homecare.

I'm currently torn between procuring my BSN ($11,000 rough cost) or going directly on to NP/PA. The problem with the latter is that no programs in the Massachusetts area offer a BSN at the completion of the bridge coursework (if I go NP.) Will this hold me back?

Also, I have a very high interest in surgery. Am I correct in my understanding that my options for those types of jobs will be largely found as a PA versus NP? What types of jobs are available for a NP, especially around surgery? What path should I take to get there (ex: FNP, etc?) Also, to work in a surgical capacity (as an NP) will that require me to have critical care experience or is that something I can focus on in school? I guess I'm just at a loss as to where I find info on what type of NP I can be and how to focus my career path in that direction. Any advice is appreciated!

It almost seems to me as if PA's may have better new-grad job prospects (especially with an RN background) as their previous experience prior to school doesn't seem to matter as much whereas the job prospects of an NP seem to be more tightly tied with previous RN experience. Am I correct in this assumption? If so, I'm afraid I may be at a disadvantage with just pedi homecare experience.

Just as an FYI, in my first 6 months of homecare I herniated my L5 to the tune of 2cm and have S1 nerve compression. I was out of work for 6 mos. and it's not a road I want to venture down again (ie: med/surg and heavy lifting will not be in my future and cannot be part of my career path.) Which is why I am interested in looking towards the future and getting there sooner than later.