NPs and PAs

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Hi!

I work in Canada and while nurse practitioners are commonly seen in practice here, we don't yet use physician's assistants, although we're starting to hear about them more. I was wondering if anyone could tell me the differences between these two roles? They sound very similar to me.

Thanks!

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Specializes in ER, Infusion therapy, Oncology.

We use both in the ER and their roles are exactly the same. They are both advanced practice degrees and are responsible for running the minor care area. They order test and write prescriptions. I think there are limitations on the types of prescriptions they can write but am not sure exactly which ones.

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Specializes in Adult Acute Care Medicine.

Hi, I did not read the above mentioned thread.

Still, it seems that NPs are educated & practice on the nursing model of pt care. PA's are educated on the medical model.

Also, in the US a NP's practice vary's depending on the State (some require a MD to cosign ALL scripts). In my State a NP can only work "under" an MD.

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Interesting. Okay, thanks everyone. That thread mentioned above is HUGE - I'll go read it now and that should take care of any more questions. Thanks for the help.

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