Nurses who want to be PA or NP?

Jules A, MSN · Jan 21, 2015

I totally agree about the DNP. I decided on NP school because in my state we are able to practice independently, there are few psych PAs, and psych-NPs more money than medical PAs, in my area.

nlitened · Jan 21, 2015

NP-more autonomy.

But if you became a NP what would you do? Work with a physician? Open your own clinic? Be your own boss?

If you became a PA, are you ok with working directly under a physician? Do you prefer seeing things from a medical point of view vs. holistic/patient centered point of view?

And why NOT go to medical school?

PA's and NP's are completely different. It just depends on what exactly it is you are looking for, career wise.

allnurses Guide · Jan 21, 2015

hey all,
Question I am thinking of going back to school and wandering what people think is better. PA or NP. I dont want to go to get my docorate because at that point for 4 more years I might as well go to medicial school. However I wanted peoples opinon on what they think is better.
Also if anyone is a nurse who became a PA can you tell me what led you to that decision.
thnx all!

PA school will take you 3-4 years from the time you decide and you will have to stop working and go full time. NP school will take you 1.5 to 3 years and you can go full or part time and get MSN or DNP. Medical school will take 4-5 years of full time study and another 2+ of residency.

That being said, I strongly encourage you to make this choice based on what you want in life, not on a few years of the journey. Shadow the different types of providers. Think about what you want to be doing in 10 years.

Sent from my iPhone.

ShifraSaraRice · Jan 21, 2015

thanks all!!

all of this is really helpful.

I like the nursing model i agree with that. I also really like that everyone was saying think long term instead of short term. Ideally I would want to be in acute care in a critical care floor helping solving the puzzles of medicine and problems people have. I do agree it is a big differnce between the medical model and the nursing model. I think the nursing model is more for me because I always wanted to be patient centered instead of diagnose. I just wanted to make sure that they both help treat and diagnose and solve the medical problems of the patient that seems what I am intrested most in. Also its good to know that NP can be part time because I am looking to start a family in the near future.

thanks for all your help and furuther ideas or info please post they are extremely helpful!!