I am an ADN, with many years under my belt in nephrology, ICU, ER, and M/S.
In my current role, I function quite independently/autonomously and I'm quite good at it clinically. One thing this role has taught me, I really, really, reeeeallly enjoy the medical science and application side of things, being able to use my knowledge to make more autonomous decisions, and having a high degree of contact and collaboration with nearly all departments (and docs) in the hospital.
Healthcare politics, business, and trends interest me a great deal, but my primary talent and enjoyment comes from assessing patients and problem-solving.
I am currently in the research phase of deciding between pursuing RN->BSN->ANP or becoming a PA.
>Both roles while similar, have different challenges not just in practice, but on the political scene as well. PA's (at app 85,000 in number) are terribly underrepresented at the State and Fed levels as opposed to RN's (millions strong).
>I like the heavy, medical-model of PA school, yet I like the fact that NP's can function under their own license.
>I dislike the fact that ANP scope of practice varies so wildly from state to state. The barriers to true autonomy are numerous. This issue I realize, is being heavily studied and lobbied.
>I've ruled out CRNA and perfusionist as options (had enough machine-management, thank you :) ).
>I like that PA's are considered "generalists" yet they have so many options in specializing. As one of the docs I work with put it, "you can write your own ticket."
One thought is to just finish my BSN and decide from there, but...PA programs can have different reqs...i.e, it's been so long, that I have to take some chemistry, English, and A/P again...sigh.
Any thoughts from those that have faced this conundrum (or otherwise) I'd greatly appreciate it.
