PA vs NP

[Jamiers]

In your opinion is there a difference in the respect level within the health field between NP's and PA's. Since the PA is under the MD's guidance, do the doctors acknowledge PA's with a higher level of competence? Do they favor them, accept their clinical advice as one of there own? I know that the general responsibility guidelines for NP'S and PA's are close to parallel, but is there a difference in reality?

[mommatrauma, RN]

We use both NPs and PAs where I work...both are treated equally, respect is different because it is not based on what their titles are it is truly multifaceted...Both our NPs and PAs work in the same capacity. I do agree with LBB in that NPs do seem to have more experience as a whole unless they went straight through to NP school without having alot of clinical time. Most of our NPs worked as nurses prior, however we do have one that was only a nurse in a clinical setting for about a year prior to finishing her NP...you can tell the difference...Also with our PAs we have some that did have some sort of medical background that do better clinically than the ones that didn't...I think that both are very valuable to our practice and as LBB...it is all about the healthcare team...

[TiniHealer BSN]

FNP's differ from PA's in the sense that they are LICENSED and CARRY malpractice insurance. Whereas, PA's only have a certification and do not necessarily carry a personal malpractice insurance. IN terms of liability: If the PA goes down for something he is taking the physician he is overseen by with him. Whereas, if the NP is at fault for something she is taking the fall for herself since she is licensed by the board of nursing in her state. This is why it could be more cost effective to hire a NP over a PA.