Trube

I agree totally. I enjoyed working as a RN, but chose to go back to school because I wanted more. I know of one NP whose specialty Spine practice closed when the surgeon he was working with retired. Desirous of a new position close to home, with benefits, he tried working as a RN on the spine floor of the local hospital. He found it difficult stepping back and trying to work as an RN rather than an NP. Speaking for myself, the autonomy, respect from many (not all) and financial rewards make being an NP very rewarding for me. At the end of my NP program, I was burned out and was dreading a career I just spend another huge chunk of $$$ on. Once I graduated and started working, I found much enjoyment, and am constantly amazed at the opportunities presented to me any my fellow NP / PA counterparts.

It varies by state. I live in Oregon. We can work indipendantly of a physician. As a relatively new grad, I would not think of hanging a shingle and doing my own thing. That being said, I do work part time in a NP only practice. There are 4 of us total, and I like having someone to turn to when I have questions. I feel comfortable with their level of experience. As a practice, we have a number of informal physicians we can call on to ask questions. My other job requires me to work closely with an orthopedic surgeon. I have a very good relationship with him and use him as a tremendous resource.

Typically, PAs are known to work more in the OR, however NPs can also work in surgery. My background was as a RN, then RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assistant), then FNP. I continue to assist in the OR. Both professions work in hospitals as well. I am a NP and I work in both office and hospital settings as well as the OR. The main difference is two-fold. If you do not have a nursing background, or are an ADN, it is generally faster to become a PA. If you have your BSN, it is generally a 2 year MSN program to get your NP. The only other difference between NPs and PAs is that PAs are required to work under a physician, where in many states, NPs need to have a colaborative physician, or none at all to work. So if the idea of working in a solo practice appeals to you and is allowed in your state, then becoming a NP may be the better path to take. Both are awesome fields to be involved in!

I'll be honest, that surprises me. I graduated from my NP (Nurse Practitioner) program just over a year ago and have not had difficulty with employment. Part of the reason is that I was already working in one setting while going to school, but I also started working part time for one of my preceptor sites after I graduated. Is this an option for you? Where in CA are you located?

Believe me, you don't want to try and specialize without gaining experience in an area first. For me, as a FNP (X 1 year now), I am looking at specializing, but am maintaining my family practice position, as to not lose skills. The odd thing is that once you find something you really enjoy, even those occasional nights and weekends don't bother you as much.

Great question. After graudating Nursing school, I was hired directly into the OR. I became an RNFA then went back to school to become a NP. Given my background, this made for an easy transition into the OR as a NP. So, yes I now work both in the OR and in various office settings. I am enjoying my job more than I ever thought possible given the variety. Having said that, PA programs do offer much more in the way of OR training. I just met an ICU nurse who is now in a Bachelor's degree PA program for that very reason. If you have any kind of relationship with a surgeon, it will make your quest much simpler. Hope this is helpful. Trube