ChiLanQui

These are two hilarious stories!

Hi! I'm a sophomore in college, and I don't know what I want to do with my life, yet. Right now, I think I want to be a NP, PA, or MD (among a few other careers). Other threads here said I should ask people of the professions I'm considering why they chose the path they did. So.... Why did you decide to go into nursing? Did you ever consider medical school? If so, what factors helped you make your decision? What do you like about being a nurse that being an MD wouldn't have offered you? Thanks!!

I know that there are many threads asking for distinctions among the various mid-level positions (CNS, APN, NP, PA, etc), but I'm looking for some specific clarification, so please read on. *From what I've read, it seems as that CNS positions can be more restricted (e.g., not recognized as APNs and/or no prescribing authority in some states) but can have many more facets: educator, administrator, researcher, etc. Would it be safe to say that the NP is more strictly related to primary care? *I'm currently in IL, and I know the roles are pretty similar there, but I'm not sure where I'll wind up. Would it be safer to go with an NP program because the CNS title isn't recognized in some states? *Also, is APN an umbrella term for both (and other) specialties, or is it something else entirely? Thank you for any replies, and sorry if I'm repeating other people's questions! P.S. I think I want to work in an ICU, if that helps narrow anything down. Thanks!

I guess I should clarify. What I'm really asking is for the distinction between mid-levels and the other two, i.e., what's the difference between a doctor and a MLP, and what's the difference between a MLP and a RN. Thanks for the advice.

I was hoping this title would catch your attention. So, I'm still trying to figure out what I should do with my life. I think I want to be a mid-level practitioner (NP, CSN, PA, etc), but I want to explore my options. So... What's the difference between a doctor, a mid-level practitioner, and a RN? How are their daily routines different? How much time do they spend with patients? I know these are pretty broad categories, but anything helps. Thanks! P.S. If that helps narrow down the categories at all, I'm pretty sure I want to work in a hospital--possibly ICU, but definitely NOT a doctors' office.