Beth1977

Thanks. Oh believe me I have told my parents where to go and they are furious with my decision to go back to school but oh well- it's not theit problem. It amazes me how so many people who use this forum lash out at others. It especially amazes me how these people went into a field of study that is about helping others and being compassionate and yet can't control the anger and rage they have built inside of themselves. It is no wonder that the younger generation does not want to go into nursing-they are scared of being tortured and eaten by their bitter superiors. I merely wanted to know what you guys thought the differences between NPs and PAs are. It's not that I don't know a couple differences I just wanted others opinions on the matter. There are many people in my current classes that are applying to both entry level NP programs and PA programs. These people think the job is exactly the same and don't really know otherwise. I want to make the right choice for myself so I think going the NP route is better for me b/c it is so versatile in its roles. I also have a degree in education and like the role of NPs role in community awareness. This site seems like it can be a good resource if people would just put their anger and animosity aside.

My parents convinced me not to be a nurse!!!!! I started out as a nursing major after I had worked as nurse's aide for a year. My parents would not pay for me to be a nurse and I was 18 and din't know crap about paying for school. Now I am the one in charge and will be the one financing my masters degree. Please try to get your facts straight before jumping down my throat.

Thanks but I am in Richmond, CA near SF not Richmond, VA

How is the role of the job of the NP and PA different?

I originally started out in college as a nursing major. My parents convinced me to switch so I did. Now I am going to be applying to a couple entry level Nurse Practioner programs in my area. Everytime I tell people I am going back to school they ask me why I am not going to PA school instead. Now I have heard that PAs make more money than NPs but that NPs have more autonomy. Can anyone tell me the real differences between their roles, education, and paycheck. I have checked out the entrance requirements for these programs and it appears that people entering PA programs need between 2000-3000 hours of direct patient care. However entry level NP/Clinical Case Manager programs only require a Anatomy, Physiology, Stats, Microbiology, and Nutrition (some schools require a couple more, others a couple less). Could someone please shed some light on this issue for me???