RN versus PA - What to do?!!!

[jimmy53]

Hi, I'm enrolled in A&P2 (got an A in 1!) and I am totally UNSURE about whether to make Nursing or Physician's Assistant my career. If I go the RN route, I want to eventually get an NP licence. If I go through the PA program, then where can I go from there? I'm leaning toward the RN, mostly because I have absolutely NO hospital experience and there seems to be many more programs available for RN's.

Also, I'm a former teacher who will be trying to enter an accelerated BSN program in the Fall. I have a few more pre-requisites to sew up first, but I HAVE options.

Please tell me whatever you might know about this because it's obviously causing me to miss valuable sleep!

Thank you - Jim:banghead:

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

jimmy,

You're correct - RN will provide more options for you in the long run. However, PA's usually work in more controlled, less stressful environments. The scopes of practice are very different. RNs have a defined (independent) nursing scope of practice - separate and apart from medicine - that we are responsible for in addition to the interdependent work that we do with other health care professionals and physicians. PA's must always work under the direct supervision of a physician.

I know some PAs who have a very nice work situaiton, in which they actually receive a share of the income derived from their physician employer's practice. But the more common arrangement is a salaried position - which may not be very equitable when compared to the overall workload. You may want to check out your local area to find out what type of work arrangements are most common for PAs before you make up your mind.

Good luck with your decision - keep us posted on your progress.