Shadowing NP/PA's?

phluteloop · May 19, 2006

Evening! I posted this in the NP/PA debate above, then realized I'd probably do better started a new topic. D'oh! Anywho, please read below if you'd like. One question I had in mind was how to contact NP/PA's to shadow for day?

Thanks!

Hello to everyone!

First time poster, long time reader.

The evil server demons have eaten my last two replies, so I'm going to have to sum this up as I'm a little spent.

A little introduction if you don't mind. I'm 24, in Michigan. I've been a CNA for five years. I currently work on a GYN/ONC unit as well as a Neuro ICU. Being in a teaching hospital (Detroit Medical Center...anyone else?), has allowed so many amazing experiences. It has also inspired me to continue on in my education. I'm only just now working towards a nursing program, but I feel I'd like to get an idea as where I'd like to go with my choices in advance practice.

I'd also like to comment how very grateful I am for all the nurses who have taught and guided me over the years. I have become a more humble, compassionate, and patient person because of it. My work has purpose and it is the most rewarding feeling ever (even after a 12 hour shift with little or no lunch break...lol).

Much like the original poster, I have similar goals. I find I'd like to pursue critical care/trauma/surgery in my nursing and beyond. I can't get enough the high-paced and challenging atmosphere where critical thinking is key.

So I did some local job searches and I see critical care NP positions, but mostly PA surgical spots (although from reading, this can be allievated with first assist program completion and seems to be purely situational). I also know I'm mainly interested in the clinical experiences as opposed to independent practice.

So a few questions:

Any BSN to PA people out there? Were you confronted in your interviews regarding your choice over NP as it seems the "logical" choice as some would state?

How may I get in touch with those NP/PA's who are willing to let me shadow? Is it as simple as asking those who work on my units (this may be a "duh" moment, I realize...lol)

I read a few pages back that Michigan is primarily a "PA state." Is this true?

Thanks to all who took the time to shed a little light on the subject while also sharing your personal experiences. This is extremely valuable info for a student such as myself.

Also, great emoticons. :trout:

Chandra