What are similarities, differences between FNP and PA?

[Mr_D]

Hi,

I returned from Doctor visit where my 2 year old was attended to by a PA. I asked her about how she see's FNP and PA's, She was responsive, and unfortunately talked a mile a minute. I was able to gather this much: her opinions:

* PA school is taught by doctors, FPN schools is taught by nurses. There is a difference in philosophy / approach.

* Both professions end up near the same level of responsibility on the job.

* PA's are higher on the pay scale b/c insurance billing priviledges, advantages of being associated with physicians license.

* The two groups have carved out areas for themselves e.g. PA's do more surgical procedures/support, FPN's do more ob/gyn, etc.

I was most interested in the latter point -- anybody have any other insight how PA's and FPN's have divided up the pie?

How do you see the pro's and con's of PA verses a graduate Nursing degree?

Thx,

Mr_ D

[Chrislynn2003]

Personally, speaking from a nursing standpoint, I would go onto be an NP rather than a PA. As an NP, you have the nursing background. And PA's may get higher pay than NP's, but they have higher malpractice insurance also. I guess its a preference though too; if you're a nurse you're opt to become a NP rather than PA. I don't want to get into the issue of physician vs. nurse, it basically just boils down to what area of practice you're involved in (like at my hospital in the OR, only PA's can assist with surgery, we don't have NP's).

Christine

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

As mentioned, I've heard the basic difference lies in the medical model used to structure the program.

The PA employs the medical school approach. And the NA that of nursing.

Real-world contrasts -- nothing really significant.