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Discussion

What would you do?

Hello guys-

I have a question and I am looking for the most sincere advice.

I have been an ICU RN for two years and last year I applied to an FNP program (Sonoma State University) and a Masters in Medical Sciences/PA Program (Stanford University School of Medicine).

I have been blessed enough to have been admitted to both programs and am trying to decide which program/path to chose.

I am have no interest whatsoever to open/start my own practice in the future, my goal is to work in family medicine, but also to work in the ED and Critical Care setting.

I love the education PAs get as they go hard into the sciences and disease process and do clinical rotations like the medical school model. I like the FNP idea because its cheaper and I would be able to keep working while in the program, but I dislike the first year filled with nursing theory stuff which I dont like at all and dont like the complete focus in primary care and the minimal amount of hours in clinical practice.

I see pros and cons on both. I am currently leaning more towards the PA program at Stanford because of the caliber of education at this institution and also because as a PA its easier to go from family practice to critical care without having to do an ACNP from an FNP perspective.

In all sincerity, what would you do and why?

Thanks in advance.

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    • Experts

    If it was me, I would go for the PA program for the reasons that you gave. My preference. Also agree that I would not care for the nursing theory stuff.

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    If only more nurses thought like you. Most state the opposite. "I want less clinical hours. Less work. More pay. NURSEPOWER. ""

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    I'd pick the PA route if you know how to support yourself. You could probably work during the FNP program without problem, but the same wouldn't be true for PA school. I think the PA curriculum will better prepare you clinically.

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    PA. if you don't desire the aspect of your own practice, and the medical model is more appealing, then PA is the right route.

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    • Experts

    The only thing I would ask is what are the salaries like? I also prefer the medical model and threw up in my mouth during the plethora of nursing theory and "nursing research" stuff but in my field PAs rarely work in psych. The medical PAs although more prevalent in hospitals where I prefer to work make way less money than I do. I'm not sure how their salaries compare to FNPs or ACNPs however. If the money is similar I'd definitely go the PA route. Congratulations on being accepted into both and let us know what you decide.

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    • Author

    I live here in California and both PAs and NPs get paid the same. I mean, the only downside I see is that I wont be able to work for the next 21 months of the PA program as opposed to the FNP program, but I have enough savings to live off since I worked hard knowing that going to school was my goal. Some places pay PAs more than the NPs.

    Jules, like I said, I like the PA idea of transitioning to critical care or ER without having to do the ACNP.

    Thanks again.

    P.S. This decision is stressing me out! lol

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