When did you "know?"

[TarheelGirlx3]

Hey everyone...so I just graduated from the University of North Carolina in May and have already submitted my apps to physician assistant schools. I am currently working as a CNA in an assisted living facility. I have to admit that going into the job I thought I was going to hate it and was just working there to gain my patient contact hours for PA school. However, I have found the opposite! I absolutely love talking with the patients, helping them, and seeing their smiles of gratitude. Of course there are a handful that make me want to walk right out...but there are many that make me love the job. I have had so many residents tell me how much they appreciate me, how kind and nice I am, and even tell me they love me and don't want me to leave them. Because of this I am starting to wonder if nursing is my calling...just because I have such an ease with the patients (not trying to sound arrogant, but I truly feel that I have the personality to make a wonderful nurse). So what do you guys think? When did you really know that is what you wanted to do? And out of curiosity, how much more patient contact does the RN get vs. the CNA? I feel that as a PA I would only get to be in and out and not truly connect with the patient and be there with them whenever they needed me. HELP and advice please and thank you!

[TarheelGirlx3]

Thanks for the advice! The problem is is idk exactly where I wanna be in 5 or 10 years, except that I know I want to be in the medical field. When it comes to what I would regret, it would be easier to get my BSN, and then if worst comes to worst and it wasn't what I imagined it to be, I can easily pursue PA again. BUT if I immediately follow through with PA I couldn't really go back to nursing...so I think I just answered that question.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

NP is not remotely "practically interchangeable" with PA. NPs can have independent, autonomous practices, and PA can never do that. Never, ever make the rookie mistake of confusing tasks they do in common with what they are and how they do it with actual people.

I hear what you're saying, though. I went to nursing school (started in a BSN program, started MN 7 years later once I had a better idea of my desired career path) because a lot of people told me I was so smart I should go to med school. Having worked three summers in a hospital, though, like you I was quite sure I liked what nurses did with people a whole lot more than what physicians (and now, PAs) did with people. And besides, we need smart nurses too. :)

My MN has opened so many doors for me over the years, doors that have nothing to do with the original specialty in which I earned it. But all my opportunities have come to MY door because I am a nurse.

[TarheelGirlx3]

lol thanks for that! and you are right..they are NOT interchangeable..granted hospitals will post a position to hire either, but the PA can never practice autonomously. After working but a short time with patients I think I will be most valuable with as much patient contact as possible..then follow into either NP/PA accordingly after gaining experience. I know without a doubt I want to work in pediatrics in some way...so maybe clinical nurse specialist pertaining to that? I am not sure yet becaue I haven't worked as a nurse! Thanks everyone!

there is the issue that if I decide to pursue nursing, I should drop the organic chem class for the fall as it would be a total waste of money and time.

Well, it's an absolutely fascinating subject.

And it does help one understand biochemistry and pharmacology and molecular biology.

And you never know, it may one day help you help your kid in science classes.

Organic chemistry is foundational.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I had to take a full semester of organic chem, plus two semesters of regular chem.

[RNnewbie2014]

Question to all of you, I know you have to have what is it, one year of med surg to be able to do home health? Also, with home health, are you able to spend more quality time with a patient and develop a relationship with them over a period of time unlike working on the floor? I am the same way. I love being able to develop a relationship with patient's. It builds trust with them, and the compliments is definitely something you need to hear when you are having a "terrible, no good, very bad day!"