Why should I become an rn instead of a pa?

allnurses Guide · Nov 4, 2014

I don't know why they would do that; there's no comparison between an RN and an MA.

The MAs in a primary setting function in a very similar role, at least to the lay public.

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thinkingcap · Nov 4, 2014

The role or RN and the role of the PA are two completely different scopes. If you do a bit of research you will see this.
Far more often people will compare RN vs MA and PA vs NP.
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I understand the difference in the scope of practice and that a pa is more equitable to an np than to an rn. However, for me the next step would be either to prepare for my BSN or for PA school. NP would be an option after getting my BSN (as would PA) but it is not an option now so that isn't what I'm asking about.

What I am asking is why YOU would rather be an RN than a PA, or vise versa. I am looking for personal experience and preferences like that provided by adpiRN.

allnurses Guide · Nov 4, 2014

However, for me the next step would be either to prepare for my BSN or for PA school.

Just so you know there are more options than that.

As far as RN vs PA:

Being an RN does afford you the ability to work in all sorts of different positions from primary to tertiary to community to school. PAs are also generalists by training but would have a harder time changing. RNs have the ability to go on to a number of APN roles and may have independence in practice. Often RNs get to spend more time with patients and provide all sorts of support. PAs have diagnosing and ordering/prescribing privileges. The ceiling salary for PAs is likely higher. RNs often have a 3-day/wk schedule but may work nights/weekends. PAs may have to take some off hour call.

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teacher91, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2014

Also, PA's are trained in the medical model while nurses are trained in the nursing model. One thing I like is that nursing is a little more holistic rather than always pushing meds. Another thing to consider is the cost of the education. It may be easier to work some in nursing school than PA school. Also, do you already have a bachelor's? PA programs are usually at the graduate level.

klone, MSN, RN · Nov 5, 2014

What are your goals? What interests YOU? Why we chose what we did is irrelevant.

I chose RN because PA was not even on my radar. I wanted to become an RN because I wanted the most expeditious way to get my IBCLC. So why *I* chose my career path is probably not in the least bit relevant to why you might choose what you do.

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 5, 2014

Also note that in some states, PA & NP have the same prescriptive authority and the line between the 2 is a bit more blurred.

I started nursing school with the intention of either becoming a PA or NP after completing the BSN. I wanted to keep my options open while I try to decide what will work best for me.

Right now, in my area, there are more job opportunities for PA than NP. That is an important factor when trying to come to an important decision. The culture in the hospitals I've been to tend to favor PAs over NPs. It's just the culture of this particular part of the country. My parents live in a different state and the majority are NPs. They rarely come across PAs.

The nursing model vs. medical model of training is also important to consider. The medical model is focused on diagnosis & treatment. The nursing model is more holistic and considers all aspects, such as psychosocial/spiritual needs, in a patient's plan of care.

What appeals to you more? Only you can decide what's the best choice for your particular situation.

thinkingcap · Nov 5, 2014

Thank you all so much for your responses. I have thought a lot about the medical model vs the nursing model but I am unsure which would appeal more to me at this point. I enjoy both hard and soft sciences and appreciate a holistic approach to things, but I also have a low tolerance for nonsense. I can't tell if people are exaggerating when they post on here about having to do things like write papers on hand washing in nursing school, but that sounds like a colossal waste of time. I want a serious education.

I do have a bachelors already (in environmental studies). The areas that interest me are critical care or OR, although I am trying to remain open to all possibilities this early on. I also have an interest in administration and education. I think that if I go the BSN route I will eventually go on to further my education. One thing I like about the BSN route is that it leaves more doors open for the future, such as CRNA or MSN or PA (which I prefer over NP), but if I'm going to end up as a PA I think it would make far more sense to just do that straight away. I'm 32 so I don't want to waste time.

I've downloaded job shadow forms from the local hospitals so I can gain more insight that way. There is a lot to consider but luckily I have plenty of pre-reqs to complete which gives me time to think.

thinkingcap · Nov 5, 2014

What are your goals? What interests YOU? Why we chose what we did is irrelevant.
I chose RN because PA was not even on my radar. I wanted to become an RN because I wanted the most expeditious way to get my IBCLC. So why *I* chose my career path is probably not in the least bit relevant to why you might choose what you do.

I am having a hard time with this attitude. I know that each persons reasons are different, but that is exactly why I want to know other peoples' reasons. I want to hear about all the factors that a might possibly go into such a decision to make sure I am not overlooking any. I don't know any nurses or PAs right now, so I can't ask them what they love about their jobs, or why they choose their particular path, or what they would do differently if they could. I came here to ask. These are valid questions and I am really confused as to why, instead of simply answering them, I am being told over and over that they are the wrong questions. Please try and trust that I know which information is useful to me.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Nov 5, 2014

Also note that in some states, PA & NP have the same prescriptive authority and the line between the 2 is a bit more blurred.
The nursing model vs. medical model of training is also important to consider. The medical model is focused on diagnosis & treatment. The nursing model is more holistic and considers all aspects, such as psychosocial/spiritual needs, in a patient's plan of care.
.

No, they don't. A PA's prescriptive ability (not "authority") derives from his/her physician employer in every state. They cannot practice autonomously. In most states, an APRN has his/her own prescriptive authority, granted by the State Board of Registration in Nursing by virtue of the APRN status.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Nov 5, 2014

I am having a hard time with this attitude. I know that each persons reasons are different, but that is exactly why I want to know other peoples' reasons. I want to hear about all the factors that a might possibly go into such a decision to make sure I am not overlooking any. I don't know any nurses or PAs right now, so I can't ask them what they love about their jobs, or why they choose their particular path, or what they would do differently if they could. I came here to ask. These are valid questions and I am really confused as to why, instead of simply answering them, I am being told over and over that they are the wrong questions. Please try and trust that I know which information is useful to me.

OK.

Most nurses responding here are answering your question; meaning, as nurses we advocate and encourage self-determination, so the answer is: YOU must make the decision.

Granted as you added to he discussion, that you enjoy hard and soft sciences but you are still having a hard time, the nurses response is for you to guide yourself to the decision, most holistic clinicians do the same thing, hence the responses to your answer; when you are in nursing, if you choose this business; you will understand WHY posters are responding that way; trust me, it is not meant to be snarky or otherwise, it's just the hard wiring of the analysis of a nurse.

To answer your question, I chose nursing due to the endless possibilities of engaging in different specialties, the science aspect and how that interweaves into a holistic aspect; I enjoy the nursing model more so the medical model even though we need to know as much as the medical model, but in a different approach.

As a nurse I have enjoyed working in two specialties; I enjoy the flexibility of learning and the many opportunity that nursing entails; I have engaged in six specialities in my seven year career, sometimes at least two at the same time.

The best way to find out what you want is to shadow, which you said you were signing up for, which is a great start, so I hope that helps in making the best decision for you.

Best wishes.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Nov 5, 2014

I am at the very beginning of my health care career exploration. I am trying to gain more perspective on the pros and cons of becoming either an rn or a pa and would love to hear from you. I know the basic differences but am trying to understand why people in those careers feel more attracted to one or the other.
If schooling and salaries were equivalent would you choose to be an rn over being a pa? Why? TIA.

I think most people consider RN vs NP. In many work settings, PA is used or NP is used as the provider. The "provider" has prescriptive authority. Meaning they can prescribe a tx. As for me, I'd like to become an NP so that I can treat Pts, eg, talk to them, look at their labs, etcetera and then prescribe tx. That being said, I'm currently an Lvn and do have a great deal of autonomy. I can assess my Pts and contact the md to request a prescription. I'm determined to obtain my BSN. After that, God and finances and life circumstances willing, I'll attend NP school.

dt70 · Nov 6, 2014

I always hated compare and contrast questions.
Only YOU know if a registered nurse position will be better or worse ( for YOU) than a physician assistant role. This is a personal decision.

Enough comments here to write a lengthy compare/contrast essay, thesis included. All that's missing is the conclusion.