You've been asked this before but.......

LaurieCRNP2002, MSN, RN, APRN · Feb 28, 2001

Beth

I am currently enrolled in an acute care nurse practitioner program. At my school, students in all programs are required to take pharmacology, research, an assessment course and a biochem/physiology course. Several years ago, when I was trying to decide between NP and PA, I ultimately chose to go for my NP. Why? Well, you have to realize that regardless of what NP program you enroll in, the NP title is a certification. In addition to getting your NP certification, you will be getting an MSN (or MS, depending on the school). This opens many more doors to you should you choose to not practice as a nurse practitioner. Having your MS/MSN would allow you to go into teaching, administration--the opportunities are endless! If you go through a PA program, you'll be able to work in that capacity but future advancement could be limited. Another factor to consider (which played a major role in my decision) is that many PA programs require a full time commitment, whereas many master's programs can be completed on a part-time basis.

These are just some things to consider--you ultimately have to decide what is right for you. I hope this information was helpful and I wish you the best of luck!

Laurie

Beth1977 · Feb 28, 2001

How is the role of the job of the NP and PA different?

Charles S. Smith, RN, MS · Feb 28, 2001

Originally posted by Beth1977:
How is the role of the job of the NP and PA different?

Beth..since you are in Richmond, I strongly urge you to go to MCV and UVA to meet with admissions counselors on both campuses. In a nutshell, the difference is: PAs are MD extenders, NPs are advanced practice RNs who have some privileges previously only given to MDs. The NP role is absolutely unique,built firmly upon the nursing process model in conjunction with the medical model, not constricting and with a wealth of possibilities. Talk to the counselors...you will get your answers.

best regards

chas

Beth1977 · Feb 28, 2001

Thanks but I am in Richmond, CA near SF not Richmond, VA

mustangsheba · Feb 28, 2001

Beth: As Charles points out, NP's are NURSES. How do you think and function? I have to point out to people every day that nurses are not wannabe doctors. We provide a different kind of care. Our philosophy and practice complements but is not the same as the doctors'.

TracyRN · Mar 1, 2001

Beth, if you don't know the difference between PA and NP, have you considered working for awhile and figuring it out with experience? I'm heading back to school (as soon as my husband is done with is MA so we didn't kill each other for access to the computer:-) ) and know exactly where I'm going, how long it'll take me to get there and what I'll be doing with the degree I've earned when its all over and done with. I also have a facility to pay my tuition (which is important to me, maybe not to you).

Your story kind of reminds me of one of my classmates thru nursing school. Her parents convinced her she wanted to be a nurse, paid her way thru, including nice car and housing, and the last I heard from her she was a bartender in Texas and happy as a clam. My point? Why waste time and money on something you're not sure of?

Tim-GNP · Mar 1, 2001

The role of the NP is different from the PA in that a PA must always practice under the SUPERVISION of a physician. An NP-depending upon state of licensure works independent, in collaboration or under the supervision of a physician. PA's are more acceptable to physicians because the term 'assistant' is used. Some states are strange about PA regulations, also. Here in Pennsylvania, PA's have to wear a badge identifying themselves as a PA in 16 font type!!! [i don't know if they all do or not, but it's in their regulations].

I work in collaboration with a wonderful group of MD's. They are very supportive and respect my role--as I do theirs. Many MSN/NP programs, including the one I graduated from 'brainwash' NP's into thinking that they are physicians--and this is where NP's run into trouble, and meet violent opposition from physician groups. We bring a Nursing background and a sense of holisism to the care we provide, we manage routine medical conditions; as defined by our educational focus and scope of practice[in my specialty- Gerontology].

NP is a wonderful tangent of nursing. Consider it carefully and good luck with whatever you decide to do.

------------------

Tis with our judgements as our watches, none go just alike, yet, each believes his own.

-Alexander Pope

Beth1977 · Mar 1, 2001

Originally posted by TracyRN:
Beth, if you don't know the difference between PA and NP, have you considered working for awhile and figuring it out with experience? I'm heading back to school (as soon as my husband is done with is MA so we didn't kill each other for access to the computer:-) ) and know exactly where I'm going, how long it'll take me to get there and what I'll be doing with the degree I've earned when its all over and done with. I also have a facility to pay my tuition (which is important to me, maybe not to you).

Your story kind of reminds me of one of my classmates thru nursing school. Her parents convinced her she wanted to be a nurse, paid her way thru, including nice car and housing, and the last I heard from her she was a bartender in Texas and happy as a clam. My point? Why waste time and money on something you're not sure of?

My parents convinced me not to be a nurse!!!!! I started out as a nursing major after I had worked as nurse's aide for a year. My parents would not pay for me to be a nurse and I was 18 and din't know crap about paying for school. Now I am the one in charge and will be the one financing my masters degree. Please try to get your facts straight before jumping down my throat.

Nittlebug · Mar 1, 2001

Beth- I really don't know what to say to you. We nurses are generally underpaid and work long hard hours ( holidays and nightshifts ). Yes we get crabby. Yes we get burned out sometimes. Sorry to say I think most of us get at least a little bit envious of anyone who has enough resources to bypass the trenches and jump into a high paying dayshift job with great benefits and no holidays.

I believe if you are going to get much respect as a nurse practitioner, you had better do at least a little staff nursing to get some real experience.

I believe if you are going to get much respect as a PA, well, good luck....

By the way... tell your manipulative parents to get a life.

lalaxton · Mar 1, 2001

Beth,

In answer to your question about the difference in NP and PA pay I think most people feel that PA's make more money because many of them are in specialty practices and they in general make more. NP's in similar jobs make comparable pay. Many more NP's work in Primary Care settings than PA's and in general family practice pays less. Of course you have to also take in regional differences. I know I make more in Louisiana as an NP than I did in South Carolina but there are less NP's here than there. I also know of a NP here that makes more than most PA's I know but she works long hours with a group of CV surgeons.

I also think that an NP has more flexibility and options than PA's do and that convinced me to go the NP route instead of PA.

Good luck in your search!

Beth1977 · Mar 1, 2001

Originally posted by Nittlebug:
Beth- I really don't know what to say to you. We nurses are generally underpaid and work long hard hours ( holidays and nightshifts ). Yes we get crabby. Yes we get burned out sometimes. Sorry to say I think most of us get at least a little bit envious of anyone who has enough resources to bypass the trenches and jump into a high paying dayshift job with great benefits and no holidays.

I believe if you are going to get much respect as a nurse practitioner, you had better do at least a little staff nursing to get some real experience.

I believe if you are going to get much respect as a PA, well, good luck....

By the way... tell your manipulative parents to get a life.

Thanks. Oh believe me I have told my parents where to go and they are furious with my decision to go back to school but oh well- it's not theit problem.

It amazes me how so many people who use this forum lash out at others. It especially amazes me how these people went into a field of study that is about helping others and being compassionate and yet can't control the anger and rage they have built inside of themselves. It is no wonder that the younger generation does not want to go into nursing-they are scared of being tortured and eaten by their bitter superiors.

I merely wanted to know what you guys thought the differences between NPs and PAs are. It's not that I don't know a couple differences I just wanted others opinions on the matter. There are many people in my current classes that are applying to both entry level NP programs and PA programs. These people think the job is exactly the same and don't really know otherwise. I want to make the right choice for myself so I think going the NP route is better for me b/c it is so versatile in its roles. I also have a degree in education and like the role of NPs role in community awareness.

This site seems like it can be a good resource if people would just put their anger and animosity aside.