PA vs NP

[notjawn]

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The feelings towards NP's is pretty clear at this point, but I was wondering what everyone here in allo thought about PA's? The two PA students I know were both medical school quality students (one actually applied and got into medical school), but both decided to do PA for lifestyle decisions etc. Figured I'd start a discussion on this subject. Let me know what you think!

 

[operaman]

Oh my. Where's the popcorn smiley?

On a personal note, at this point in my education I have yet to run across an NP or a PA who was anything but helpful and kind and extremely competent. Whether on the floor, in the OR, or in the clinic, NPs/PAs have always taken time to help me out, teach me, and go out of their way to help me look better to my attendings. I know there's a lot of political discourse surrounding scope of practice and other such issues, but as is often the case, there is a big difference between political posturing and personal experience.

 

[DermViser]

The feelings towards NP's is pretty clear at this point, but I was wondering what everyone here in allo thought about PA's? The two PA students I know were both medical school quality students (one actually applied and got into medical school), but both decided to do PA for lifestyle decisions etc. Figured I'd start a discussion on this subject. Let me know what you think!

Good decisions on their part. PAs have made it clear they wish to work in conjunction with a physician and I think it's a perfect profession for those for whom lifestyle is paramount, in which one can even do specialties.

 

[Pons Asinorum]

This discussion will settle this once and for all. Thank goodness.

 

[notjawn]

So the main issue is just the whole NP wanting autonomy thing. Got it. This is good news because I'd hate to see my PA friends getting bashed on

 

[BurghStudent]

It's also important to note that even within the NP world there's a small faction of fanatical NPs leading the independent scope of practice charge.

 

[zeppelinpage4]

Oh my. Where's the popcorn smiley?

On a personal note, at this point in my education I have yet to run across an NP or a PA who was anything but helpful and kind and extremely competent. Whether on the floor, in the OR, or in the clinic, NPs/PAs have always taken time to help me out, teach me, and go out of their way to help me look better to my attendings. I know there's a lot of political discourse surrounding scope of practice and other such issues, but as is often the case, there is a big difference between political posturing and personal experience.

Same experience with those I've interacted with, much respect for PAs, NPs and all other levels of degrees.
Heck, I've personally thought about switching to a PA program.

 

[vokey588]

It's also important to note that even within the NP world there's a small faction of fanatical NPs leading the independent scope of practice charge.

This. My family medicine preceptor in private practice said that all of the NPs he knew would not be comfortable working without physician supervision. It is basically the policy figures who don't even practice any more who push for expanded scope of oractoce.

 

[Dentalgains81]

Personally NP and PA have very similar work, PA and NPs both focus on treatments, informing patients and diagnosis patients. Honestly, the only difference that I see is as an NP you can open up you're own practice if you choose to. PA and NPs are both rewarding careers.

 

[akwho]

The surgical PA's I've worked with so far have been approximately 7 times better than surgical NP's. That being said there have been some boss NP's I've worked with as well.

 

[intubesteak]

My wife is in PA school. My mom is an NP.

Would you rather:

1. work every day with your wife (PA)

2. work every day with your mom (NP)

 

[zoopers]

My wife is in PA school. My mom is an NP.

Would you rather:

1. work every day with your wife (PA)

2. work every day with your mom (NP)

What if my wife and your mom are the same person? Win win

 

[intubesteak]

What if my wife and your mom are the same person? Win win

Definitely a lose-lose lol

 

[deafdealer]

This. My family medicine preceptor in private practice said that all of the NPs he knew would not be comfortable working without physician supervision. It is basically the policy figures who don't even practice any more who push for expanded scope of oractoce.

Anecdotally every NP I've ever worked with could not grasp basic concepts that an M1 would be comfortable with

 

[Tenk]

My wife is in PA school. My mom is an NP.

Would you rather:

1. work every day with your wife (PA)

2. work every day with your mom (NP)

I work with my wife in the ED. It's actually a lot of fun. Have to have a real open mind though.