Question

[crawgator]

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I have been accepted to PA school and have been also offered a spot to attend nursing school. My question is this: I know the diff regarding medical model vs. nursing model and all other diff, but it seems to me that it is much easier to locate a job after graduation with most RN's, even ADNs, exceeding the typical salary of a PA. I have had the opportunity to work with both in the military, but would the nursing route offer more expansion within the filed? I have been accepted to a primary care PA school, and have an interest in surgery, but after careful consideration, declined the SPA program that I had been accepted to. Any suggestions? I know that I can work in surgery even though I graduated from a primary care school, can't I? Any suggestions/comments would be greatly appreciated!

 

[deleted6669]

while there are certainly more rn jobs than pa jobs out there the avg pa makes more than the avg rn by at least 10-15k/yr to start. agency rn's can make 50/hr, but locums pa's can make 75/hr. it really comes down to if you want to be a clinician or spend your life following others orders

 

[crawgator]

Emedpa,

Thanks for your response. You certainly did clear up any indecision that I have now. I have a couple of other questions to ask you if you don't mind:
1. Was accepted to both a SPA/Primary care school; turned down the SPA school b/c of alot response from practicing PAs that explained that I would recieve a much more well-rounded education-do you agree?
2. I do have an interest in surgery; can I enter a surgical field after passing the boards? Is it true that most MDs really does not know the diff between the two? I guess what I'm trying to say is that does SPAs have a distinct advantage entering a surgical job over a regular PA, or does it really matter? We would all be PA-C's, right?
3. If you don't mind me asking, what school did you graduate from? Do you really enjoy Emergency Med? I just wanted to make the best decision for myself if you know what I mean.
4. Is there anything that you would recommend me doing as far as studying,etc. Any helpful hints would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks again for everything

 

[deleted6669]

1/2. BETTER TO DO A PRIMARY CARE PROGRAM AND THEN A SURGICAL RESIDENCY
3. HAHNEMANN. EM IS GREAT. LOTS OF OPPORTUNITY FOR FULL SCOPE PRACTICE
4. RELAX FOR NOW, YOU WILL HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO STUDY IN SCHOOL
NOTE OF INTEREST: 2002 PA SALARY SURVRY OUT TODAY FROM AAPA: AVG PA SALARY $72, 241

 

[crawgator]

Thanks for your reply. You have helped me alot and I might have to call on you again when the opportunity presents itself if you don't mind. I'm wet behind the ears, so I hope that my questions won't offend you.

Thanks and Happy 2003!!!!