Physician assistant or nurse practitioner

[Ricu]

As a civilian PA I'd work for an Orthopedic Surgeon. Or, in the military as an Army PA.

Do I remember correctly that you were a CST before becoming a nurse? Ever think of being an RN First Assistant? I'm sure you would be able to do orthopedics exclusively. A busy orthopedic surgeon would give his eye teeth for a dedicated FA if he didn't have his own PA. It would be a way of merging all of your medical experience and possibly taking a shorter route into something that you would like more.

Just thinking,

R

[SoldierNurse]

Do I remember correctly that you were a CST before becoming a nurse? Ever think of being an RN First Assistant? I'm sure you would be able to do orthopedics exclusively. A busy orthopedic surgeon would give his eye teeth for a dedicated FA if he didn't have his own PA. It would be a way of merging all of your medical experience and possibly taking a shorter route into something that you would like more.

Just thinking,

R

Yes, prior CST 3 years, plus OR RN 4 years. Also, 1.5 years Telemetry & 4.5 years critical care.

I've already thought about RNFA many years ago. Again, if I could do it all over again I'd chosen PA, rather than RN. Does that make me a bad RN, now? NO!

Thanks anyway.

[Ricu]

Yes, prior CST 3 years, plus OR RN 4 years. Also, 1.5 years Telemetry & 4.5 years critical care.

I've already thought about RNFA many years ago. Again, if I could do it all over again I'd chosen PA, rather than RN. Does that make me a bad RN, now? NO!

Thanks anyway.

Having thoughts about a career path different than the one you're currently on doesn't mean that you're not dedicated to or that you don't enjoy what you're doing. If I gave you the impression that I thought otherwise, I apologize. I was really just curious about why you didn't, or wouldn't become an RNFA. Obviously you have excellent insight into the specifics of the job.

R

[SoldierNurse]

Having thoughts about a career path different than the one you're currently on doesn't mean that you're not dedicated to or that you don't enjoy what you're doing. If I gave you the impression that I thought otherwise, I apologize. I was really just curious about why you didn't, or wouldn't become an RNFA. Obviously you have excellent insight into the specifics of the job.

R

No problema. As you know, an RNFA does not make rounds on post-op patients as does an Ortho PA.

[Ricu]

No problema. As you know, an RNFA does not make rounds on post-op patients as does an Ortho PA.

Good point. I also, would rather work with people in an awake state more than asleep or anesthetized. That, and I would prefer to concentrate on disease prevention more than treatment which is why I've decided to pursue advanced practice in family medicine instead of anesthesia.

R

[healthyone]

Good grief. I can't believe how much negativity there is going on here. PAs attacking NPs and vice versa. Who cares? PAs and NPs are both considered midlevel providers and instead of attacking each other each profession should support the other.

[Ricu]

Good grief. I can't believe how much negativity there is going on here. PAs attacking NPs and vice versa. Who cares? PAs and NPs are both considered midlevel providers and instead of attacking each other each profession should support the other.

Healthyone,

Welcome to the forum. I'm curious, what area of nursing practice do you work in? While your input is valuable, I'm not sure where you see so much negativity and attacking. There are people vested on both sides of this discussion and commuication becomes intense at times but rarely hostile. Professionals working in these areas understand that and we're working to understand how these disciplines are similar and different.

R

[OldSquidNewNurse]

I’m curious as to if PA’s take one licensing exam or if they have to sit for an exam in the specialty they are going in to? Peds, Family Practice, Surgical, ect.

[Ricu]

I’m curious as to if PA’s take one licensing exam or if they have to sit for an exam in the specialty they are going in to? Peds, Family Practice, Surgical, ect.

Good question, Squid. I know PAs working in all of those areas but never thought to ask them. Are there any reading this thread who can answer?

R

[SoldierNurse]

Good grief. I can't believe how much negativity there is going on here. PAs attacking NPs and vice versa. Who cares? PAs and NPs are both considered midlevel providers and instead of attacking each other each profession should support the other.

IMHO, no one attacked anyone.