Jay Said:

What's the difference between nurse practioner and physician assistant? Which is the better career path?

We Answered:

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has completed advanced education (generally a minimum of a master's degree) and training in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions, including chronic illnesses. Nurse practitioners provide a broad range of health care services.

Nurse practitioners provide much of the same care provided by physicians and usually maintain close working relationships with physicians. An NP can serve as a patient’s regular health care provider and see patients of all ages. The core philosophy of the field is individualized care. Nurse practitioners focus on patients' conditions as well as the effects of illness on the lives of the patients and their families. NPs make prevention, wellness, and patient education priorities. This can mean fewer prescriptions and less expensive treatments. Informing patients about their health care and encouraging them to participate in decisions are central to the care provided by NPs. In addition to health care services, NPs conduct research and are often active in patient advocacy activities.

In the United States, Physician Assistants (PAs) are non-physician clinicians licensed to practice medicine with a physician's supervision. This supervision, in most cases, need not be direct or on site and many PAs practice in remote or underserved areas in satellite clinics. PAs can treat patients and, in 49 of the 50 states, prescribe medicine. In some states they carry a DEA number that gives them authority to prescribe controlled medications like narcotics. PAs in surgical practices also serve as first assistants in surgery. PAs provide medical services that are reimbursed under Medicare and third party insurances. Their scope of practice and autonomy are only limited by their precepting physicians comfort level and that PA's clinical experience, allowing PA's to work in any area of medicine, surgery or research. Where there is a physician, there can be a PA. According to the AAPA, PAs must always work under the supervision of a physician.

I know nurse practitioners that have their own practice, I don't know that to be true for PAs. So if you're looking for a career with a more wholistic approach I'd say go for nurse practitioner. Nurses in general care for patients on different level than most physicians. Doctors are more inclined to treat the patient, whereas nurses treat the patient and also deal with other aspects of the patient's life. For example, a doctor would diagnosis the cancer and prescribe treatments. Nurses educate the patient, find ways to educate the patient's family, and broaden the scope for overall patient care.

Bob Said:

what career path can i go with pregnancy/babies without being a nurse?

We Answered:

Midwife and Doctor? That would involve seeing the birth :) How about someone who takes the ante natal classes? They're always lovely people! Helping first time mothers/young mums with preparing for the birth. Always fun! Good Luck!

Leon Said:

Nurses, what career path should I take to get into upper level management or administration?

We Answered:

The best I can think of is doing a blended MSN/MBA or MSN/MPH. This combination of degrees should give you the education needed to put you in hospital administration or work in healthcare policy. The MSN could also give you enough education to teach nursing to students that are aspiring BSN's, LPN's or ADN's. The Doctor of Nursing Practice could also prepare you for a career in research or education, and at most institutions that is only one extra year of schooling. The DNP is a new degree, but with healthcare you never know what the future holds. Or you could take the next 4+ years and become a PhD.

How does Dr. Lilbittygirl sound? I think it has a ring to it! Reach for the sky...

Claudia Said:

I'm no good at being a nurse, what career path should I take?

We Answered:

It would help to know why you feel you are not good at it.

Do you like being a nurse, and just not good? Or do you dislike it? Are you good, or do you like, working with people? You could probably cross over into another medical field but if you don't like working with people at all, that would be a bad choice.

It's really hard to give suggestions without knowing more info.