NP VS. PA | What's The Difference?

[@NurseLiz]

**I am aware it is Physician Assistant, but didn't catch my typo at the 5 second mark until after editing. Sorry guys! No offense meant! **

[@MHSMagicLuver]

Nurse Liz I was just going to comment and then saw this. As a PA student I have to correct people quite often that there’s no apostrophe.

[@NurseLiz]

Lisa oh gosh I bet!

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

Nurse Liz None taken!😀

[@alytheamccoy5150]

I want to do Neonatal NP.

[@jalenjagger6389]

i know Im asking the wrong place but does anyone know a method to log back into an instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me

[@jcbonner5044]

This is honestly the first unbiased PA vs NP video I’ve seen. Thanks!

[@NurseLiz]

Thank you!

[@Thetruth00008]

Yes it is. I’m finding that most of the PA videos are biased

[@MadristaSisam]

@@Thetruth00008 Same can be said about np sadly

[@missp1176]

I am currently a medical assistant, and I was extremely 100% sure I was going to go to nursing school and become and NP. but watching this honestly helped me SOO much, and I honestly think PA would be a much better fit for what I want to do! Thank you for sharing such great information! ❤️

[@marykayandelle]

good decision!

[@Inamichan]

Hello fellow MA!

[@antoniochildres7360]

My current goal is to be a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Thank you so much for the content that you put out. You’re incredible!

[@TM-pf1hs]

My goal is to be an acute care pediatric nurse practitioner. After my son's experience in the NICU with him being on ECMO for 12 days and having an left MCA stroke...this will be me giving back

[@NurseLiz]

What An amazing way to turn that into a positive thing for so many people!

[@sammikg]

You could also think about being a neonatal nurse practitioner, that’s what I’m thinking about becoming

[@andrewjackson9341]

I am applying to PA school in a couple of months. This was such a great explanation about the differences between NPs and PAs! I've heard other explanations but this is by far the best I've seen.

[@NurseLiz]

thanks! Hope the application cycle treats you kindly!

[@Waleed.869]

Are you now in pa school? How is it?

[@Gutts23]

As of right now, I just got into Nursing School. As soon i became a CNA I knew I wanted to work in the ED; however, life took me by surprise when I didn't find a position as a new CNA & I got a job in one of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Step Down units. I swore I would go after my 6 months of being there that I’d go to the ED. That changed on my 60th day when on a night shift one of my patients coded and I got to do compressions for three different cycles. Two years later, I finally got into Nursing school and have my heart set on the CardioThoracic ICU. If all goes well, I could see myself there, but as of right my heart & goals lay in the Heart Center not only as an RN, but as PA or acute care NP. Also- thank you so much on your insights about varies nursing perspectives and other careers pertaining to medicine. You inspire people like me, baby N(M)urses that it all is possible.

[@NurseLiz]

That's quite the journey! I'm glad you've found what you want to be doing. Also, thank you so much for your sweet words!

[@jameswolfe1487]

I’m a RRT going to school to be a PA. Love the unbiased review

[@ryanpainter9577]

Thanks for the help; I'm really wrangling with this decision currently. I originally went to school as a premed and biomedicine student, then dropped out, because I was working night shift as an OR and anesthesia tech: I discovered that I preferred nursing over medicine. Well, fast forward to now, I'm an LPN on a subacute floor, and have been aspiring for years to be a trauma/flight RN/NP. The problem is though, I still need my BSN, and I'm having difficulty funding and relocating to do so (LPN to BSN bridge that is). However, I could relatively easily finish out a BS online, and then go on to PA school, and work in a surgical/trauma/emergent/ICU setting. Thanks for the unbiased overview, and the reassurance of the diminishing divide between these careers. In the end, it is what you make it, and I know I have the nursing model at heart, no matter which I choose.

[@maryannbatchelder8047]

I have been an RN For 11 years and I am currently in my second year as an FNP student. It was so refreshing to see this video. I personally have had the pleasure to work along side and receive excellent care from some amazing physicians, PAs, and NPs. I plan to specialize in urology which has been a passion of mine as an RN-I chuckled when you mentioned the podiatry people.

[@joegernot3919]

Hello, I’m sorry for infringe on your profile, you are wonderful and I would definitely love to be friends , get to know more about you ..here’s my email [e-mail] both on hangout messenger , I would be glad to hear from you ..

[@CS-yr5jr]

You are a godsend for me. I’m in nursing school right now and I’m really wanting to become a nurse practitioner. I’m really glad to have come across this channel. You answer all my questions and you’re so helpful. Thank you!!

[@NurseLiz]

So glad it was helpful!

[@leonidbrain]

I just got accepted into nursing school! So excited to start my journey, so thank you for this wonderful video! It really put things into perspective for me

[@NurseLiz]

congratulations! That's super exciting!

[@leonidbrain]

@@NurseLiz Thank you!! 😊

[@caribaez5711]

Somehow I wouldn’t know what to say if I become a physician associative so I would choose nurse practitioner because it seems NPs scope of practice is more independent even though they still need some authorization of the Physician. I like nurse practioner very much.

[@veronicapegram3092]

Thank you for this video. I am a new AGPCNP with 25 years as a RN. I found this video to be very informative and I look to seeing more from you.

[@NurseLiz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dochouse4528]

I absolutely love everything about you, your personality, your humor, your videos and the fact you are very personable and relatable and always give an honest and neutral perspective on things. You are always so full of energy when you talk. Its infectious in a positive way. Well done.

[@NurseLiz]

aww thank you so much!

[@paulastafford1642]

Accurate and fair comparison. Thank you. I'm a retired PA.

[@MHSMagicLuver]

I also wish we could all get along. I had over 10k direct pt hours before being accepted to PA school (CNA and MA). When I was a MA, I worked alongside MDs, NPs and they eventually hired 4 PAs. In that specific practice all of the providers did the same thing. The only differences were that the MD was the only one who did pre op and ADHD. As well as when the PA started (because she had worked in urgent care before) she asked for materials to do things like sutures that no one else did because as PAs we like doing those things. I’m finishing up my first year (3rd semester) and in summer we start learning our skills. I am excited for during. We went to a conference and I paid 40$ to do a 2 hour beginning suture class which was cool. I want to get a job in family medicine when I first graduate for a few years and then go into different specialties like ER, surgery, and GI. It also took me 5 years to get accepted with all my hours of direct pt care and 3.6 GPA. It’s super competitive. I was accepted to 2 schools this year. One school did not say how many applicants they got but I think later one of the professors said like about 1600 and the other school I know had about 2000 applicants and only took 20. So there’s a 1% chance or getting accepted so if you want to do it, you need to work hard and make yourself better.

[@NurseLiz]

Go you for getting in with that competition!! That is amazing!

[@GenevieveRusso]

Just one thing I'd like to add as someone going to PA school at Rutgers! PA schools are coming out with a lot more part-time options however, full-time is much more common. Most schools are in person but some programs (Yale comes to mind) are offering their PA program online. Great video though! Very informative :)

[@NurseLiz]

This is super helpful thank you!!

[@heather2039]

I’m interested in applying to Rutgers one day! Do you mind telling me a little bit about the PA program (3+3) and how you are enjoying it?

[@jerimehawkins6044]

I’m currently an LPN of 7.5 years. Worked in Psych and Neurosurgery, both as a staff floor nurse. Just the ambiance of working around so much intelligence and professionalism really inspired me to keep pushing despite life and its adversities. I’m 29 now, and nursing has been my passion for many years. My dream job is become a Neuroscience Nurse Practitioner. I’ve been discouraged along the way, but listening to you Nurse Liz and reading the relatable comments has been so inspiring. Thanks for being awesome and giving future nurse leaders like myself HOPE & Encouragement 😊👍🏾👨🏾‍⚕️

[@jcastil7]

I just started my BSN program last week, so the jury is still out on which specialty I would like to pursue but I think I would like to work in the NICU or L&D. I find the rapid development of babies extremely fascinating.

[@NurseLiz]

It’s definitely such a neat thing!

[@natoh8183]

I hope they don’t go the obligatory doctorate route. Physical therapy has and it’s definitely keeping a lot of people from perusing the field.

[@ruleighdy]

Thank you for the video.... I am currently undecided between getting into whether the MD/PsyD/PA/Np road, so I feel watching your videos could assist me in my decision!....

[@NurseLiz]

There's definitely so many great options! Best of luck as you sort through things!

[@allisondyamond487]

I’m a CNA in the nursing float pool and considering nursing school. This was an extremely helpful vid on the differences between PA & NP. Thanks a lot!

[@NurseLiz]

So glad it was helpful!

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

Allison Dyamond Hooray for CNA! I did that for 7 years whilst working on my B.S. in Biology and later, PA school!

[@jessicajones2414]

Omar Abdul-Malik DHEd, MPAS, PA-C Good for you! I bet you’re a fantastic and intuitive provider. I’m a CNA in nursing school, eventually I plan on becoming a NP. I feel that my time spent as a CNA will help me be a better nurse. ☺️

[@deetheefoodie]

I am a CNA also! We make the best nurses!

[@cosmoelectra]

Hi! Love your videos. I’m a PA. A constructive observation we are Physician Assistants not Physician’s assistants (we frown on being owned by doctors) 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Love the vid *hugs*

[@NurseLiz]

I literally caught this while I was editing and was like craaaap. Thank you for pointing it out! I’m glad you aren’t owned by people 😂🙂

[@stephanieperez2458]

Ana Cristina hi how is it being a PA

[@MtbRN2MD]

Unless youre married to one. Lol

[@cosmoelectra]

Stephanie Perez it’s the best decision of my life ❤️

[@mike112693]

cant believe there are people like this crying over the title spelling when it still ends up meaning the same thing

[@WillieFordham]

I LOVEEE how you said pediatric cardio. I had an open heart surgery at 18 months. I would probably be a OBGYN or Psychiatric

[@NurseLiz]

Hope you are doing well now! Both are such great specialties!

[@WillieFordham]

@@NurseLiz I'm doing great and hope you are doing amazing.

[@bleu1306]

Thank you for providing so much information and spreading so much positivity in your videos! I'm thinking of getting into bsn program fall 2020 and eventually into FNP or Psych NP!

[@NurseLiz]

Awesome plan!!

[@impressenterprisesllc8704]

I want to work in Cardiothoracic surgery as a PA!! Thank you for this video

[@dayanacastillo1033]

I’m on my route becoming a pharmacy tech (am 17 years old) and I’m considering one of theses routes but am not sure. This helped a lot :)) thank you!

[@NurseLiz]

I"m so glad it was helpful!

[@jeanmayo2773]

Wow!! I can't believe how fast you talk. Guess it helps when talking to patients.

[@BarelyInsanity]

Awesome video, subscribing for sure. My fiancé is stuck in between PA (og number 1) and now nursing with a goal of NP. This was a great walkthrough

[@gracembakop2813]

Loveeeeeeeeee your video lizzz, this is by far the best and unbiased video I have seen so far when comparing PA and NP's

[@NurseLiz]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful :)

[@justinabenson7229]

Thanks a lot. I'm looking into PA

[@DominicanMeridaLife]

I was researching thinking I would prefer to be a PA but realized I want to be an NP. People go back and forth on this but I feel like NPs are moving towards having more autonomy and PAs are not. It won't be for a while though. It's going to be a slow climb. CNA(done), LPN(in progress), then lpn to adn, adn to bsn, bsn to msn.

[@NurseLiz]

Might be a long road, but you can so do it! You're gonna rock!

[@tamiburke5959]

This was extremely helpful! It gave me so much clarity. I never understood exactly what “medical model” and “nursing model” meant until now. Thanks 😋

[@NurseLiz]

So glad it was helpful!

[@preciousjbs.ms.3504]

I love your video and I am looking forward to the upcoming video today. So I have my Bachelors in Biology. I have a Masters in Surgical Assisting from a Medical school. During my time there, I completed pathophysiology and clinical Anatomy with the PA students. I fell in love with the PA profession that I started working at a free clinic as a medical assistant to gain patient care experience to pursue PA professsion. HOWEVER, during my time as a MA, I started working with Amazing Nurse Practitioners and exceptional nurses, that I literally rerouted and entered into Nursing school to now Pursue eventually NP. I’ve been conflicted about the PA vs NP for quite sometime, still am at times. I say all that to say I am looking forward to your upcoming video. It might confirm or change my choice!... no pressure!☺️.. just kidding! .. well maybe but I love your videos!😂

[@NurseLiz]

Honestly you can’t go wrong with either! What an awesome background you will have for whatever profession you choose!

[@NurseLiz]

Omg that is so hard! Way to turn it into something positive though! So so impressive

[@Quietsloths]

I feel like I’m turning my back on nurses but I kind of want to be a pa after getting my bsn but I still have some years before it’s set in stone.

[@NurseLiz]

Not turning your back at all! One of the awesome things about nursing is how versatile it is. And what an amazing background to have to become a pa!

[@iGimmie]

Sounds kinda sus to not go NP if you're already a BSN.

[@avlih3980]

@@NurseLiz I love you answer

[@kathconserv]

High Kitty that doesn’t make sense. Become an NP

[@cherylann2271]

Right now I’m struggling with FNP or PMHNP, I love both and not sure which option I will choose yet, both programs in my area are DNP and most NP programs in my area are now DNP. My ultimate dream would be to do both maybe FNP first and then get PMHNP certificate.

[@NurseLiz]

What a super well rounded provider you would be!

[@joegernot3919]

Hello, I’m sorry for infringe on your profile, you are wonderful and I would definitely love to be friends , get to know more about you ..here’s my email [e-mail] both on hangout messenger , I would be glad to hear from you ..

[@teenie418]

Great informative video! Thank you for sharing it. There does seem to always be that underlying issue about who is better. I have also teetered back and forth on which direction to go. But you mentioned that there are always workshops you can do to gain more skill in an area like suturing or learning more about placing a central line or chest tube. I think for me that the decision to go NP has been difficult because I really love the skills and clinical rotations that the PAs experience that you don’t get with NPs. However, if I can do workshops or certifications then that would be awesome!!

[@NurseLiz]

They are definitely a great option!

[@CognitiveBias3]

Just wanted to say that you are awesome. Very informative, concise and unbiased video. I hope you create more content about PAs in the future. :)

[@NurseLiz]

So glad they've been informative!

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

Peace be to you NP Liz! I'm a new subscriber and fan!😁 I have been a medically licensed Physician Assistant for almost two decades and currently work as a Hospitalist Physician Assistant in Washington, D.C. where I live with my wife and four children. I work with some awesome NPs! I'm so glad you covered this! I hope the PA profession doesn't become an obligatory Doctorate!😰It's going to keep alot of good applicants from becoming PAs. Why do you think this is happening to the NP profession?🤔I really appreciate the NP education paradigm. I interviewed some, because I some of us PAs never get you guy's training exactly correct! I look forward to more of your videos! I'll follow you on Instagram too!🤓

[@NurseLiz]

Hello! Thanks for introducing yourself!! So much respect for hospitalists, I couldnt do that! go you! I believe they are pushing the DNP to try to compete with other specialties that require the doctorate. But I'm not in love with how the are implementing the doctorate.

[@sohntiseosorio8321]

I’m so happy I found your channel.

[@NurseLiz]

I’m so glad you did as well! Welcome!

[@imthrillz5255]

I believe the best route for a midlevel is to get started as an RN with years of experience then go on to complete a PA program. NP program quality vary too much, and overall PA programs are more rigorous, competitive, and have a better curriculum set to be a physician-like provider. (Opinion of someone who debated both and researched PA and NP programs for 6months)

[@TSLOZackC]

Great explanations! Would love to learn more about NP specialty options! (I think this helps demystify some of the "limitations" or stigma between NP/PA/MDs ). Have you known any NPs to pursue emergency medicine, or would this more commonly fall into the PA niche, like surgery?

[@jeanniechen5075]

During your clinical year, you still do a lot of book work, just on your own. There are exams and assignments during clinical rotations.

[@NurseLiz]

For sure! Probably could have clarified that more.

[@riceluv]

I’m an ER nurse and I love it. I would want to advance to an NP in the ER setting. However, I’ve only seen one NP work in my direct department but she is relegated to our urgent care section/fast track in the ER. Never as a main ER provider. I don’t know if it’s just the facility I work for (which I love) but it turns me off if that’s what I’m looking forward to. We also have a Sepsis NP, which I have never heard of before.

[@NurseLiz]

I've never heard of a sepsis NP, what a cool resource! I think the resposibilities of an ER NP likely vary on location, I know some that function as a traditional ER provider seeing all cases

[@riceluv]

Nurse Liz it’s part of our Sepsis power plan for orders. I’d have to find out how we have a Sepsis NP, my educated guess would be due to our patient population (Chula Vista, CA)

[@C3yl0]

Going for PA in pediatric cardiothoracic and neuro trauma surgery as they are my passion. I chose PA over MD because I can’t do multiple specialties. Thanks for your insights. ❤️ 😁

[@NurseLiz]

awesome!

[@fionaquinn8777]

Hi, i'm 41years old and I'm re watching the tv show ER from the 90s and you look like nurse hathoway who had a curly black hair and being a nurse 😊❤❤❤❤❤

[@samikal4801]

The key is that NPs had been nurses and have background experience and I feel like this makes a difference. Soon ill be an FNP and I'm so excited

[@devooooooon]

And all pre-PA's engaged in, on average, 2500-4000 hours of hands-on, paid, patient care experience (including being nurses) + and 2000 clinical hours in PA school.

[@Dezzy372]

NP>PA always!! 🎉

[@whitneyonyancha9805]

I'm a second-year undergrad student thinking about becoming a surgical PA :)

[@NurseLiz]

That's awesome! Such a cool career

[@MHSMagicLuver]

I know this is 6 months later but im a PA-S currently finishing my surgery rotation and I love it! Its basically being a first assist as well as seeing patients in office and making hospital rounds. I could definitely see myself doing it someday, although I want to start in FM. If you have any questions you can message me on instagram @lisafellispas

[@Fatima-hc5dl]

@@MHSMagicLuver Hi, I was wondering how the process of becoming PA works because for a long time I thought they go to pre-med major and then transfer into PA school but not so sure. I would really appreciate if you kindly explain the process for me!!

[@jadecalay3949]

I’ve actually seen a lot of ACNP/RNFAs in the OR so the OR is not ruled out either.

[@NurseLiz]

Where do you live?? That’s awesome! I haven’t experienced that at all in my locationsz

[@sasrkaria93]

Ive seen a few first assists during my OR clinical also (Virginia/Washington DC). I think if you want to have a surgical role, it depends on which part of the surgery you want to perform. Ive seen mostly PAs operating with the surgeon during the critical parts of the surgery. In my limited experience the NPFAs I've seen usually just open and close. Also just wanted to say how much I love your channel! Found it about halfway through my nursing program and I can't get enough of your little family! Avery is so adorable :) I just graduated with my BSN in December and can certain attest to how much your videos have helped me cope! Thanks for keeping me motivated.

[@NurseLiz]

Sarkaria93 thank you for the info! And I’m so glad they’ve been helpful! Congrats on graduating!

[@jadecalay3949]

Nurse Liz Dallas Texas

[@elizabethparra4354]

Pediatric Neurology! I would love to focus on that specialty. Not very common but I would love to!

[@NurseLiz]

Awesome! Definitely not common, but hugely impactful

[@reedshue3283]

I have must have worked with about 100 PA's in my career and out of those 100, I'd say 4 of them were actually highly skilled and knowledgable. The rest were either useless or constantly confused but acted like they were totally in control or just totally arrogant but had nothing to back up that sense of self-worth.

[@Dezzy372]

Future NP with a specialty in Gastroenterology 😊 we love it!!

[@laurenporres3190]

I recently discovered your channel last semester and wish I had discovered you sooner, because you literally have given me so much information and knowledge that I've used in the classroom and in clinical settings. Keep doing you girl, you inspire more than you know

[@NurseLiz]

I’m so glad it’s been helpful! Thank you for the encouragement ❤️

[@MilkPlusChocolate]

I'm so glad I found your video!!! I was wondering if there's a difference in upward mobility, schedule flexibility, as well as job outlook between the two?

[@NurseLiz]

Not really! I believe they are anticipated to be very comparable

[@tylerbennett4908]

I enjoy how positive your videos are in addition to being informative and helpful :)

[@NurseLiz]

So glad they’ve been helpful!!

[@andreakuenzel3483]

Great video! I work in dermatology now, but when I get my FNP I want to be in primary care ❤️

[@NurseLiz]

That is going to be so insanely helpful!! As you know, seem and I struggle

[@talitharoque7808]

I’m hoping to achieve my NP and would like to eventually have three focuses: Family Medicine, ER, and Gerontology.

[@erinhale917]

At the NP school we have to have around 1000 hours, whereas other NP programs have around 670hrs. I go to Bluefield College/University. 😳 We also have had to have clinicals with OBGYNs and PED specialist🙁 it’s helpful but hard. We have had clinicals the whole program with around 5 classes.

[@badermax]

Love your channel nurse Liz! Would be nice if you touched on the nurse anesthesia specialization. We're not this other species in advanced practice nursing roles the rest of nursing makes us out to be.

[@NurseLiz]

haha I fully agree about not being a different species! I just have no experience with CRNA's, and never had a desire to be one so I dont have much to say on the topic!

[@savannahsmith4185]

Thank you! Such a helpful video. I've been trying to find this info!!!

[@pestleandmortarmedical5400]

Firstly to become a Physician Assistant (PA), you must obtain a bachelors degree from an undergraduate education. This is non-specific but largely people tend to choose degrees in the sciences as the prerequisites for PA school are heavily science based (Bio 1,2 Chem 1, 2 Organic 1, Biochemistry 1, Genetics, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology 1, 2). Next all PA schools require direct patient care hours to apply. The AVERAGE ACCEPTED APPLICANT has ~2000 hrs. Examples of obtaining direct patient care hours is through Nursing, Athletic Training, Physical therapy, medical scribe, etc. Once accepted to PA school there is two years. PA's are taught under the medical model which is the same model of medicine as Physician's. This is different then the nursing model which only nurses follow, such as NP's. The curriculum for PA school is a similar curriculum to accelerate doctors during World War 2. PA's first year is called the didactic phase. This is heavy book learning of medicine. The second year is called the clinical year. This is where PA's get 2,000 hrs in multiple specialties (Primary care, Orthopedics, OB/GYN, General Surgery, etc). To draw a comparison Doctors have two didactic years and 2 clinical years. Follow similar frame work for learning medicine but PA's have a generalist approach and MD's have a more thorough approach. After completing all of the requirements during PA school, PA students must pass the PANCE exam to become certified. The PANCE exam is a nationally certified exam. PA must retake the exam every 10 years to re-certify to practice as a PA. PA's are required to get 100 hours of CME units, which is similar to physicians. PA's and NP's have similar lengths in terms of schooling and I can delve more in depth of the differences if you like....I would like to but I will be civil,

[@toni723]

Looking forward to watching more videos from you

[@toni723]

This was really helpful, thank you for the information

[@ameliaokiyi6629]

I always thought that I was taking the long way to np but I just discovered pa and I’m so curious about it by it sounds great

[@muhammadshahzad8558]

Hey, first off thanks for the video!! So you were saying that NP and PA can both practice in a variety of specialties? But also mentioned how NPs get educated based on in patient or out patient etc? And PAs generally educated in every field? Please help clarify for me. Thanks

[@NurseLiz]

NP's couldn't work in both inpatient and outpatient specialties unless they were dual trained. PA's can work in whatever field they would like, they just get less experience in that particular area while in school.

[@mattjohnston7705]

From the bottom of my heart. Thank you so much for this video. Been trying to decide between the two for a while and every other video I’ve seen is so biased toward one. This is such a good rundown of both. Thank you again!

[@NurseLiz]

I'm glad! There is definitely crazy bias out there. People are wild haha

[@vinnd]

Hello! I really wanted to say that your videos are amazing and really helpful. I am applying to nursing school in May for Fall 2019 and I am super excited. One question I have is what direction should I take when choosing an NP route if I am interested in working in the ER as an NP? Thank you!

[@NurseLiz]

I would look at job postings in your area for np jobs in the Er! Some want fnp and some want acute care. There are some emergency np programs, but not many. That would obviously be ideal!

[@ornelafankem1835]

You break everything down so well. you are soooo soo helpful. Thank you.

[@NurseLiz]

i'm glad its been helpful!

[@KoolBoo101]

My goal is to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner because I love to work with babies 👶 but I’m thinking about WHNP as well. Debating between the two , but I have time since I’m still in my BSN program 😂.

[@NurseLiz]

Both such awesome choices!

[@SMFortissimo]

I would go into psychiatric mental health nurse practitioning. I have my bachelors in psych, but I’m considering doing an accelerated bsn. I think being a psych np would flow naturally from having those degrees.

[@KoasterKid95]

That's a good idea. Apparently psych NP's are in extremely high demand

[@NurseLiz]

Definitely a huge demand for psych np’s!

[@canaanevans2953]

This helped me SO MUCH!!! thank you

[@nikkinicole4990]

I’m a junior in highschool and I can’t decide with going into nursing and then eventually becoming a NP or becoming a PA. I think I want to go into obygn or neonatal but it will probably change when I get actual experience lol

[@kellyrabe5180]

In my area NP are real me and kind of stuck-up one made my mom cry so we go to MD or D.O the PA are only in the ER in my area there are very good but you have to be to work in the ER that is just what i have seen my D..o has a NP she is nice.but i am in a different town now

[@ypmm53]

Great video! Thank you for clarifying!!!

[@NurseLiz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@avagonzalez3237]

This is soo informative thank you! Much more helpful than google :)

[@NurseLiz]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@jeca65]

Glad I ran across this video! Thank you for giving some more detail about the differences and similarities between the two.

[@sincerelyyours225]

This was GREAT! Thank you!

[@shayflo3678]

the operating room is nurse and pa but there is no physician assistant that ive seen in anesthesia

[@rickybobby3043]

Thanks 4 all the info. I'm currently in an LVN to RN program and will be starting NP school soon after.

[@NurseLiz]

Awesome!

[@KathrineAnnVlogs]

In my beginning years of undergrad, I was pre-med. Then I decided I didn't like school as much as I thought and switched to nursing. Lol. However, I asked one of my professors if I should consider PA school. And he said that in 10-20 years PAs and NPs alike won't exist anymore bc there shouldn't be an "in between doctor" or "a nurse trying to be a doctor." He said that there have always been doctors and nurses, and there is no room for these in between practitioners. That it is only a cultural phase. I realize this is a harsh opinion, but what is your take on this? Since you are actually in the field (whereas my professor is a know-it-all chemist lol)?

[@NurseLiz]

I would say he should probably pick his head up out of the sand and realize both professions are growing wildly, and expected to continue to do so as they provide safe, much needed care to patients of all kinds.

[@KathrineAnnVlogs]

@@NurseLiz do you think that the rising popularity of NPs and PAs will create a shortage in Physicians? And if so what problems do you think will arise from that?

[@NurseLiz]

That hasn’t been the case. The current problem is many physicians are going into specialties as they are much higher paying, and with med school loans you need that. There is also a huge shortage of healthcare providers in our country, so NP’s and PA’s help fill that gap by going and working at family practices and specialty clinics run by physicians to help meet the growing demands of our healthcare system

[@KathrineAnnVlogs]

@@NurseLiz Oh okay, that makes sense. I think a new problem that needs to be tackled is the cost of an education. It's posing problems for this entire generation!

[@meikoblock]

The reason there are so many different healthcare professionals is that there are gaps that need to be filled. To say that NPs and PAs simply won't exist in 10-20 yrs is a bit blockheaded. The healthcare profession is never going out of business, especially because people are living longer and our populations are ever growing. There simply is a need for more healthcare professionals.

[@kirpt2530]

I’m confused because I’ve seen NP’s working in surgery. How would someone do that from an NP viewpoint? Side note I’m wanting to work in surgery 🙂

[@kevini4295]

Love this. All I will say is that I am a member of the LGBT+ community. I see a NP who specializes in gay men's care. He is awesome. He will refer out if needed. Have not stumped him with anything yet! :). I'd say if I needed major surgery, I would prefer an MD/DO with a fellowship and off that.

[@oloruntoadebenjudahdawotol7531]

I love this video this is an excellent breakdown thank you

[@NurseLiz]

So glad it was helpful!

[@Lorenamembreno]

My daughter is graduating high school and currently trying to understand this differences. For NP she has to go into nursing school? Is that a RN sha has to do? Another question what is the difference between RN/ NP ? Does a NP only work in hospital o in private doctors clinics too?

[@marianag8043]

For a person who does not hold any health care experience either and a business degree but wants to get into healthcare. Would you recommen going PA or RN?

[@TubeTelivision]

thank you for making this video! I do have a question that I've struggled to find a clear answer to. I worked as a tech for an eye doctor for several years and working in that field made me want to go to nursing school, and eventually become a nurse practitioner in the setting of Ophthalmology. This doesn't seem like a popular or common setting for nurse practitioners. I've worked with several PAs in Ophthalmology, but I've never seen a nurse practitioner in Ophthalmology. Do you know how this would work? TIA!

[@NurseLiz]

I don't think I've ever known any NP's in optho, but that doesnt mean there aren't! I'd look at optho jobs in your area and see if any of the postings are ever open to NP's!

[@AshleyMsWeightlossVlog]

This video was so helpful! Thank you!

[@NurseLiz]

So glad it was helpful!

[@ngvkhtnw22]

I'm curious, can NP and PA operate independently and charge patients directly for fees for service like doctors? Or they must work as an employee in a hospital or clinic? Thanks.

[@XLeslieDiazX]

Thank you for your video. Can I please ask what your schedule looks like as a NP and if you know how that compares to a PA?

[@NurseLiz]

Schedules for NPs and PAs are typically about the same, but they tend to vary from practice to practice, and it also depends on what you negotiate for. I work super part time, but another NP could work a lot more. Just depends!

[@tanyaanderson5514]

I really love your videos! How many years were you an RN before becoming an NP?

[@NurseLiz]

Thank you! 6 years

[@tarabrown5539]

I want to work in the OR but I can get my BSN to NP faster than waiting for a local PA program to accept me. Should I continue to wait for PA because of the environment I want to work in (OR) or start the accelerated RN program to NP to get into the OR? My friend also suggested working in the OR as an RN while in NP school. IDK what to do :)

[@NurseLiz]

Hi! I would look into the jobs that are local to you and see what they prefer. Some hospitals really only go with PA's for their surgical specialties, and others are very NP friendly and willing to train NP's in the OR. I definitely think if you go the BSN route, working in the OR would give you awesome experience and would definitely give you a leg up when it came to applying for surgical NP jobs!

[@sixfourtyfive]

What kinds of procedures can NPs and PAs perform?

[@marykayandelle]

why don't np's re-certify for boards like physicians and PAs?

[@niviachilds-english3784]

I am 100% sure I want to work either acute care pediatrics or nicu.. is it more difficult to find jobs as an NP or PA in those fields?

[@NurseLiz]

It varies by location. Look at the job listings in your area or the area you are looking in and see what they have as educational requirements.

[@niviachilds-english3784]

Thank you

[@misshoornazbeauty9560]

Hi Liz, thank you so much for making this video and sharing it with us! I'm currently deciding between either becoming a NP or PA and I feel like after watching your video, becoming a NP matches my personality better (I like to look at humans and their medical problem as a whole) even tho PA and NP are very similar, as you said! Watching all your videos on how you finally decided to choose the NP route!

[@NurseLiz]

I’m so glad it was helpful!!

[@robyn905]

PA school DOES have online, and part time (3 year) options as well as hybrids :)

[@NurseLiz]

Thank you for the info! That’s awesome, makes it so much easier to have a life with part time!

[@robyn905]

@@NurseLiz Wow youre still replying to comments! Youre awesome :)

[@yashoda86]

I'm an RN working in Neuro ICU & MICU. Previously, I worked 2.5 years on a telemetry unit geared towards post PCI/pacer/ablation. This neuro thing is all new to me, but I'm loving it so far. I work with both NPs and PAs in a variety of specialties. However, I have no idea which path is next for me. I do not know which population I would like to work with, so after watching your video I am leaning more towards PA. Your video is the 4th one I watch and so far the most honest one! Thanks for the helpful video. Still debating...

[@NurseLiz]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dovgewirtz1633]

What does it take to work in a specialty as an FNP ? Like can you right out of school work in dermatology, do you need to go back to school for a year, or is there something in the middle where you just attend some workshops and you good to go ?

[@NurseLiz]

often people who start in specialties receive no more further training formally, but are trained on the job at a site that is willing to teach a new grad

[@dovgewirtz1633]

@@NurseLiz Thanks !

[@jake2262]

Would I get my clinical experience and health care background after my undergrad? And then apply for pa or np school?