It can be difficult to tell the difference between a physician assistant (PA) and a nurse, especially because there are so many different kinds of nurses. Registered nurses (RNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), and nurse practitioners (NPs) are three different types of nurses, each with their own educational requirements, licensure requirements, and job responsibilities. The difference between a physician assistant and a nurse, at its most basic level, is that a physician assistant is trained to diagnose and treat medical illnesses under the supervision of a physician, whereas a nurse primarily provides nursing, or bedside, care. As a result, a PA has more decision-making authority over a patient’s care than a nurse.
Nurse Practitioners, on the other hand, have a higher level of education, training, and experience than other nurses and PAs, and thus have a broader scope of practice. Nurse practitioners (NPs) provide both medical and nursing care.
The scope of practice of a physician assistant is determined by his or her training, experience, and state laws. A PA can typically provide about 75 percent of the services that a physician can, but they must be supervised by a physician. Working under the supervision of a physician does not necessitate the presence of the physician at all times during the patient’s care. In clinics where the physician is only present on occasion, a PA can serve as the primary care provider. This is most common in inner-city and rural clinics, where the number of physicians is low in comparison to the number of patients. In addition, a physician assistant may make house calls or travel to hospitals and other facilities to check on patients and report their progress to the physician.
PAs, like physicians, don’t usually do clerical work, which a nurse might do on occasion. More complicated cases are usually handled by a physician rather than a PA.
With the exception of nurse practitioners, most nurses, including physician assistants, are unable to diagnose patients. Rather, a nurse looks after the patient by following the doctor’s orders and informing the doctor of any changes in the patient’s physical or emotional health. Nurse practitioners, on the other hand, have more autonomy than assistants because they can work independently.
A physician assistant, like a nurse, is a member of the health-care team. He or she may conduct a physical examination, obtain a medical history, administer treatment, order and interpret laboratory tests and x-rays, and diagnose illnesses. He or she may also provide treatment for injuries that require splinting, suturing, or casting. A person in this position is allowed to prescribe medications in most of the United States. Nurse practitioners are allowed to write prescriptions in some states.
A physician assistant must complete a training program and pass a national exam in order to practice. The majority of these PA programs last two years. PAs, unlike doctors, are not required to complete internships or residencies. Nurses must also meet specific educational requirements, with nurse practitioners requiring the most education, which includes a master’s degree. A physician assistant can expect to earn a higher annual salary than a nurse once they are licensed.