If you're a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant, have you ever thought about what it would be like to switch careers? Maybe you're wondering if there's more to life than being a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. 

Or maybe you're thinking about making a switch because you've thought it's time for something new. Whatever the case may be, there are a lot of factors to consider when deciding whether or not to make this kind of career move.

The first and most obvious question is: What am I going to do with my life if I leave my current career path? If this is something that's been on your mind, then keep reading! 

Duties of Nurse Practitioner 

Nurse practitioner duties include:  

• Conducting comprehensive health assessments, developing nursing diagnoses, and devising treatment plans.
• Patient education by listening to patients' concerns, identifying learning needs, and working with other health care providers to develop a plan for addressing them.  
• Developing and implementing preventive care programs for patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, including providing education on lifestyle changes that can help improve their condition.
• Ordering diagnostic tests and referring patients to other health care providers when needed.

What Is a Physician Assistant?

A physician assistant (PA) is a healthcare professional who works under the supervision of a licensed physician. PAs are trained to perform many of the same duties as doctors, including making diagnoses, ordering and interpreting tests, and prescribing medications.

PAs work in all areas of medicine, including primary care, emergency medicine, and surgery. They may also provide immunizations and other preventive health services.

PAs often work in team settings with other healthcare professionals such as nurse practitioners (NPs), physicians' assistants, and registered nurses (RNs).

Duties of Physician Assistant 

If you’re thinking of going into this field, you should know that physician assistants are required to work under the supervision of a physician. 

They can perform many of the same duties as nurse practitioners and other healthcare professionals. Still, they cannot prescribe medications without having a collaborative agreement with the prescribing physician or DO.

Also Read: How To Become A Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?

Key Differences Between Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants 

You may be wondering, “What’s the difference between a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant?”

1. Salary

Well, let us tell you. The first thing that stands out is the salary. Physician assistants make more money than their nurse practitioner counterparts. The median annual wage for a physician assistant was $121,530 in 2021, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

In comparison, NPs made just over $120,680 on average during this same period—a difference of about $1 per year!

2. Education Requirements 

The education requirements are also different between these two professions: while both require an advanced degree (typically a master's) from an accredited school of nursing or health sciences program, only a PA can obtain certification through one state agency in order to practice legally for ten years as such; whereas NP's must be recertified after every two years before being able to work independently under their own license—a process which can take upwards of five years after completing your degree! 

Both degrees are academic programs that require classes in medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and more.

They also require students to take the clinical experience as part of their coursework – either through rotations at local hospitals or shadowing another healthcare professional like an RN or physician assistant before graduation. The length of these programs varies depending on whether they're done online or not.

NP vs. PA Scope of Practice

If you want to be a nurse practitioner, you'll need to get your bachelor's degree in nursing and then apply to a Nurse Practitioner program. You'll have to complete that program before you can go on for further education or certification as a physician assistant.

The scope of practice for both professions is similar—the main difference between the two is that NPs can prescribe medication, while PAs cannot.

However, PAs do have more autonomy with regard to their client interactions and patient care management than NPs do because they are supervised more closely by physicians than NPs are by other nurses.

Also Read: How Many Hours Do Nurses Work?

Nurse Practitioner Vs. Physician Assistant Work Environments

1. PAs Work Environment 

Physician assistants work in a variety of settings, but can also practice in an academic setting.

PA may be employed by hospitals or health care systems as part of the clinical staff. They can help manage patients' care at the point of service and act as the main provider for specific procedures or treatments. 

In this capacity, PA's often function like NPs do; however, they do not have independent decision-making abilities that would qualify them to practice without physician supervision.

2. NP's Work Environment 

Nurse practitioners work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices, and nursing homes. The majority are employed by hospitals and clinics to provide primary care services to patients, but some work independently or for physicians.  

Nurse practitioners may be hired on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time positions usually include benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans. 

Part-time positions are often less desirable because they offer fewer benefits and only allow you to work a certain number of hours each week. Nurse practitioners who work independently will have greater flexibility in scheduling their time and working remotely on occasion.

NP vs. PA Career Outlook

The Nurses Practitioner profession is expected to grow at a faster rate than other healthcare professions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in this field will increase by 45% between 2030, which is faster than the average growth rate of all occupations, including physician assistants, which is expected to grow by 31%

What Should I Choose As My Career?

The first thing to consider when deciding between a physician assistant career and a nurse practitioner career is what you want to do.

If you love working with patients, are passionate about helping people, and want to earn a living doing something that makes a difference in the world, then either choice can be rewarding.

However, if you're looking for a more traditional office setting, then a physician assistant might be better suited for you. Nurse practitioners often work in rural areas or other areas where there aren't many physicians available. This means that they may have to travel farther from home than PAs do.

In addition, PAs and NPs both usually work with more complex cases. They also often provide more medical care on an ongoing basis.

Also Read: 9 Tips For New Nurses To Build Confidence

It's A Wrap!

Now, you know what the difference between a Nurse Practitioner and a Physician Assistant is.

You also know their education requirements, salary ranges, and job prospects.

So what's next?

The next step is to think about how these careers fit into your life goals and interests. Do you want to work with people, or do you prefer working on your own? Do you want to work in a hospital, or would you rather work in an office setting? Are there any other factors that will improve your chances of success in either of these careers?

Once you've answered these questions, it will be easy for you to choose which path is right for you!

FAQs

Is a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant Better?

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants both play an essential role in patient care, but they have different focuses.

Nurse practitioners are medical professionals who can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications for patients. They are registered nurses who have completed a master's degree program and clinical training. 

Physician assistants are also registered nurses who have completed a two-year program of study in a graduate school or vocational school that focuses on medical education. 

PAs can perform many of the same duties as NPs, but don't have the authority to prescribe medications independently.

Do Nurse Practitioners Make More than Physician Assistants?

No, a nurse practitioner does not make more than a physician assistant. This is because physician assistants have more training, and they often have to do more work than an NP.

What can a PA do that an NP cannot?

A physician assistant can diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medications, and perform many of the same tasks as a doctor. NPs can also do these things, but they are limited by state laws to performing specific tasks like prescribing medication.

Can PAs intubate?

Yes! All PAs are trained to intubate. In fact, they're trained to do it more than once.

Is a PA higher than an RN?

A PA has more training and education than a registered nurse (RN) and can perform more advanced duties. While both are in the medical field and work together, PAs can often prescribe medications and order tests, while RNs generally cannot

Nurses work crazy hours. It's a fact of life.

You'll get up at 4 am, go to sleep at 1 am, and then do it again the next day. You'll be on your feet all day long, carrying heavy loads and ensuring patients are comfortable and safe.

But how many hours do nurses really work? Are there benefits to working full-time that outweigh the negatives? What are some things you can do to make sure your career as a nurse is as healthy as possible? And what happens when you decide that working full-time isn't right for you?

Curious to know? Let's begin!

How Many Hours Does a Nurse Work A Day?

Before we begin to explain the pros and cons, let's discuss how many hours nurses work.

So, according to the study, the average working hours for a nurse is 12 or more hours per day and more than 40 hours per week.

However, some may have longer or shorter shifts depending on their employer and the type of nursing they do. 

Nurses in intensive care units (ICUs) often have a 24-hour shift, while some nurses in psychiatric facilities might only work eight-hour shifts.

In contrast, nurses who work in psychiatric units usually have shorter shifts because they're responsible only for one patient at a time and don't need to monitor as many vital signs at once.

How Many Hours In A Year Does A Nurse Work?

And if we see it yearly, the average nurse has 1,872 hours worked in a year. This number includes both full-time and part-time nurses who work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and home health care agencies. 

Nurses who work part-time have more flexibility in scheduling their shifts to accommodate family needs or other commitments. 

Nurses also have to put in extra time during holidays and weekends when they are required to care for patients without the help of other staff members.

How Many Hours Do Part-Time Nurses Work?

Part-time nurses work an average of 24-30 hours per week, but this can vary depending on the needs of the facility and your personal preferences. For example, if you have children and other family obligations, it may not be easy to work more than 20 hours per week.

Benefits Of Working 12 Hours Shift As A Nurse

As you have read the working hours of nurses, it's time to know the benefits of working a 12 hours long shift. 

The benefits of working 12 hours a day are as follows:

1. More Time Means More Experience

Nurses who work long hours tend to get more experience than their counterparts who work regular shifts. 

Nursing is a field that requires extensive training and education; however, this does not mean that you will have all the necessary knowledge once you graduate from school. 

There is no way that you can learn everything about nursing just by reading books or taking online courses; you need real-life experiences to be proficient at your job. This is why nurses who work 12-hour shifts often find themselves more knowledgeable than those who work eight-hour or fewer daily.

2. Increased Paycheck

Many hospitals pay their nurses more than the average hourly rate because they want to keep them on board for more extended periods. If you want to earn more money without having to go back to school and get another degree, then working 12 hours a day as a nurse is a way to go!

3. Increase Satisfaction

According to the report, nurses who work 12 hours a day are more satisfied with their jobs than those who work 8 hours. This is because they have more time to attend to their patients, which makes them happier and more satisfied.

4. Improved Relationships With Patients And Coworkers

Nurses who work 12 hours a day find it easier to form relationships with their patients because they have more time for interaction with them during their shifts. They also find it easier to form relationships with coworkers because they have more time for interaction with them during their shift as well.

Drawbacks Of Working 12 hours Shift As A Nurse

There are many benefits of working in this environment; however, there are also some drawbacks. Let’s discuss them here:

1. Lack Of Personal Time

This is the biggest drawback of working 12-hour shifts as a nurse. You will not get enough time to spend with your family or friends, which can cause stress and depression in your life. Moreover, you will not have time to exercise or do any other activities that can help you remain fit physically and mentally.

2. Leads To Burnout

A study suggested that working 12-hour shifts regularly can lead to burnout for nurses because they can become physically exhausted from their long working hours, which leads to mental exhaustion.

It also makes it harder for them to maintain good relationships with patients and other staff members because they have little time for rest or recreation.

3. Low-Quality Care

Another study revealed that nurses who work for more extended periods tend to provide lower-quality care to their patients. This is because most of them get exhausted after 12 hours of shift and are no longer able to focus on their job properly. 

Moreover, they may also become negligent while performing their duties which can potentially endanger the patient's life.

Do Nurses Work Three Days A Week?

Umm, yes and no. 

Nurses do work three days a week, but only in two-day shifts. Most nurses work 12-hour shifts three days per week. This means that you will work 36 hours each week, with three days off.

How Many 12-hour Shifts Can A Nurse Work In A Row?

Up to three consecutive 12-hour shifts and if the shift is longer than 12 hours, the nurse must have at least eight hours off between shifts.

This is because medical professionals are not only working with patients but also managing their own health, which requires rest and good nutrition. Working long hours can lead to fatigue, which increases the risk of injury and mistakes.

What Are The Nurse's Night Shift Hours?

Nurse night shift hours are a little different than the day shift. They vary depending on the hospital and the nurse, but generally, they will also be around 12 hours long.

Nurse night shift hours are typically 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with some variation depending on the facility.

How To Survive Long Nursing Shifts?

Being a nurse, you know that long shifts are part of the job. In fact, some nurses may have to work double shifts or even triple shifts on occasion.

Here's how to survive long nursing shifts:

1. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water before your shift starts and during your shift. You can also drink lemonade, fruit juice, or other non-caffeinated drinks that contain electrolytes. Avoid caffeinated beverages, as they can make you feel more tired.

2. Eat Regularly

Eat small meals throughout the day to keep your energy up and avoid getting too hungry late in the shift. If it's possible, bring healthy snacks from home or buy them at the store before your shift starts so you won't have to stop working on eating during the shift itself.

3. Stretch Often

Stretch often — especially if you're sitting at a computer all day! Stretching gets the blood flowing through your body again and helps prevent muscle stiffness and pain caused by inactivity during long hours of sitting down at work. 

Stretch when you first get up from your desk (or chair), as well as before and after each break that lasts longer than 10 minutes or so (such as lunch).

4. Take breaks! 

This may seem counterintuitive since you want to get as much done as possible during your shift, but taking breaks will actually help increase productivity by allowing your brain time to rest. 

If you don't take breaks, then your mind will become fatigued and unable to focus appropriately on the tasks at hand. And we all know what happens when our minds become fatigued...we start making mistakes that could have been easily avoided if we had only taken a break! So take breaks when needed!

And That's A Wrap!

The increasing workload of nurses is a widespread concern that is echoed across many different countries. On the one hand, nurses may benefit from working longer shifts, but on the other hand, it can lead to burnout which may ultimately reduce the quality of their performance. 

Ultimately, what works for one individual or department might not work for another; communication and flexibility are key when examining this issue. Nurses should look for ways to help cope with long-shift work before burnout sets in.

FAQs

Do nurses work weekends?

Nurses work weekends and often beyond their contracted hours. This is a part of the sacrifice they make to help people. Nurses are often called upon to work overtime, especially if they are in a unit where patients are terminally ill.

Why do nurses work 12-hour shifts?

Nurses work 12-hour shifts for a variety of reasons. Some nurses work in facilities that have 24-hour coverage, and they are required to be on call at all times. 

The nurse may also be working on a rotating schedule, which means she works 12 hours one day and then has 24 hours off before returning to work. Other nurses may work 12-hour shifts because their facility does not have enough staff to cover more hours per day.

Are three 12 hours shifts full-time?

In the US, full-time is defined as 40 hours per week. But there are other ways to define it.

If you have three 12-hour shifts, that's 36 hours per week. That's less than a full-time job for most people, but it can be considered "full-time" if the employer finds it so and you're paid accordingly.

How long do nurses work before retirement?

According to a study, the average age at which nurses retire is 58 years old. Most nurses have been working for about 30 years before retirement, so they typically retire when they're in their late 50s. However, some nurses retire earlier than that if they want to spend more time with family or travel abroad.