Charted: How physicians really feel about NPs, PAs (2024)

FAQs

Charted: How physicians really feel about NPs, PAs? ›

For instance, 74% of physicians said they were "somewhat satisfied to very satisfied" with PAs' treatment of patients, and 71% of physicians said the same about NPs. Yet, roughly 80% of physicians said they often or occasionally question treatment decisions made by PAs and NPs.

How Do Physician Organizations View Nurse Practitioners? Overall, physicians organizations officially see nurse practitioners as an asset to medical practice but only when working in conjunction with a physician. Physician organizations do not support the independent practice of nurse practitioners.

Neither profession ranks “higher” than the other. Both NPs and PAs work in the healthcare field but with different qualifications, educational backgrounds, and responsibilities. They also work in different specialties.

This is the first national survey of doctors in a wide range of specialties who have experience working directly with PAs. As demonstrated in previous studies, doctors who work with PAs on a regular basis are pleased with the role. The feedback that doctors receive from patients about PAs is generally positive.

During legislative debate, the California Medical Association said nurse practitioners have less training than physicians, so allowing them to practice independently could lessen the quality of care and even pose a risk to patients.

Most physicians, PAs, and NPs have a positive working relationship.

Nurse Practitioners play a vital role in the healthcare system and offer various medical services. However, they cannot fully replace physicians due to differences in training, scope of practice, and the complexity of certain medical cases.

A Berkeley HealthCare Forum review of 16 studies concluded there was no measurable difference in patient satisfaction when comparing NPs and PAs to physicians. However, just like physicians differ, there are differences between nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

PA Career Outlook. Employment for both nurse practitioners and physician assistants is projected to grow over the next decade at faster rates than the average for other occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 40 percent growth for NP roles and a 28 percent growth for PA roles between 2021 and 2031.

Overall Job Satisfaction Rate

According to the NCCPA's 2022 Statistical Profile of Board Certified PAs, 86.7% of PAs are satisfied with their career choice; that figure compares favorably with physicians' 68% job satisfaction rate.

Do PAs have better work-life balance than doctors? ›

Benefits of Being a Physician Assistant

Physician assistants have a healthier work-life balance than doctors (in many cases).

Cons of being a Physician Assistant

Long work hours. PAs may be required to see patients in the evenings, on weekends, and on holidays. They may also be expected to take call and respond to patient or hospital needs at a moment's notice. Limited opportunities for advancement.

Overall, nurse practitioners have more autonomy than physician assistants. PAs typically work under the supervision of a physician, but the level of supervision can vary by state. They are generally not able to practice independently or make decisions about patient care without the oversight of a physician.

Nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA) provide compassionate, competent care patients may assume they can only get from a medical doctor (MD) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO). But NPs and PAs can offer many of the same things you look for in a provider appointment.

Their duties may be more stressful compared to RNs because nurse practitioners often manage complicated patient cases and are responsible for making higher-level decisions. However, this is often seen as a positive challenge, and the benefits of playing a larger role in patient lives is very rewarding and worth it.

Ninety-six percent of NPs and 97 percent of CRNAs said they are pleased with their chosen profession. Eighty-two percent of NPs would choose nursing again, as would 80 percent of CRNAs.

Balancing patient care and administrative tasks is one of the most difficult aspects of being a Nurse Practitioner. It involves managing both direct patient care and the administrative responsibilities that come with the role, creating a delicate balance that requires careful attention and efficient time management.