What exactly does a physician assistant do? How does it differ from nursing?

PAs do not do anything within the nursing field as a general rule. They are trained like a physician to get a history, examine, treat, and make a diagnosis, write for meds, order tests etc. They work in a wide range of settings from the OR where they can first assist to the hospital to specialty practices, clinics, etc. While they are under the "supervision " of a MD, the MD does not need to be physically present. There is malpractice possibilities, and the stress of making a medical diagnosis and providing the correct treatment. You can also do procedures such as suturing, casting, fractures, abscesses, intubations etc. Thins nurses do not do except in unusual circumstances. They are in no way exactly like a nurse-and practicing medicine is not like nursing at all. The aapa.org is the web site.

Most PA's can be in practice like a doctor as long as they are overseen by one. For example, the dermatology office I go to consists of one MD and 4 PA's. They can also write prescriptions, which a nurse cannot in most states. PA's actually make a diagnosis rather than provide bedside care. You must complete a 2 year program but do not have a residency like a doctor. You can earn a higher salary than a nurse, with more responsibility of course, but you will always "work" for a doctor because a PA cannot be licensed to practice on their own.

It is determined by the state. Certainly, a health care professional's assistant is extra like a nurse practitioner than a registered nurse. Underneath the path of a health practitioner, a general practitioner's assistant can in reality write orders, scripts, etc. A registered nurse can handiest comply with orders.