Physician's associate career (or nursing?)

[ladybirdsaredotty]

I had a thread a while ago about possibly training to be a children's nurse and you lot were so helpful. I've mainly been put off doing that although a bit of me really wants to do it (I do a related job and love aspects of it). Anyway, my local uni now runs a Physician Associate Studies masters which I could potentially apply for (although my 1st degree is old so I would need to check). Happy to stand corrected but it seems like Physician Associates do specific tasks usually done by doctors and it's a way to save the NHS some cash on doctors and senior nurses (they start at band 6 or 7 but it's quite a flat career structure). As I have 3 DC under 7 I am keen to try to do a qualification that will result in a good job but I am a bit worried that, as the role is fairly new, the whole idea may get shelved, or there will be an excess of graduates chasing very few (my local trust has only just advertised for its very first Physician Associate roles). I am wondering if nursing may be the way forward after all. Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks for reading

I have a genuine interest in both of these careers, just trying to work out what's the best way forward for my family

Cherry that's also how I feel, regarding nursing. But similarly to Dreaming I am put off by starting on band 5 at 40 if I could start at 6 or 7...

RnB thanks so much for the insight! Can I ask (roughly) how old your children are? My youngest will probably either be nearly 2 or nearly 3 if I did the course and that scares me a bit! (Older ones 8/9 and 5/6...)

Depending on what your first degree is in, you may be eligible to study for a two year Msc in nursing. I work in the NHS and have never encountered a physician,s associate, never mind seeing an advert for one. Nursing would be a better option IMO.

Millipede thank you. I got on a nursing MSc YEARS ago (2006?) but decided against it. Now the uni closest to me doesn't run that course . Wish I'd just done it now to be honest. Did I mention that I'm indecisive?

Hi Ladybirds, my youngest is 6 and oldest is 17. This does make it easier and fortunately my partner works from home so he has taken on all child related responsibilities. We only get 6 weeks holiday on our course (I think it's the same for most) so you will need cover in the a lot of the school holidays too

RnB thank you so much! Glad you've been able to make it work! I need to really think about the logistics and finances.

Good luck Lady! It was announced on Friday that the registration process is finally going ahead, so this is amazing news for the profession. We will be more in demand as will be able to prescribe and order X-rays and will be able to work to our full range of knowledge. This is a great time to be a PA. I hope you can make it work 😊

Wow, thanks for that RnB! Sounds brilliant!

I do wonder if that will mean courses are more popular and I should maybe go for it this year instead of next like I was planning on (for childcare reasons). Not even sure if that's realistic, though...