1. Nurse and Physician Assistant This outline of information will compare three occupations that are closely related in tasks and roles: Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, and Physician Assistant. Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

2. What They Do Gather and record patient information Order and interpret diagnostic tests Assist a physician with surgery and other procedures A nurse practitioner and some physician assistants can write prescriptions Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

3. Tools They Use The tools that are used in these occupations vary from location to location and may have some overlap, but these are the tools generally associated with each of the three. A registered nurse uses  Forceps and/or hemostats  Medical oxygen masks  Intravenous catheters  Suction kits Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

4. Tools They Use A nurse practitioner uses  Cardiac monitors  Electrocardiography (EKG) machines  Surgical lasers  Suction kits Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

5. Tools They Use A physician assistant uses  Hypodermic needles  Ophthalmoscopes or otoscopes  Spinal trays or needles  Surgical clamps and/or forceps Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

6. Working Conditions Work in well lit, safe, clean areas May be on call to go to the hospital Often work in close proximity to people Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

7. Who They Work For Hospitals Physician's private practice Clinics Registered nurses and nurse practitioners also work in nursing homes Physician assistants are also employed by prison systems Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

8. Training Required Requirements may vary from state to state. The following are Texas requirements. A registered nurse must complete either an associate or bachelor's degree in an approved nursing program and pass a licensing exam. Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

9. Training Required A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse that has completed a master's degree in nursing and passed a certifying exam in his/her specialty. A physician assistant must complete an approved physician assistant program and pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination. Most programs result in a master's degree. Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

10. Skills Active listening Speaking Critical thinking Social perceptiveness: Being aware and understanding of other's reactions Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

11. Knowledge Areas Medicine Biology Psychology English Language Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)

12. Income Median annual salary of a registered nurse is $63,750. O*net Summary of Registered Nurse Median annual salary of a nurse practitioner is $65,220. O*net Summary of Nurse Practitioner Median annual salary of a physician’s assistant is $84,420. O*net Summary of Physician's Assistant Copyright Texas Education Agency (TEA)