This is my first post here, so I hope it finds the appropriate audience. I am conflicted about which avenue to pursue in terms of my education. PA, NP, or just go for the MD??? I have a male friend who said he had considered NP, but that based on his "research" PA's are generally held in higher regard, and that an NP is always just seen as a nurse---(which I don't necessarily think is bad.) (Personally, I think he likes the way Physician's Assistant sounds over Nurse Practioner.) I initially was going to follow the PA avenue, until I determined that it may be a better financial decision to wrap up the RN and earn a decent income while pursuing additional education.

The whole reason I'm getting into this is to ultimately assist in neonatal and reconstructive surgery. Any feedback? I've been to a few posting sights, and there seems to be a real "tension" between PA's and NP's--- who gets to do more...etc. Too much mud slinging for me to find the facts. Any suggestions?