What Is the Salary Difference Between a Nurse Practitioner and a Physician Assistant?

Given the similarities in tasks between Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs), many individuals contemplating both healthcare vocations are intrigued about the compensation disparity. Both professions are capable of prescribing medication, performing diagnostic procedures, and evaluating patients. Both practices need considerable education, with NPs enrolling in nursing school and PAs enrolling in medical school. Given the difficulty and expense of various degree programs, compensation may play a significant role in determining which vocation to pursue.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the typical annual salary for Nurse Practitioners in 2018 is approximately $140,000, or $53 per hour. In comparison, the median annual salary for Physician Assistants in 2017 was nearly $108,000, or $52 per hour. It’s worth noting that salaries vary significantly per state. California, Alaska, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and New York are the highest-paying states for NPs, with mean annual wages ranging from approximately $118,000 to $127,000.

Alabama, South Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee pay the least for NPs, with median annual salary ranging from approximately $95,000 to $96,000.

By comparison, the highest-paying states for PAs are Connecticut, Washington, Alaska, New Jersey, and Nevada, where the mean annual compensation ranges between around $119,000 and $126,000.

Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Rhode Island, and Kentucky are the lowest paying states for PAs, with a median annual salary of approximately $90,000 to $94,000.

Learn more about APRN wages, including nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and nurse anesthetist.

Along with the predicted income, it is critical to consider the job forecast for each position. Between 2018 and 2028, the BLS projects a more than 25% increase in employment for NPs and a more than 30% increase in employment for PAs. This is significantly quicker growth than the average for all jobs. With a higher need for advanced-degree healthcare workers, a greater emphasis on preventative care, and an aging population, both vocations appear to have a bright future.

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This Proposal on Capitol Hill Could Impact Your Social Security (And Your Paycheck)

Big changes to Social Security could be coming.

A new proposal from U.S. Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) calls for a benefit bump for current and new Social Security beneficiaries, an overhaul to how the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is formulated and increased payroll tax collections on the wealthiest Americans.

The legislation, dubbed “Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust” was expected to be introduced Wednesday on Capitol Hill, but has since been delayed, according to Larson’s communications director, Mary Yatrousis.

Changes Proposed to COLA

Since 1975, Social Security benefits have been updated annually to keep pace with inflation. The 5.9 percent increase next year will be the largest in four decades, as inflation has shot up the cost of goods and services in the last year. Changing the method by which the annual COLA is calculated is one of the most significant changes in Larson’s proposal.

Social Security’s current cost-of-living adjustment formula is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Senior citizen advocates point out, however, that the CPI-W understates certain costs, such as health care and housing, which are especially critical for seniors. As a result, the Senior Citizens League reports that Social Security benefits have lost more than 30% of their purchasing power since 2000, owing primarily to insufficient COLAs and rising health care costs.

However, Larson wishes to change that. His proposal would tie the annual COLA to the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E). The Senior Citizens League previously estimated that if the CPI-E had been used to calculate COLA, an average beneficiary who filed for Social Security 30 years ago would have received nearly $14,000 more in retirement.

According to a fact sheet released by Larson’s office, “this provision will benefit seniors who are spending a greater amount of their income on health care and other necessities.” “Enhanced inflation protection will benefit retirees and widows in particular, as they are more likely to rely on Social Security benefits as they age.”

At the End of the Day

While the exact date of Larson’s bill’s formal introduction is unknown, it is clear that he and other Congressional Democrats are committed to making significant changes to Social Security. The plan calls for an increase in benefits, tying the annual cost-of-living adjustment to the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly, and taxing Americans earning more than $400,000.

This Proposal on Capitol Hill Could Impact Your Social Security (And Your Paycheck) (yahoo.com)

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North Korea Fires Another Missile

Today North Korea launched a ballistic missile, the first missile test since Donald Trump became the president of the United States, according to the South Korean military officials.

South Korean military officials claim the missile was fired at 22:55 GMT Saturday and shot eastward at the Sea of Japan for an approximated 500 kilometers.

Pyongyang has issued multiple nuclear tests this past year. North Korea’s frequent missile and nuclear test and hostile statements invoke alarm and anger within the area.

Saturday’s launch occurred at the Banghyon air base in North Pyongan province located near the west portion of the Korean peninsula.

A top U.S. department of defense official quoted by Reuters news organization stated that Washington D.C. “could confirm that we did detect a missile launch from North Korea.”

The Souther Korean government has scheduled a national security meeting to discuss the launch shortly following the event.

South Korea’s Office of Joint Chiefs of Staff characterized the launch as a “show of force.”

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un previously stated in January the country was anticipating long-range missile testing which supposedly capable of containing nuclear warheads.

During a visit to South Korea this past week, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis stated that any use of nuclear weapons by North Korea would result in a “effective and overwhelming” response.

Mattis also confirmed plans to implement a U.S. missile defense system in South Korea later this year.

North Korea has done its fifth test of a nuclear warhead this past year, and it claims it has the potential to execute a nuclear attack on the U.S. However, defense experts are still unconvinced that it is capable launching such an attack as its technology is simply lackluster at this point.

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Trump Lashes Out Against New York Times for Report on White House Turmoil

President Trump snaps on Twitter, surprise, this Monday morning regarding numerous news reports which reveal the confusion occurring inside of the White House; Trump continues to attack the media with his signature “fake news” accusation as the administration fumbles to get ahead of the adamant reports of the highly dysfunctional White House.

One of Trump’s tweets was sent from Air Force One en route to Tampa, Florida, and contained another “fake news” accusation against the New Yorks regarding their report which revealed the details of the Trump administration’s tensions and struggles.

“The failing @nytimes writes total fiction concerning me. They have gotten it wrong for two years, and now are making up stories & sources!” Trump tweeted early Monday morning; no comments were made about how the words of his own advisers were used in the story.

Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, elaborated Trump’s resentment during a squabble with reports on a return flight to Washington, D.C. Spicer described the Times as “so-called reporting” and “literally the epitome of fake news,” as quoted in the NY Times report.

Spicer continued to dispute with reporters that the “unacceptable” report was riddled with “blatant factual errors” and demanded an apology to President Trump.

“From day one, back through the campaign and frankly his time as a successful businessman, always called the shots. He’s the decider,” Spicer told reporters referring to Trump. “He’s the one who develops the policy, he’s the one who makes the decision, and I think there are so many times when you see things that don’t recognize that he is the guy that calls the shots. He develops the policies; he implements the policies, he makes the key decisions.”

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5 Myths About Social Security

Social Security is the retirement and disability insurance program that is used most often in the United States. Currently, about 66 million people in the U.S. are beneficiaries of Social Security. However, that doesn’t mean that everyone has a clear understanding of Social Security.

Here are five myths concerning Social Security that U.S. citizens need to be aware of how to plan for retirement properly.

Social Security Has Gone Bankrupt

This myth is not true, but some misinformed Americans have been passing this rumor around. However, there are some financial issues with Social Security retirement that need to be addressed. Social Security will have enough funds to pay beneficiaries for another 17 years. There is plenty of time for the Social Security Administration to get its finances in order so that the money won’t run out in 2034 as it is expected to. Even if Social Security funds are depleted in 2034, tax revenue will cover the cost of benefits.

There’s More Money In Waiting

Contrary to popular opinion, people don’t get more Social Security funds if they wait to claim their benefits. Individuals will receive more monthly benefit checks if they delay retirement, but this doesn’t mean that these people will receive more money overall. Earlier retirees simply get less money so that the average person will receive around the same amount of Social Security assistance in his/her lifetime.

People Can’t Get Social Security While Working

It’s not true that people have to retire to get Social Security benefits. Depending on a person’s age, benefits can be reduced depending on income. Those who will reach retirement age in 2017 have an earnings threshold of $16,920. It’s important to contact your local Social Security office for additional details.

The Last Few Years of Work Determine Benefit Amounts

It’s a myth that the last few years of employment are what determine the amount of Social Security benefits. People who work at public sector establishments and those who are employed by private companies may have a pension plan, and this retirement plan is based on the employee’s last few years of income.

However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t apply to Social Security benefits. These are designed for your entire working life in mind. Each year that you earned money is indexed and your top 35 years of earning will be taken into account when determining your average earnings.

Social Security Benefits Are Not Taxable

Some people don’t pay income taxes on Social Security benefits. However, if you have a significant amount of taxable income as well as Social Security benefits, up to 85% of your benefits could be taxable. To find out if any of your benefits can be taxed, the IRS takes your combined income (adjustable gross income and nontaxable interest) into account. No matter how much you earn, no more than 85% of your benefits can be taxed.

Keep these principles in mind when applying for Social Security, or when calculating how much you can expect from Social Security upon retirement. This will make for more secure financial planning, so you can truly live the life you want after retirement.

Dinwiddie Accident Splits Fire-Truck in Half

Early Sunday morning a North Carolina driver was traveling on I-85 in his semi when he slammed into a fire engine that was blocking the interstate while they were tending to an accident that occurred shortly before.

The crash took place around 1:00 a.m. as fire and emergency personnel was assisting an another accident just off the right side lane. “It’s the first time I’ve seen a cab knocked off a fire truck before,” retired firefighter Jack Sullivan said.

Investigators were surprised that there weren’t any fatalities because of how destructive the collision was. Emergency crews are regularly trained oh different ways to stay safe when it comes to responding to accident scenes.

It’s very fortunate that no on has been severely killed or even hurt in the crash. If you or a loved one have been charged a reckless driving offense in Dinwiddie, contact the law office of David A.C. Long today.

Woman Accused Of DUI And Killing Grandmother

Katie L. Ellison, 21, has been accused of drunk driving and hitting a 55-year-old Texan woman, killing her, and seriously injuring her husband. Ellison is scheduled to be arraigned Friday at the El Cajon courthouse.

Ellison is suspected of causing a September 25 incident that killed Lorraine Kennedy, from Brenham, Texas, and critically injuring David Sandel, her husband. The victims were attending their grandchild’s birthday party in Lakeside, according to reports.

Several witnesses reported to CHP investigators that Ellison was driving without her lights on and was indefinitely speeding on the 12200 block of Woodside Avenue around 8 p.m. when she hit Kennedy and Sandel as they were crossing the street after enjoying dinner with family.

One witnessed claimed one of Kennedy’s sons attempted CPR on his mother until paramedics came. Kennedy was driven to a hospital, but died shortly afterward from blunt force trauma, authorities stated.

Ellison suffered critical injuries when her Toyota Yaris struck Kennedy and Sandel. A witness claimed Ellison was lying in the roadway after the incident and bystanders were assisting her. Authorities have no released whether she was wearing a seatbelt.

She was driven to UC San Diego Trauma Center.

According to the 2013 Annual Report of Fatal and Injury Motor Vehicle Traffic Collisions in California, 3,104 peopled were killed, along with 2,853 fatal collisions, in 2004 the number was 3,772. Fortunately, the number of fatal collisions in the past ten years have significantly declined but any loss of lives, especially in the thousands, are extremely sorrowful.

If you or a loved one have been in an accident in Oceanside, contact an experienced and professional personal injury attorney from the law offices of Guldjian Law APC. Personal injury lawyers specialize in assessing your accident to determine whether you were wrongly accused or insufficiently paid.

Guldjian Law has successfully represented additional cities in the San Diego County such as Chula Vista, Carlsbad, and El Cajon.

New Budget Deal Could Cost Some Retirees Up To $50,000

There is a change in how individuals can file and collect Social Security benefits in the new budget deal being kicked around by the White House and Congress.   The change has to do with what is called the “File & Suspend” procedure.  Most people have not even heard of the procedure, so what is “file and suspend”?

A person files for Social Security retirement benefits at full retirement age, but then suspends payment of them. By filing for benefits, that person’s spouse and dependents are eligible for retirement benefits at the time of the filing. And by suspending the benefits, the person can still earn delayed retirement credits that increase the future retirement benefit by 8 percent per year until age 70. source: cnbc.com

The budget legislation calls the procedure an “unintended loophole” because it allows individuals to obtain benefits meant for 70-year-olds  earlier.

If the budget deal passes, then the change would only affect retirees who file for benefits in the future, and wouldn’t take effect for 6 months after the budget passes.

You can visit your local Social Security office to learn more information.  Search online for “social security office” to find the nearest office.

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