I am going back to school, I am wondering if I should go for the2nd degree RN or PA(Physician Assistant)?

Answer 1

A PA functions like a primary care doctor. They get many of the benefits of being a doctor without having some of the drawbacks like being on call.

PAs make more money on average than nurses.

PAs top out of their field with being a PA though. Nurses can become Nursing managers, Nursing teachers, etc. PAs are always under doctors.

If I had the choice, I'd be a PA, but if you seek leadership positions, you'd be better off as a master's level nurse.