Should I become a Nurse Practitioner?

Help - I don't know any NPs personally that I can talk to. I am considering applying for an NP program - most likely family care or adult care. My fantasy is to move to a rural area in my state that doesn't have close and convenient medical care (an hour away) and provide a service to that community. I understand the general principles of being a Nurse Practioner and that is an expanded nursng role focusing on health wellness and disease prevention and providing treatment for minor injuries and illness as well as maintanance for chronic illness, and referal to doctors for more advanced care. What I don't know is a lot. Are the jobs really there? Are there any NPs in private practice in the type of situation I described above? What programs should I stay away from - what schools? I am considering a couple of univerisities in my state (Michigan). Any help, guidance or information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
You should be a PA they are more employable! Scope of practice is very limiting for NP's and they can't be a partner with any physician legally. PA's can run clinics with a supervising physician being available in some fashion electronically, by phone etc. More info see MAPA.com and AAPA.com. There are more NP's on unemployment than there are PA's. I just spoke to a lady the other day that works at UofM and they are looking for PA's constantly. There are not enough PA's to go around. Nice position to be in these days.

Quote from SmidgensMomYou should be a PA they are more employable! Scope of practice is very limiting for NP's and they can't be a partner with any physician legally. PA's can run clinics with a supervising physician being available in some fashion electronically, by phone etc. More info see MAPA.com and AAPA.com. There are more NP's on unemployment than there are PA's. I just spoke to a lady the other day that works at UofM and they are looking for PA's constantly. There are not enough PA's to go around. Nice position to be in these days.