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Practice has never had a PA before


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I will soon be a new grad.  I have an interview with a FQHC (HPSA score 17) that has never had a PA.  I would be doing psych med management in a primary care clinic that has a part time psychiatrist and a LCSW.  This is a well organized clinic that has been around for a while and has FP, peds, dentistry and their own pharmacy.  I would be taking on the role of a psych NP who retired.  My primary care rotations were very psych heavy and I will have two psych rotations by the time I graduate so I am OK with that with the support of the Psychiatrist and the other on site docs.  Any patients with serious issues (i.e. with a hospitalization under their belt) go to a public psych only clinic for more intensive management.

 

Can anyone direct me to some resources for first time employers hiring PAs?  The AAPA does not seem to have anything very practical and specific to offer.  The clinic is open to talking to my school's clinical director about how to go about this, but I would like to be a little more knowledgeable before my interview.  

 

Thanks in advance.

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Research the state laws of where the clinic is located.  Verse yourself on the laws so you can answer questions or better yet, take the bull by the horns and direct them how they can use the services of a PA to the PAs highest ability and license.  So, for example,  you are also trained as a generalist so you can see all ages, you can do full physical evaluations and labs, etc. for psych patients to rule out any other illness.  You can  manage them medically.  You could be an asset to the clinic because you have the license to be a pediatric PA and an FP PA and a psych PA.  

 

You direct them, don't let them pigeon hole you to stuff they think you can't do.  

 

Bottom line....present yourself to your advantage and how you are indispensable to them because you have a broad base of knowledge. 

 

Then expect good pay and benefits.  Good Luck. 

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Also consider your referral sources - where do your patients come from?

Some of those offices might be larger and have a credentialing department or a person who has done it before.

Don't be afraid to ask for help.

I have had prior credentialing personnel help me with a job change. They often know ins and outs and what forms, etc.

 

Welcome to PA land!!!!

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Thank you for the advice.  You're right, as a PA I'm more flexible than a psych NP.  Primary care is something my program trained me well in (and something I really like doing).

 

I finally found the area of the AAPA website that has information about regulations for all of the states. Knew it had to be there somewhere! 

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