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I am a PA working for a large hospital system...when hired about a year and a half ago, I was employed by the hospital and was not given a contract. Instead, I was given an "offer letter" which stated a basic job description, but did not give much detail, nor did it describe how salary increases would come about. I was told I would receive "pay for performance" increases, which basically amounts to a cost of living increase (when the system can afford it) when certain system-wide metrics are at or above goal. In reality, the salary adjustment has little to do with my own performance, but rather that of the system as a whole. My employment is now switching over to the physician group associated/owned by the hospital system. I was excited for this change as I saw for myself an opportunity to secure a contract and perhaps increase my salary. However, HR told me, "we don't give contracts to midlevel providers", "there will be no negotiating," "you can resign, or maybe ask if you can discuss the salary." All of these statements were made during a conversation in which my new benefits were discussed, but the HR representative would not give me the number for my "salary adjustment". Yesterday, after being ignored by said HR rep for weeks, I ran into her at a store, where she then wanted to discuss my salary (inappropriate!). While I am pleased to get a raise, the salary is still not even at the median for my state, specialty, and level of experience. Without a contract, I see no opportunities in the future to make significant salary increases. I like my job and don't really want to leave, but I can't help but feel mistreated (and infuriated) at the situation. I know I should have a contract, but in a system that employs 10,000 people, one PA's contract grudge is not anyone's concern but mine. I am still working on fighting for this for myself.

 

In the meantime, are there any other PAs out there working without a contract? If so, how do your salary increases come about? Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

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It is not uncommon for hospital systems to employ midlevels without a conrtact. Actually I am at my second hospital system and both places no contract. This was true for all mid levels. The only contracts seemed to by with physicians all other positions were "employment-at-will". Sounds like you need to get some salary data to your sponsoring physician and have them put some pressure on HR fr a raise. If not then brush up that CV. Goodluck.

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It is not uncommon for hospital systems to employ midlevels without a conrtact. Actually I am at my second hospital system and both places no contract. This was true for all mid levels. The only contracts seemed to by with physicians all other positions were "employment-at-will". Sounds like you need to get some salary data to your sponsoring physician and have them put some pressure on HR fr a raise. If not then brush up that CV. Goodluck.

 

No more using the term "midlevel"!!!!

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Is this inappropriate? Ie referring to PAs as midlevels esp in essays?

 

There is a push to move away from the term (by PAs and NPs). We practice medicine, and there is nothing that is 50% or 75% or 99% about the way a PA, NP, MD, or DO evaluate and treat a patient. We come from different training backgrounds but we arrive at the same place. Terms like supervision, collaboration, cosignature, assistant, etc IMO detract from the heart of the matter, which is the work we do at the bedside and in the clinic.

 

I have no idea haw the adcomms reading the essays feel about it. I would refer to us by our title- PA. Other apporpriate terms include clinician or provider. People like medical practitioner but it seems wordy to me.

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Thanks for the response HopefulPA. I actually gave some salary information to my supervising physician yesterday, hoping that he can talk to the right people for me. I also gave him a job listing for a PA position in my state and specialty that listed a base salary that was $30,000 greater than mine, with a very similar job description to what I do. Our system is making cuts currently, so I'm not expecting much response (and feel a little greedy for asking), but I want them to realize the value of a PA, and even if they can't/won't give me more money now, I want my salary to be re-assessed regularly.

 

HopefulPA, you mentioned that you are working in your second position with no contract. How did your salary increases come about? Yearly review? Some other process? Thanks for your help.

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