maybemedicine

Where do I start? I work in a high volume outpatient clinic (UC/occ med). I am constantly being interrupted by staff for signatures, clearance etc. things that can wait until end of business day or mid day when I get a chance to take care of it. I even got a rack so papers aren’t sprawled in my desk and discussed a process of leaving the paperwork, I will get to it every time I sit down I will address it, if not at the end of day. I have made that abundantly clear and have never gone back on my word. Still there are interruptions. The staff will come to me vs any other provider for emergencies etc but also paperwork. I mean, I understand I’m readily available and obviously will help in a medical emergency. But the incessant disruption throughout the day becomes redundant and bothersome. I have been told by staff that I have been rude or short with them. I personally do not feel that, rather I am being direct with the staff with clear instructions, because otherwise, when given vague instructions things don’t get done right or there are a billion other questions that are asked. I even reached out to my supervisor on how to address this and his answer was “you take charge and are more direct that the other providers”. He did not answer my question. He did understand the issue I had with the constant interruption, again no feedback, other than “you’re doing the right thing”. I feel like I have to walk on eggshells at work. I not only have to watch what I say, but how I say something and who I say something too. I feel like I shouldn’t even speak to anyone, in fact most days I don’t. Obviously, if I completely stop talking that will then be another issue. I noticed that my efficiency with seeing patients have dwindled. Not in the quality of care but the quantity. I am still a nice person, or at least feel that way (and told I’m pleasant by the patients). I wish there was a magic pill or wand to change my attitude. I have been journaling, meditating. I just find that at the workplace I am still pleasant (atleast from my point of view). I was out for a week on vacation, not sure if I magically changed in a week and became a different person (especially after vacation). Shouldn’t someone come back more relaxed? I even have little reminders in my desk to be positive (I’m not negative or complain), I guess it’s just the tone in delivery. But some other staff say nothing is wrong, and just how I speak. But that’s how I speak and it hasn’t affected the other staff. Given the mask update this week too. I have chosen to stay masked, not only because I have only practiced medicine with a mask (first job in 2020) And that’s all I know, but I don’t trust my facial expressions at work, and I don’t want to add another “attitude or behavior” reason for the staff to complain about. I will take suggestions on how to bring a positive attitude each and every day to the work place. Also, like I stop and think of my response but should I flick a rubber and in my wrist before I respond to someone to remind myself to keep it short and simple? Or will being short and simple also be an issue? Do I remain the quiet person and does that reflect that I have a new found attitude? Any help is appreciated.

I have found this thread, read all posts. I resonate with this post. I’ve learned three things. 1. I need to address my mental health 2. I need to leave my job/company and change my specialty (but I have no idea to what or where) 3. I need to remember that I’m roughly 2 years in and need to continuously learn… not just for CMEs but for myself to have a better future and reignite that passion that got me here. Thank you everyone.

I’m constantly worrying at work, just anxiety… currently getting the help I need. But it’s along road. The work atmosphere does not help at times, busy clinic, gossiping colleagues, which adds to unnecessary stress. (Seriously considering transferring to a different location or leaving this company altogether). I’m a good worker and it shows. A combination of type A personality with good old fashioned anxiety mixed in. At times because of the stress it is now leading to depression. But to hear of a community going through the same is humbling to remind myself that I’m not the only one.

I totally understand that. It’s trial and error to find the best fit for each person. And specialty, although same, can change and vary by individual location/site/practice. I guess statistics of the most happy PAs in a specialty is more of what I’m thinking. What % of PAs are satisfied and happy in __ specialty? AAPA needs these statistics in addition to the the normal stats they compile.

I have come across this thread due to feeling similar in my current work situation and googled “dissatisfaction as a PA”. Here’s a little take away/background: 1. Yes I was an EMT. 2. Yes I knew what PAs job duties and descriptions were and even shadowed happy PAs in different specialties. This is my first job as a PA, and I’m working in occ med. I needed experience and took this gig with hopes it would give me experience. (It was with a large company with good pay and they were able and willing to hire a new grad.) Now to find out it may not be the right experience (based on reading this thread… what a shame I’m wasting time in this job that makes me unsatisfied). I started my career as a PA, eager and happy and excited to care for patients with a great bedside manner. I still desire this, but the patient population and overall processes have worn me down. Now, I look forward to going home before the day has started, and I am short and crude with patients while actively trying not to be. This is burnout. I know it. I am discouraged. I am even at the point of considering a change in careers (Even though I know that I am a good PA and I truly want to do this). I know I need to change specialties. I’m barely hanging on to this gig to pay my loans and not break a contract. I thought FM or IM was the way to go (from this thread, it appears that is not necessarily the case). Now, I’m honestly curious which specialty makes PAs the most satisfied and happy? (Not financially, I am speaking in terms of emotionally.) Even in 2021, from a 2014 post, the system is the same. The system has managed to keep getting “suckers” (for lack of a better term) to work in these terrible positions, to experience burn out, to keep the revolving door open and the costs down. Now this is a rant.

Cideous, I’m a few months in. I’m starting to realize I need to do this. It’s unfortunate, that despite the appropriate referrals and status that such a thing may happen. Not a great way to look at each patient as a potential liability case. Thank you! I actually will start this list today. Very much appreciated!

100% this Briansk!! Actually a multi factorial relation: delay in specialist appt availability, insurance authorization issues, and the patient not realizing the potential complications. Now a separate question, how often can I look forward to the system failing me and patients? This isn’t a good feeling knowing I did practice appropriately and still did not get the outcome expected due to other factors outside of my control.

I appreciate the suggestions, I will definitely use these going forward. Thank you all so much!

Unfortunately, not timely enough as the patient was unable to have surgery for the fracture, as 2 months have passed and the fracture healed with malunion.

I am a new grad PA practicing for about 4 months. I work in occ med/urgent care. Without getting into specifics. A patient had and intraarticular finger fracture. I treated/ splinted conservatively and referred the patient stat to a hand specialist on the date of injury, who did not get seen until 2 months after her date of injury, due to WC insurance. The patient was unable to have surgery due to the timing of being seen by the surgeon. The patient will have permanent and stationary deficits and need future medical care for possible joint fusion. The patient is currently undergoing PT. Not only did I do a disservice to the patient as far as ensuring timely care, but the referral department did as well. How do I manage this going further? Obviously try to regain as close to normal function prior to the patients injury. I am learning from this experience when referring, especially with intraarticular fractures. I feel like this is my first error in patient care that has affected the patients condition and has directly impacted the patients quality of life and functionality. How should I proceed? Any recommendations? Not looking for validation nor looking for critique (no more than I am already giving myself). Need suggestions on how to proceed further in my attitude and semi guilt with this case. Thank you in advance.