Jump to content

Advice on career path needed for a new PA


Recommended Posts

Hello,

 

I am a newly licensed PA (licensed in Nov. 2013) currently working in a family practice as a part-time PA while looking for a full-time job.

I had an interview today that made me think the following questions; If I would like to be internist PA or PA in cardiology in 5 years or so, a PA job at a medical group specialized in skilled nursing care facilities or hospice would give me a good learning opportunity? (I had an interview today and they hinted that I may get the position.)   I have been thinking about getting full-time jobs at family med/internal med in order to be able to get a job in specialties as it has been hard for me to find a position in cardiology. But this job is appealing because they offer full benefit package. Working as part-time or full-time with hourly wage only is not financially rewarding for a long-run, but I do not like to take a job just for financial reasons either.

Any advice on career choices are appreciated!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator

Might be a great opportunity, might be horrible....

 

NH/LTC is a very rewarding area, but at the same time can be very tough....

as a new grad you need mentoring and if they are unwilling to offer this you will likely struggle....  lots of pathology and nursing staff can be variable.  Advantage is all life threats get shipped out so you have time to read.  Ideally they give you a 3-65 month learning window where learning is the priority, not productivity

 

Also -----  A HUGE amount depends on the facility - I have been in 3-4 different facilities and the good one's are great and the bad ones, well they are bad....  Make sure you get a feel for this before going in (the bad ones are always hiring as they can't keep people - and usually end up using locums nurses)

 

I would saw it would be advisable to have an SP or senior/experienced PA at the facility that you can bounce stuff off would be a benefit

 

Should have full Bennies - 4-7 weeks PTO, 2000 CME, full insurance for you and family (NH/LTC can be very lucrative) 

 

and after all this, if you need a job and they are the only one's offering.... well then.......

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thank you for your advice! They said there will be 30 day training period, and I will be part of a team consisting NP/PA/SP/mental health specialist.

Each team will be in charge of several facility in assigned area. (may include good ones and bad ones) This job is contracted by state to this medical group and it's new healthcare project starting in April. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Might be a great opportunity, might be horrible....

 

NH/LTC is a very rewarding area, but at the same time can be very tough....

as a new grad you need mentoring and if they are unwilling to offer this you will likely struggle....  lots of pathology and nursing staff can be variable.  Advantage is all life threats get shipped out so you have time to read.  Ideally they give you a 3-65 month learning window where learning is the priority, not productivity

 

Also -----  A HUGE amount depends on the facility - I have been in 3-4 different facilities and the good one's are great and the bad ones, well they are bad....  Make sure you get a feel for this before going in (the bad ones are always hiring as they can't keep people - and usually end up using locums nurses)

 

I would saw it would be advisable to have an SP or senior/experienced PA at the facility that you can bounce stuff off would be a benefit

 

Should have full Bennies - 4-7 weeks PTO, 2000 CME, full insurance for you and family (NH/LTC can be very lucrative) 

 

and after all this, if you need a job and they are the only one's offering.... well then.......

 

That's 4-7 weeks paid time off? That exists?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Moderator

That's 4-7 weeks paid time off? That exists?

 

I have never had a job with less then this.....

 

least amount was 3 weeks vacation, 3 days CME, 11 holidays, 3 personal

local hospital system is 4 weeks vacation, 3-5 days CME, 9 holidays, 5 personal sick 

 

Vacation is a huge deal for mental health - look at the doc's (they do the same job) and they have 4-12 (yup 12!) weeks off depending on specialty...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest Paula

That's 4-7 weeks paid time off? That exists?

4 weeks vacation, 2 weeks paid CME, $4000 CME allowance, $1000 license, DEA fees, 12 paid holidays, personal day and 8 hours sick leave a month.  The doctor I work with negotiated my first contract and he insisted I get the same as the NP and himself (except they have been there longer and get 6 weeks vacation).   He reviewed the contract with me before taking it to council and I made sure my wage was higher than the previous job and I got it.  Can't complain at all.   Next contract I may be on my own for negotiation as that is how it is done here.  Go for the best and highest salary and benefits...you are worth it....and work hard to prove yourself. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to the Physician Assistant Forum! This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn More