PA Narrative, If anyone has time to review and critique I would appreciate it!

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As a front line laboratory professional I was introduced to the triumphs, challenges, and heartache that come with a healthcare career. However, as a result, I developed the ability to relate to, communicate with, and put people at ease while I performed an often stressful procedure. These interactions and relationships drew me to the Physician Assistant (PA) profession.

While working as a phlebotomist I meet and develop a meaningful relationship with Anna. She was a seven-year-old girl diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Anna had large stunning eyes that did not tell the tale of disease, pain, or suffering but instead radiated innocence and hope.  My professionalism set Anna’s mother at ease, and it was often evident that this diagnosis took its toll on her just as much as her daughter. I noticed the Disney character on Anna’s shirt and started asking her about the movie.  Anna thought I was silly, and failed to notice anything I did because I constantly engaged her as I prepared my supplies. Before she knew it started, it was over, and I had the blood sample I needed.  She looked up with a beaming smile, and exclaimed that it didn’t even hurt this time. I smiled and Anna was rewarded with a princess sticker and sucker. This was simply the beginning of meaningful care relationship that lasted the next six months. Despite the anguish of seeing a young child battling cancer, Anna inspired me toward a life of service in healthcare.

I have always valued service work and have endeavored to make an impact. Thus, I spent my summers with children, teaching them baseball, and in return, they taught me patience. In high school I also volunteered at a local hospital greeting and escorting patients. This developed my ability to communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds. Now as a working professional I can give back by working with children serving as their mentor, role model, academic coach, and friend.

As a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) through hard work, decisive decision making, and expletory customer service skills I earned my promotion to a Technical Specialist role after being employed for eight months at Mayo Clinic. I daily diagnose and troubleshoot instrumentation, provide leadership and direction for staff, and serve as a resource for healthcare providers regarding the complex testing we perform. I lead by example and excel at the challenge of working with analytical instrumentation and feel these skills in troubleshooting and diagnosing problems with instruments will transition into accurate and decisive decision making.

While shadowing an acute inpatient psychiatric PA, I observed a provider and patient interaction that was collaborative, open, and patient centered. The patient was experiencing acute anxiety related to the transition from the hospital to secondary housing. The PA had a calming effect on the patient and reassured the transition would go flawless. He reminded the patient that they had continued support during this time.  This interaction was extremely collaborative, grounded, and generally different than many I observed and experienced with physicians which are often less collaborative and open.   The interaction was inspirational, further solidifying my interest in the PA profession.

As a PA, I will continue to demonstrate professionalism, competency, and develop care relationships built on trust, compassion, and empathy. The capacity to communicate and connect with people will be the foundation to developing meaningful relationships that bring quality care to the patient, and I will gain a career full of meaning, direction, and satisfaction.