risktaker Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Hey all, I worked in a high volume urgent care for almost a year. This urgent care was attached to a large hospital and I was ordering Ct scans and ultrasounds. I then had to move into occupational medicine in another state due to family reasons and this was the only job available. Left there after several months as it was just a terrible fit and I absolutely hated occupational medicine. I am roughly 1.5 years out of pa school. Now here's my predicament: I am working per diem at an urgent care that's very high volume where providers see almost 40-50 patients in a 12 hr shift but it's lower acuity compared to my previous urgent care. However, if I want to work in a double coverage situation, I would have to work 5 8 hour shifts a week. Otherwise, it would be single coverage. Pay is 66 per hour with no 401k. Time and half after 10 hours and double time after 12 hours. They have told me that I will likely be transitioned to full time in a month or two but no guarantees. My other option is to work at an ED that's willing to teach new grads. However, this ed is in the middle of nowhere and I will have to commute 4 hours and work 3 shifts in a row and then drive back home and do this on a weekly basis. However, the guarantee is after doing this for a year, I will be able to move back to an ED in San Diego where I live. The pay at this ed would be 75 an hour with 401k and other great benefits. What would you guys do with? I do like the lower liability of urgent care but having a year of er experience with a doc alongside willing to teach also seems appealing but a year with a brutal commute seems rough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator EMEDPA Posted February 16, 2017 Moderator Share Posted February 16, 2017 in your situation a few years ago I opted for the long commute and am happy I did. I got a small condo at the rural location and stay there for my 4 shifts in a row. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croooz Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 I'm not a PA...yetCommute.You suffer for a year but if the guarantee is as you say then it'll pay for itself much more in the long run. Who knows you may also grow to love the "middle of nowhere" experience. The reason I believe as I do is that it appears you are talking about getting EM residency experience with a regular paycheck. In medicine experience is key and to get paid well for the privilege is gravy. Suck it up for a year and this experience will open up many more doors. I know plenty of people who have done similar and they are better off for it...then there are others like myself who didn't and are playing catchup.Much success to you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmiller3 Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 I agree with the others--commute. It's short-term with better pay and benefits in the interim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
risktaker Posted February 16, 2017 Author Share Posted February 16, 2017 Thanks for all the input so far. Would you guys say this is still worth it if I do prefer urgent care to ER? I am just worried it might be torture for me as ER is higher acuity with likely night shifts. During PA school, I had terrible insomnia due to night shifts. Worried this could be the case again. The only reason I am still considering the ER gig is for the experience and the fact that it pays well despite being a position similar to an ER residency. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmiller3 Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 Thanks for all the input so far. Would you guys say this is still worth it if I do prefer urgent care to ER? I am just worried it might be torture for me as ER is higher acuity with likely night shifts. During PA school, I had terrible insomnia due to night shifts. Worried this could be the case again. The only reason I am still considering the ER gig is for the experience and the fact that it pays well despite being a position similar to an ER residency. Only you know what is best for you regarding shift work, but if you have an opportunity at a new-grad ER position, I would take that. You can find ER work just about anywhere, and any UC will hire someone with ER experience. The opposite is not always true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatswain2PA Posted February 16, 2017 Share Posted February 16, 2017 I would commute, but I love EM. What are your 1 year, 5 year, and 10 year goals? Make your decision with those in mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airslant Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 I think the experience in the ER is the way to go. Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evolute Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 I recommend the ED with the commute for the reasons stated above. Yes I do thing it worth it even if you like UC more. The ED will give you great experience and possibly some negotiating power for that UC job down the road. Disclaimer: I love ED work, regularly travel 3 + hours to work, and don't mind shift work or long hours. So I'm a bit biased. As you know, in the end you are the only one that decides if sucking it up for a year then perhaps moving to UC is worth it. Best of luck ...edited for spelling error Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
overthehorizen Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 I would say that you should commute. Go home on off days for mental sanity. Experience is most important. You'll have more power to negotiate location and money with better experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katera Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 Everyone should do at least 1 year in the ER, but make sure you are never left alone. Really bad stuff happens in the ER all the time, and you are not ready for it alone. Having said that, getting some quality ER experience will make you a better Urgent Care provider down the road when you switch to UC....and you will switch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
risktaker Posted March 21, 2017 Author Share Posted March 21, 2017 Thanks for all the input. I have come to the conclusion that it's UC or bust for me. I cannot handle overnight shifts and UC gives the perfect work life balance. Working 4 8's at a UC right now, but I am looking for full time work in SD area in UC. This part-time gig will work for now, but looking around for something full time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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