Musings of a PA-C

Pictures speak 1,000 words, and there's no way I was writing that much.

[brooklynpa-c]

WHEN THE HOSPITAL SERVER CRASHES AND WE HAVE A WEEK OF PAPER CHARTING

[brooklynpa-c]

WHEN MY BOSS ASKS “WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO GET YOU TO STAY A FEW EXTRA HOURS?”

[brooklynpa-c]

NEW PASSWORD DAY

[brooklynpa-c]

THE HOSPITAL RAN OUT OF STRETCHERS

[brooklynpa-c]

FIRST THING CHARGE RN TELLS ME WHEN I WALK IN: “THERE’S 2 SUTURE KITS IN THE WHOLE HOSPITAL, SO LET’S HOPE NO LACS COME IN TODAY.”

…I have no words, but that was my reaction

[brooklynpa-c]

I’m a 2nd year PA student looking to go into emergency medicine. Do you have any tips on how to get a job in the area and eventually practicing. I’m mostly concerned about making stupid mistakes in front of my peers and being ostracized for it. I was looking into doing a PA ER residency after I graduate but I don’t know if it’s worth it. Thanks!

Hey! Coming out of school there are probably two routes you could go. One is doing an EM residency as you mentioned. Pros are getting exposure to all branches of medicine, hopefully access to a lot of procedures (like foreign body retrieval in the eye, still my least favorite thing) with a lot of help guiding you along. Cons are the classic low pay and a ton of hours.

The other option would probably be going to a hospital that for lack of a better description is desperate for help. What I mean is a hospital that has a high patient volume in a low socioeconomic status area or a hospital that’s in a very rural area. Hospitals in densely populated areas with wealthier residents can be pickier about what kind of an applicant they are looking for. At least that’s been my experience in the NYC area.

Don’t worry about making mistakes or looking foolish when you start. it’s going to happen because it happens to everyone. Like anything else you do in life it takes time and practice. Geddy Lee wasn’t born being one of the best bass players ever even if it seems that way, takes a lot of hard work. (Too dated a reference? Spoiler, I’m a Rush fan) At first your expected to go slow, take your time so you don’t make mistakes, ask a lot of questions and find your practice style. When you go on interviews ask directly how they work with new PAs.

[brooklynpa-c]

ACTUAL CONVERSATION WITH A SURGICAL RESIDENT PART 2

ED: Hey surgery, I’ve got a consult for you in the ED.

Surg; I’m in a code trauma, it’ll have to wait

ED: You mean the sim case with the fake patient? The one in the trauma bay I’m looking at right now?

Surg: ….

ED: Hot appy in bed 12

[brooklynpa-c]

TRYING TO TELL ADMIN WE’RE UNDERSTAFFED AND IT’S CREATING AN UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR PATIENTS

[brooklynpa-c]

EVERYTIME I CATCH A GLIMPSE AT THE WAITING ROOM TRACKING BOARD

[brooklynpa-c]

MY DEMENTED LADY WITH A CERVICAL FRACTURE VS. HER COLLAR

[brooklynpa-c]

WHEN PHARMACY CALLS ASKING IF THEY CAN CHANGE AN ORDER

[brooklynpa-c]

STILL WAITING FOR THAT URINE…

[brooklynpa-c]

WHEN RADIOLOGY TOLD ME THERE’S A NATIONAL SHORTAGE OF CONTRAST DYE

[brooklynpa-c]

Is the total years to become a PA 6 years? Counting college

If you count undergrad, generally it’s 6-7 years. PA school in general is a 2-2.5 year program

[brooklynpa-c]

You're back!!!! Yay! How has life been???

👋hi! Sorry I never check my inbox (clearly!) I’m trying to post again! Marriage + kids + real job/adulting has been an adventure, but the time felt right for a comeback. How are you?! It’s looks like you’re moving up in the world as a successful PA! 😎

[brooklynpa-c]

Watch out for those parrots.

[brooklynpa-c]

PAID OFF MY PA SCHOOL LOANS!