5 Things Awesome PAs Do
Being a PA is a tough gig, but somebody’s gotta do it. When you first start training, you might worry that your hard work and studying won’t come in handy. Use Picmonic as a physician assistant study guide (You should! Try it for free!). You’ve already won half the battle because it means you know your stuff! Now you just have to apply it to real life. No sweat, right?
It’s time to be the best PA you can be! Here’s our list of five things awesome PAs do their rookie year.
Make Some Friends
New jobs can be stressful, and it helps to have someone to talk to. But making friends as a PA is about more than just having a buddy to grab a beer with after work. It’s about having someone in every department who can help you out in a bind, get the blood work back faster, or help you choose the best medicine for a patient. You’re not alone out there, so reach out and make some connections! You just might meet a new lifelong BFF who can also get your patient’s test results back in a jiffy.
Don’t Rush
While you may be eager to get to your next patient, it’s important not to rush. Going too fast to get too much done can lead to mistakes. So, take a breath and make a second pass at the CT-Scan or chart to make sure you’re not missing anything. If you’re not sure about a diagnosis, ask for help. It can never hurt to have more brains on a case. And while we’re talking about asking for help, that reminds us…
Ask for Help
The first day -or year, really- at any job is intimidating. There’s definitely a learning curve. But don’t let that hinder your productivity! If you’re not sure what to do, just ask for help. Seriously. Not enough people do it and it’s a really simple thing that goes a long way. If you’re embarrassed to ask for help, don’t be. Studies show that people like you more when you ask for help, so ask away! It can only do you and your patients some good.
Leave No Stone Unturned
It’s true that most people hate being sick. Nobody wants to be stuck in a hospital undergoing tests, but if you feel like you’re missing something or a diagnosis could be more serious, go with your gut instinct and order the extra test or X-Ray. Don’t be afraid to do everything you can to ensure a patient gets the best care possible. It’s better to exercise every option than to appease a patient just because they would rather go home.
Never Stop Learning
Getting arrogant and thinking your schooling was the beginning and end of learning will put you behind. In reality, the medical profession is always changing, so don’t be surprised if things you learned in school change after a few years or if senior staff members have to reteach you things you think you already know. When it comes to health, you should never stop learning.
It takes a lot of work to be a PA but by implementing these 5 things awesome PAs do, you could be at the top of your career in no time! Of course, none of this would have been possible without a killer PANCE score. Get one yourself by signing up for Picmonic for PA. It’s the easiest way to study for the hardest test of your career.
Plus, now is the perfect time to join. Check out our mnemonics for anatomy and physiology.
