Looking back

The First Post "The Rise and Fall in Life"
I just took a moment to read my first post and my mind began racing as I remembered the struggles, stresses, sleepless nights, prayers and hopes... (this was over 4 years ago).

Hello Everyone!,

About 3 years ago my life as I knew it changed forever. Approaching the age of thirty and establishing a family and rooted life... I lost my job. I experienced every emotion imaginable but especially an overwhelming constant concern of WHAT TO DO NEXT!

"Life is a storm. You will bask in the sunlight one moment and then be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you is what you do when that storm comes. You must look into that storm and shout, do your worst, for I will do mine."

This blogs' intent is to outline the steps I took to become accepted to a physician assistant (PA) program, describe & display my life in PA school, and ultimately my life after PA school. I hope to assist those desiring to follow this career path through my experiences and also encourage all to find the best path for them to take in this journey through life notwithstanding what "storms" come their way.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/749218

New Footprints

As I mentioned in the last post I have accepted a job in Alaska.  Currently I am still in Arizona but I only have 2 more days in the clinic here... then its off to Alaska. Bittersweet. I am very excited for new opportunities and experiences but it is always difficult saying goodbye to people you enjoy being around.

So I have learned a lot about changing jobs as a PA that perhaps I can pass on. I have had the opportunity to work with some great providers that have worked here in Arizona under contract through locum agencies and they have passed on some information to me. But with taking this job in Alaska I have gained some understanding of how it works also. 

First of all as I mentioned there are so many opportunities. I have received options to work in every state, even areas such as Guam and Puerto Rico. I have also received emails about New Zealand, England, Egypt... Many different jobs from Primary Care to Cardio-Thoracic surgery and most things in-between. 

The biggest hurdle with taking the new job in Alaska is getting the state license to practice. I turned all of my application documents 3 months ago and my license is still pending. This can be frustrating if you are in a rush to start working. For me it has worked out well as I wasn't in a big rush to leave and get to Alaska. So my advice would be to get state licenses in every state that you are considering. The downside is that you pay the fee for each state license (200-600$) but the advantage is that if a job comes up, you have a license, and don't have to wait months before you can start working. 1 day of work pays for the entire license...

I really do love being a PA. Its great having a job that provides a service that people need. Its great when you get a thanks or a hug from a caring patient. As I have told patients that I am leaving the clinic and heading to Alaska I have had so many patients say amazingly nice things to me. People begging me to stay longer. 

If your on the path don't give up- 

If you are debating the career as a PA or have read the posts on this blog please check out the e-book
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/749218