Friday, April 6, 2012

PA News Update!!!!


                                Happened Last Month!




On Tuesday, March 27, the Pennsylvania House passed House Bills 1832 and 1833, legislation that would eliminate the state’s co-signature requirement, allow PAs to sign any form a physician can and allow PAs to begin practicing after filing a practice agreement with the appropriate state board of medicine. Determining co-signature policy at the practice or facility level is one of AAPA’s Six Key Elements of a Modern PA Practice Act.

Modernizing the PA Practice Act has been a top goal of the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants this legislative session. The legislation was unopposed and now moves to the senate.



 Nice to know that our "John Hancock" is just as equalivent as our Supervising Physicians!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Never Give Up!!.....Here Is Why!

                                        "Never" Give Up!

         I seriously looked at other options for my plans of life when I kept receiving denial letters from programs I thought I would "at least" get an interview with.   I applied last year 11' July and within 2 wks received a denial letter. Those letters kept coming until the end of January...:( 

         I have never been soooo down in my life! I was looking at how I would gradually get there, because it appeared that all other schools were telling me that I wasn't good enough or something. In all actuality I knew that I was just as qualified as the accepted applicants. Even though we all have different backgrounds, I knew that I worked super hard to meet my goal...acceptance.


         I ran into a surgeon at the gym, and I told him how I did all this amazing stuff, and I kept receiving denial letters. His comment was, "they are looking for someone older and mature, your so young and they see that. Also, If I had to go back again I would just be a nurse and travel. He said PA's don't get paid enough to do the work they do." In my head... I know I'm 22, but what I've accomplished already takes a great level of maturity such as being a Basic Life Support Instructor and presenting to PA's, MD's, and Nurse Case Managers to help instill patient centered care!?! I've already worked hard and placed what was in my heart on the line to accomplish these obstacles to get closer to acceptance....I have to keep pushing through."

         I think it's so funny how Life can attempt to steer you off the beatin path, and at this point I put sooo much work into strengthening my weaknesses, and fortifying the best of myself.  I couldn't take his opinion because I had 20/20 vision......seeing opportunity in the challenge.


                                   My Method To The Madness!!

         I want everyone to know that it takes only 2 days, to become a BLS Instructor. Become one and start teaching a little bit.  You make your own schedule and can set your own rate for students. Honestly, I didn't even charge my students, I did it for FREE! They saved anywhere from $20 to $80's. The picture was much larger in my mind, and I was not there to make money, but improve upon my confidence, and build presentation skills.  This is obviously a great way to build upon your communication skills. The ability to articulate and grow stronger within by standing in front of people. I told myself that if I really want to become a PA, I want to be able to articulate and be an effective communicator. This what they are looking for anyway during the interview, and future practitioner.  Check out your local community college for course listings and become one now!

         Become an EMT or something that allows PAID patient contact. Volunteering is good because you can scope out PA's to shadow and learn from. However, this is not going to get you the validity you need on your application. It has to be paid. I almost forgot....do not work for a 24hr service. This is the main reason my GPA suffered in the first 3 semesters of undergrad. If they are 24hr shifts, fit in only 1-2 shifts/wk. It could be a hindrance to your ability to study and make those A's we attempt to strive for, especially if your a full time student at a University taking those tougher science courses.

         Look at your local community college continuing education page and search for health care courses. There  should be some small classes you can take, such as basic EKG interpretation, Phlebotomy basic/advanced, tough situations in health care, BLS Instructor course, etc.  Take these small courses that are 8 hrs/ 2 days..mostly just 1 day courses. These little certificates can add up when your standing next to the other person if you know what I mean. 

         If anyone has any questions please don't hesitate, I know YOU can achieve acceptance, my GPA was a 3.2 overall, it was my attitude that made my altitude!  Also, a touch from GOD! IN HIS NAME SAKE>>>>AMEN!!