Universal PA Career-related Stressors & Challenges.

         

        It is a given--all Physician Associates/Assistants (PAs) along their careers encounter "universal" stressors and occupational challenges. Herein in this post, a brief overview of the eight most common are discussed:

Burnout: The well-known demanding nature of medicine, with long hours and high patient volumes, can lead to burnout for PAs. This can manifest as exhaustion, cynicism toward their work, and often developing feelings of inadequacy in meeting their job responsibilities. For example, a PA working in an understaffed workplace might feel constantly rushed, unable to give patients the level of care they deserve, and eventually become emotionally drained and unconsciously disengaged. 

Burdening Workloads: Since the COVID-19 pandemic healthcare provider shortages have markedly increased, thus PAs are often expected to manage a significant workload. This can include seeing a high number of patients per day, performing administrative tasks, and trying to stay up-to-date on medical advancements. In this situation, a PA in a primary care setting might be juggling appointments, prescription refills, and managing complex cases, all while feeling pressure to keep wait times down and increase practice revenues. A reason why many leave medicine earlier altogether. 

Practice limitations: Depending on the state and their supervising physician, or practice protocols, PAs may have limitations on what they can diagnose, treat, or prescribe. This can be frustrating for PAs who are qualified to handle a wider range of cases but are restricted by outdated practice regulations. For instance, a PA in a state with restrictive practice laws might not be authorized to prescribe certain medications they believe would benefit their patients in managing their medical conditions. This creates unsatisfactory & unfulfilled sentiments for any practicing PA.

Heightened Emotional toll: PAs regularly deal with complex difficult situations, including litigious patients, deaths, and serious illnesses. This can take an emotional toll, especially without strong support systems in place or where work-life balance considerations are followed. As an example, a PA in oncology might develop close relationships with patients, making it especially difficult to cope with their passing, or an ER PA dealing with frequent devastating child abuse presentations. 

Poor Compensation Models: While PAs generally enjoy good salaries, some may feel they are compensated unfairly for the level of responsibility required and expected by their employers. This can be especially true if they are performing duties similar to physicians but earning significantly less. This naturally leads to a PA feeling very much undervalued. 

Unsupportive Employers: PAs generally would feel nonsupported when they feel/experience their organizational or practice concerns/issues are not heard or addressed for the common good or their well-being. This can be especially true if they have no voice or “representation at the table”. This has led to the rise of the unionization of PAs at large because they have felt professionally disrespected by their employer. 

Negative Workplace Politics: While PAs generally have good salaries, some may feel they are not being compensated fairly for the level of responsibility they take on. This can be especially true if they are performing duties similar to physicians but earning significantly less. 

Toxic Colleagues: While PAs generally are supportive of other PAs, not everyone conforms to this professional practice. Ego and personality differences sometimes cause or lead to professional tension and conflicts for a myriad of reasons. Among some of these reasons, one can always find distrust, envy, or even personal insecurities coming into play in these negative relational dynamics.