Arrogant PA's

phillyrn10 · Jun 30, 2007

Great responses! One of the PAs that I'm having a problem with periodically adds orders to the T-sheet that should have been ordered in the first place (but he forgot!), and then swears they were there all the time and I must have "missed it". Another simply refuses to communicate with the nurse about his plan, and we find out quite by accident that the patient is being admitted, transferred, whatever - we're the last to know (unless of course you're 20-something and blonde, then he's only too happy to talk to you). Basically they're just real jerks - our female PA is wonderful.

jojotoo, RN · Jul 2, 2007

Hey.. PA student here and would love the opportunity to answer some questions if you guys have em. I try to keep an eye on new threads in the RN forums that have something to do with complaints about docs or PAs so I can get an idea of what NOT to do. But often.. I hear complaints and think... well, I can see why the doc or PA did that or what they were thinking.
Just like I have no idea what it is like to be a floor or ER nurse and the stress and thought process that you guys go through.. It is hard to evaluate a PA or Doc on the job they are doing if you arent a PA or Doc or NP. Missed diagnosis is a common reason to be sued and we are taught (especially in emergency medicine) to always rule out the worst case scenario. We are also taught to consult docs when necessary.. and I bet it happens a lot when you guys might not be looking. But we have worked hard, and the thought of losing our license or getting sued because we didnt get ONE test is very scary.
All in all, there were some good posts by you guys... that pointed out some valid concerns about different personalities and different roles in healthcare.. Unfortunantly it isnt always easy to see the other side. Which is why I am posting here and will invite an awesome PA who is a little more eloquent in his writing to also answer some questions.
We CAN get along.. and just like in my other jobs and social situations... lots of the time conflicts are nothing more than misunderstandings. but I appreciate ya'lls honesty.
p.s. in regards to billing.. yes, PAs can first assist in surgery and when they do, they get 85% of the assist fee a doctor would get.

What a nice post. And how professional! Instead of getting getting all huffy regarding previous posts, you gave a very calm and reasoned response. I bet you'll have staff standing in line to work with you. I know that I would.