How realistic is it for Physician Assistants to actually work from home?
What if you could swap your office for your living room (or better yet, a home office)? What if you could eliminate the daily commute and instead invest that time into something productive or enjoyable? It’s not a dream anymore.
So, how do you transition to this new way of working?
How can you stay connected with your team remotely?
What about maintaining your productivity levels?
And the most important question – how to balance work and life when they’re happening in the same space?
You must be itching to find out, right?
Whether you’re a freelancer looking for a change, a job seeker trying to break into the remote job market, a new graduate seeking a career with flexibility, or an entrepreneur or employer planning to go remote, this guide has got everything you need to know. So, buckle up. We’re about to delve into the uncharted territory of remote work for Physician Assistants.
Is Remote Work Or Work From Home Possible For Physician Assistants?
Physician Assistants (PAs) predominantly perform tasks that require direct patient contact such as medical examinations, diagnosis, and treatment. Therefore, a fully remote setup isn’t entirely feasible. Nonetheless, certain aspects of their job, particularly those related to administrative tasks, patient education, or virtual consultations, could be performed remotely, opening the door to a potential hybrid work model.
“Doctors Without Borders? – The Nature of the Job”
Generally, the nature of the job for Physician Assistants leans heavily toward in-person activities. After all, no one wants a virtual-only stethoscope, right? However, the growth of telemedicine has shown that some facets of patient care can effectively be handled from afar, such as initial consultations, certain types of follow-up appointments, or routine check-ups for chronic conditions. Think of it as the “call-in” segment of the healthcare world.
“Is There a Doctor in the Cloud?”
Thanks to advancements in technology and infrastructure, telehealth is increasingly feasible. This requires reliable internet connections and secure, compliant software platforms. It’s a bit like moving your practice from a clinic to a laptop – just be sure you have the virtual waiting room organized!
“Healthcare Highway or Red Tape Roadblock?”
But beware! Regulations and policies in healthcare can be a complex web, and they vary from place to place. Some types of care can be legally and ethically provided remotely, while others cannot. Remember, the internet might seem borderless, but healthcare regulations are not.
“The Digital Bedside Manner”
What skills and characteristics of workers lend themselves to remote work? Strong communication skills, tech-savviness, adaptability, and the ability to convey warmth and empathy through a screen, to name a few. If you’ve got those down, you might be ready to set sail on the telemedicine ship.
“Your Waiting Room or Your Living Room?”
Work-life balance can be challenging to maintain in a remote setup. You’ll need to ensure your “home clinic” doesn’t take over your entire home life – remember, there’s a reason waiting rooms don’t have couches and a flat-screen TV. Make sure you close the “office door” when your shift ends.
“Digital Nomad or Digital Homebody?”
And finally, is the digital nomad lifestyle suitable for Physician Assistants? Potentially, at least for the remote aspects of the job. Just remember, when your background scenery gets too beautiful, patients might start wishing they were there instead of listening to health advice.
In The Trenches: Physician Assistants, The Lifeline of Medical Care
Ever wonder who’s the real-life equivalent of Robin in a world of medical Batmans? Welcome to the world of Physician Assistants. They’re not sidekicks, but main characters in their own right. Let’s scrub in and get a closer look, shall we?
Playing Double: Assisting Physicians in Diagnosing and Treating
Physician Assistants are like doppelgängers, stepping in and assisting physicians in diagnosing and treating illnesses. Examining patients? Check. Ordering and interpreting tests? Check. Developing treatment plans? Triple check. It’s like having a physician at two places at the same time.
Healthcare Heroes: Providing Preventive Healthcare Services
Picture this: You’re a ship and you’ve got the best navigator on board steering you clear of health issues. That’s what Physician Assistants do as they provide preventive healthcare services. They are the unseen shields warding off health problems before they even start. Now that’s some superhero action.
Behind the Scenes: Performing Medical Procedures
Physician Assistants aren’t just about paperwork and exams, they get their hands in the game too. They perform medical procedures, from basic wound stitching to assisting in major surgeries. A touch of Grey’s Anatomy in real life, wouldn’t you say?
Communication Crusaders: Discussing Test Results and Providing Patient Education
Physician Assistants are the translators between medical jargon and everyday language. They take up the crucial role of discussing test results and providing patient education. They are the bridge that connects the patient to their health. In other words, they’re the Rosetta Stone of the medical world.
So, the next time you see a Physician Assistant, remember they’re not just an assistant to the physician. They’re navigators, protectors, communicators, and performers. They’re the supporting cast that often takes the lead. All in a day’s work in the life of a Physician Assistant.
Physician Assistants: What Kind Of Background Do You Need To Do This Job?
In this digital age, opportunities to work from home are more abundant than ever before, spanning across various industries and professions, but what kind of background do you need for this kind of work?
Physician Assistants: To examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of physicians and surgeons, you need a master’s degree from an accredited educational program. All states require physician assistants to be licensed, which involves passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
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How Much Do Physician Assistants Make?
In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of what working from home as a Physician Assistants may look like, it’s essential to delve into the financial aspects of the role. Remuneration can vary greatly depending on various factors like the level of experience, geographical location, and the size of the employing organization.
As of the most recent data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics(1) there are roughly 140,910 Physician Assistants currently in the workforce.
Next up, let’s take a look at the salary distribution for Physician Assistants, providing information on both hourly and annual wages. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the field for a while, the information here can help you get a sense of the earning potential in this role. The wage information is broken down by percentiles, giving a comprehensive view of the earning potential across the spectrum from beginners to seasoned professionals.
The following table represents a comparison of wages:
| Percentile & Measure | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Average | $125,270 |
| 10th Percentile | $83,820 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,240 |
| Median | $126,010 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,660 |
| 90th Percentile | $168,120 |
The 10th percentile represents the lower end of the wage scale, indicating that 10% of Physician Assistants earn this amount or less. On the other hand, the 90th percentile represents the higher end of the wage scale, meaning that only 10% of Physician Assistants earn more than this amount. The median wage, also known as the 50th percentile, represents the middle point in the wage distribution, with half of the Physician Assistants earning less than this amount and the other half earning more.
These figures offer an insightful look at the potential earnings for Physician Assistants across the spectrum of experience and skill level, painting a realistic picture of what one might expect to earn in this role.
Where to Search For Remote & Work From Home Jobs for Physician Assistants
Physician Assistants of all kinds have learned the benefits of working from home. But how do you find one of these great gigs to serve in a remote role?
Remote teams are everywhere and companies across the spectrum are hiring for these jobs remotely. The good new for Physician Assistants is that the demand for their skills is plentiful.
Here are some places where you might find remote jobs:
FlexJobs
FlexJobs is great because it has a variety of remote job listings for Physician Assistants and more.
Remote OK
Remote OK is an online community dedicated to helping people find remote jobs. It features thousands of remote jobs including jobs for Physician Assistants, as well as career advice and tips.
https://remoteok.com/
Upwork
Upwork is one of the largest online marketplaces for freelancers, offering tens of thousands of jobs for Physician Assistants of all kinds. Upwork connects employers with freelancers all over the world, so you can easily find work remotely.
LinkedIn is commonly known for its more traditional approach because anyone who’s anyone with career ambitions is active there. What a lot of people don’t know is that it can be a great place for professional networking and finding opportunities for Physician Assistants. There are many remote jobs available on LinkedIn.
TopTal
Toptal is a leading platform for high quality freelance talent around the globe. Toptal helps businesses source exceptional Physician Assistants, and more.
Authentic Jobs
Authentic Jobs was started was started by Cameron Moll in 2005 because he had so much demand for connections to talented people and what started as a small side project has become something entirely its own and could be a great spot to find remote work opportunities for Physician Assistants.
Remote Tech Jobs
Remote Tech Jobs is another great site where you can search through hundreds of remote jobs, even for Physician Assistants. They offer a number of different categories, for all kinds of roles for Physician Assistants.
https://www.remotetechjobs.com/
Working Nomads
Working Nomads provides curated lists of the best remote jobs in a variety of different of different professional-level, tech industry related career fields. Their strength is their ability to connect remote workers looking for flexible opportunities with innovative companies offering independent jobs.
https://www.workingnomads.com/jobs
We Work Remotely
We Work Remotely is an online community and fantastic resource for finding work as a software developer to work with remote teams. In addition, if you’re doing some research into the remote work possibilities, We Work Remotely keeps a list of the top 100 remote companies and companies that are entirely remote.
Simply Hired
Simply Hired is a job board where you can find some great opportunities for remote jobs. SimplyHired hosts a database of remote jobs across various industries. You’ll find everything from entry level to senior level remote jobs here.
Career Builder
Career Builder is one of the oldest and most established employment sites on the internet. It has the largest market share by far in the United States where it was founded in 1995. Even though this is a traditional, old-school job board, there are a wealth of opportunities for remote developers to find a new job.
Indeed
Indeed.com is another old-school traditional source for remote software developers who may be looking for a more traditional employment model. Well established and widely trusted, Indeed is always a good place to check for tech industry jobs while you’re on your job hunt.
Pros & Cons of Working From Home for Physician Assistants
Not everything is all sunshine and roses, right? Yes – there are a lot of pros, but there are also cons for Physician Assistants working from home; let’s take a look.
Remote working pros for employees
- Flexibility: Working from home allows for a flexible schedule. You can arrange your workday around your most productive times and manage personal responsibilities more effectively. You decide when you’re going to wake up, how you get to enjoy your coffee, and when you need a break (not when you’re told to take a break).
- No commute: Eliminating a daily commute can save significant time, reduce stress, and decrease transportation expenses. On average, Americans spend 27 minutes on their daily commute to work, with 14 million of the same study group having over one hour of commute time. (1) Once that’s averaged over how many days you go to work per year, it’s an astronomical figure.
- Cost savings: Along with saving on commuting costs, you also save on expenses such as eating out, professional attire, and childcare. The financial impact can vary from person to person, of course, but going to the office can include hidden fees that add up. You’re cutting down on transportation costs, such as gas, tolls, public transit, and vehicle maintenance. Plus, you’re removing that pesky temptation to hit the burger joint during lunch.
- Increased productivity: Many people report increased productivity when working from home due to fewer distractions and interruptions, and the ability to create a work environment that suits their preferences.
- Better work-life balance: Working remotely can make it easier to balance your work and personal life, particularly if your employer allows for a flexible schedule.
- Health and wellness opportunities: You can have more opportunities to incorporate healthy habits into your day, like preparing home-cooked meals and fitting in exercise during break times.
- Home Office, Living Room Couch or Coffee Shop: You get the benefit of deciding where you’re going to work. In the office, you may be in a cubicle, or near the heater, which might not be ideal for you. But, the coffee shop, library, or your balcony, may be optimal for you.
Remote Working Cons For Employees
- Isolation: Working from home can be lonely, as it limits face-to-face social interaction with colleagues. This can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnect, plus, you miss out on company culture and it’s hard to overestimate how important this can be. Some companies are known for their great culture that makes them special. If you don’t experience this culture, then you’re missing out on something valuable.
- Blurred boundaries between work and personal life: Without a clear division between your work and personal environment, it can be challenging to ‘switch off’ and stop working, which could lead to overworking and burnout. Your home life and office life are now combined. You often hear the phrase “keep your personal life out of work, and work-life out of your personal life”. This can cause an imbalance in your family life.
- Distractions: Although there may be fewer interruptions from colleagues, home distractions can affect productivity – think children, pets, household chores, or noise from neighbors.
- Communication challenges: While technology helps bridge the communication gap, it can’t entirely replace face-to-face communication. Misunderstandings can occur more often due to the lack of non-verbal cues. Communication can be delayed. You’re now on your own; the colleague that used to be right next to you might begin and finish their remote day differently than you.
- Technological issues: Remote work requires reliable internet and appropriate devices. Not everyone has access to a reliable internet connection or high-performance equipment, and troubleshooting tech problems can be more difficult when you’re not in the office. Plain and simple, we’re all not computer experts, and the tech team won’t be showing up at your front door. There are many tech problems that can occur at home – the wifi goes down, your laptop breaks or your dog chews up your charging cable.
- Career progression concerns: Some employees might fear they’ll be ‘out of sight, out of mind’ and miss out on opportunities for advancement or professional development. Career growth is widely “hire from within” for most companies. You’re losing the benefit of professional growth by removing in-person interactions.
- Health challenges: Your physical health can suffer. It’s a lot easier to work longer hours and spend a lot of time – a lot more time – at your desk than you normally would.
Previously, it was believed the at-home employee would be riddled with distractions – blowing off meetings, not hitting deadlines, and a drop in productivity. In reality, it was the opposite.
Remote Working Pros For Employers
There are plenty of reasons why remote working is becoming increasingly popular among businesses.
- The productivity of in-office work compared to at-home work is impressive. A study conducted by UC Irvine showed, office workers, are interrupted every 11 minutes. Then having a rebound time of 25 minutes, to get back on task. Removing the simple distraction of co-workers increased productivity by 13% according to a Stanford study and increased 22% when participants were allowed to choose between working from home or the office. (6) By removing distractions, the employee is given less of an opportunity to wander off task, and this creates a higher focus. A higher focus inevitably creates an increased pace of productivity.
- When employees are in the office, management has a tendency to micromanage which is a huge distraction factor.
- Remote work creates an opportunity for office downsize. We no longer need a conference room to fit 25 employees, instead, only a zoom call.
- Being in an office increases the risk of exposure to illness. A survey created in 2021 says at least 50% of people are worried about being exposed to an illness in the workplace. (5) This is common after we just went through Covid 19. If an employee is at a lower risk of exposure, there’s less of a chance they’ll be using those sick days.
Remote Working Cons For Employers
The cons for an employer are all specific to each company. But as a general rule of thumb, not having a direct eye on your employees can ultimately create an issue.
- You’re forfeiting the opportunity to manage and delegate tasks to your employees. (2) Not all employees are the same. Some excel with a structure set in place so they can’t slack off.
- The task of communication is much easier when you just need to walk to an employee’s desk. You can’t guarantee an answer in a matter of minutes when you’re not in the same space as the employee.
- The financial aspect of needing a 2,000-square-foot office space can be debilitating. An office this size is no longer needed.
Mastering Mental Health and Work-Life Balance in the Remote Work Era
So how do Physician Assistants maximize the work from home opportunity? Here are 10 tips that Physician Assistants can implement to master the work-from-home life and thrive.
- Create a Dedicated Workspace: Design a productive environment that fuels creativity and focus. An area dedicated solely to work communicates to your mind that it’s ‘business time’ when you’re there. Learn how to setup and create your own home office space here.
- Establish Routines: Cultivate a rhythm to your day that separates ‘work time’ from ‘personal time’. This harmony aids in decreasing stress and enhancing productivity. Learn more about how to maximize routines for your work-life balance here.
- Stay Connected: Regularly engage with your team and colleagues virtually. Shared experiences and human connection combat feelings of isolation. Learn about making friends and maintaining relationships when working from home here.
- Prioritize Physical Exercise: Incorporate a regular exercise routine into your schedule. Physical wellness promotes mental sharpness and emotional stability. Keep reading about how to deal with boredom when you’re working from home here.
- Practice Mindful Eating: Nurture your body with healthy food choices. The quality of your fuel affects your energy levels and overall health.
- Embrace Breaks: Take short breaks to refresh your mind and body. These pauses can increase productivity and reduce stress.
- Set Achievable Goals: Use smart, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART) goals to track progress and maintain motivation.
- Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular mindfulness practices like meditation or deep-breathing exercises can reduce stress and enhance focus.
- Get Quality Sleep: Prioritize a full night’s rest. Quality sleep contributes to improved concentration, productivity, and overall health.
- Seek Support When Needed: Reach out to mental health professionals if you feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to seek help and support for maintaining your wellness and balance.
Related & Frequently Asked Questions
Still got questions about remote work? I’ve got answers. Here are some FAQs about working from for Physician Assistants.
Q: What type of equipment do I need for remote work?
A: It can vary based on your job role, but typically you’ll need a reliable computer, high-speed internet connection, a comfortable chair, and a desk. Some companies may also require specific software applications, a webcam for video meetings, or even a virtual private network (VPN) for secure access. Here’s a detailed guide on what you need to buy and download to be successful working from home.
Q: How can I avoid distractions when working from home? A: Set up a dedicated workspace and establish boundaries with those sharing your home. Use productivity tools to manage your tasks and break down your work into manageable chunks. Also, be sure to take regular short breaks to avoid burnout. Learn more about work from home etiquette for remote workers here.
Q: How can I stay productive while working remotely? A: Make a to-do list each day, prioritize tasks, and establish a consistent work routine. Utilize time management techniques like the Pomodoro technique, and don’t forget to take regular short breaks to recharge. Learn more about how to stay focused working from home here.
Q: How can I improve communication with my team while working remotely? A: Regular check-ins and updates are crucial. Make use of collaborative tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Hangouts. Clear and concise communication is key. Keep learning about how managers can support their remote team here.
Q: What can I do if I feel isolated while working from home? A: Stay connected with your colleagues via virtual coffee breaks or team meetings. Also, consider joining online communities or groups of remote workers to share experiences and advice. Learn more about making friends and maintaining relationships when working from home here.
Q: How can I ensure that I’m not overworking? A: Set strict start and end times for your workday and take regular breaks. It’s also important to ‘switch off’ completely from work at the end of the day.
Q: How can I secure my data when working remotely? A: Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where available. Use a VPN if handling sensitive data and make sure your home WiFi network imans secure.
Q: How do I maintain a professional image while working from home? A: Dress appropriately for video calls, maintain a clean and professional background for video meetings, and ensure you’re punctual and prepared for all interactions.
Q: How can I create work-life balance when my home is my workplace? A: Set clear boundaries for your work and personal life. This can include a dedicated workspace and set work hours. Additionally, ensure you allocate time for self-care, hobbies, and family.
Q: How can I stay motivated while working from home? A: Set both short and long-term goals, maintain a positive mindset, reward yourself upon the completion of tasks, and remember to celebrate your achievements.
Next Steps
Connect with other freelancers, remote job seekers, remote work employers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers of all kinds and get more tips, tricks and hacks on the work-from-home life by joining my brand new free private Facebook group, Home Office Hacks. In this group you will be able to connect with other people sharing a similar experience as you!
Resources
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm
- https://www.nextiva.com/blog/working-from-home-vs-office.html
- https://www.differencebetween.com/what-is-the-difference-between-work-from-office-and-work-from-home/
- https://hbr.org/2021/05/what-mix-of-wfh-and-office-time-is-right-for-you
- https://www.hi-reit.com/working-from-home-vs-office/
- https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/working-papers/does-working-home-work-evidence-chinese-experiment
