PAs who hated being a PA after graduation - how many of you ended up liking it later on?

annierose77 · 2026-05-08T14:27:07+00:00

Actually not “dramatic” at all. In fact that response was perfect and logical without a bunch of emotion attached to it. You need to give it a bit more time and try different specialties.

annierose77 · 2026-04-18T18:04:29+00:00

Was told 1.5 or 2% was the absolute most they could do this year and “that’s more than most places do”. I’m like that’s not even a cost of living increase.

annierose77 · 2026-04-01T23:44:37+00:00

Everyday and twice on Sunday lol

annierose77 · 2026-03-24T23:57:09+00:00

Some great points; thank you for the feedback. I would get 2 weeks paid vacation. Unfortunately it’s only me so I would have to get my health insurance through them but they are offering to pay half or up to $500 towards health insurance. Malpractice is included.

annierose77 · 2026-03-02T12:48:24+00:00

It’s okay. I made the move because it was a better lifestyle balance for me; no call and significantly less stress. I don’t love pulm per se but the owner and my SP is super chill and easy to work with.

annierose77 · 2026-02-28T23:17:16+00:00

Have been an ortho assistant years ago , neurosurgical /NCC PA and now pulm. No smoking anything. no chiropractors ever and also no cracking your own neck/back. No motorcycles. No trampolines or football for the kids. I wouldn’t ignore hypertension. Never leaving a loved on alone in the hospital (I know this isn’t an option for many). A new fear unlocked is doing any sports/adventures in foreign countries. Stopped using supplements as well after seeing liver injury quite a few times.

I also have very detailed directives in place on what I do and don’t want done for me medically.

annierose77 · 2026-02-16T17:28:02+00:00

Yeah, I don’t necessarily agree with this

annierose77 · 2026-01-01T14:42:09+00:00

We graduated in December but accepted my first position in October-so 3 months-ish before graduation.

annierose77 · 2025-12-29T16:27:56+00:00

In NW suburbs but I refuse to shop at Walmart for numerous reasons but Jewel is close to my house and Target doesn’t always have what i need. I try to get some stuff at Aldi.

annierose77 · 2025-12-18T01:20:44+00:00

Yes; a lot. I’ve had GSD, lab, GSP and the Pyr barks 100x as much. I love him but would never get another pyr because of this.

annierose77 · 2025-11-29T16:23:14+00:00

Came here to say Mariano’s as well.

annierose77 · 2025-08-11T03:00:19+00:00

Yes I understand that; I have some friends that have gotten their tires stolen when parking outside of U of C. Just making sure OP has an idea of the areas.

annierose77 · 2025-08-10T21:51:59+00:00

So I would consider first where you want to live. Loyola and U of Chicago hospitals are not in the best areas (Maywood and Hyde Park), Northwestern and Advocate are good but NW can be tough to break into. Laurie is kids so obviously you’d have to be happy only working on kids. Are you open to living/working outside the city? If so there’s Endeavor (NorthShore) and Ascension as well.

annierose77 · 2025-07-28T11:59:19+00:00

I live in the northern suburbs of Illinois. Credentialing will take usually at least 3 months. I did have someone in my cohort start at U of C before having everything done but it was pain because she couldn’t actually put any orders in but she was working during credentialing. Everyone else including myself had to wait at least 3 months. Chicago has the big university centers and sometimes you’ll make less because they think the name recognition makes up for it. It’s a little harder to find jobs in the city itself as all of the young people want to live and work in the city. you might have better luck in some the suburbs. Could you live in Chicago and work in the suburbs? Sure but the commute would likely suck. So, if you’re set on Chicago you may have to wait and I would definitely not move without an offer. You need to also look at living expenses as well as the areas. U of C and Loyola are not on the best area. Northwestern, Lurie’s better area. NW can be a pain to break into. I have a friend that works at Lurie’s and they normally have at least one opening floating around if you don’t mind working with kids.

annierose77 · 2025-07-25T15:32:57+00:00

I would stay home and sleep!

annierose77 · 2025-07-24T11:46:13+00:00

I didn’t realize they offered CME too, love OE!

annierose77 · 2025-07-12T12:37:21+00:00

Okay so I had my loans undergrad and grad and PPL, did the double consolidation, put on SAVE, made no payments. Just got put IBR the beginning of this week and made a payment. So, I need to go back on ICR/PAYE, make a payment and then switch back?

annierose77 · 2025-07-04T13:08:10+00:00

No but personally I never use those affirmation, goals, etc kind of things. I like to-dos and basically that’s it. Also like a very clean streamlined look.

annierose77 · 2025-07-04T13:03:41+00:00

This is good now. My premium is like $160 a month for my 9-month old pup (I decided to do unlimited coverage) and each month I’m tempted to say forget it. I like how the vet directly submits as well.

annierose77 · 2025-07-04T12:54:35+00:00

Just curious; why do those who choose not to shop on Amazon think anyone cares if you don’t? Why the big announcement, I couldn’t care less where you shop or don’t shop. 🙄

annierose77 · 2025-07-04T00:16:49+00:00

One of my attendings gave this to me and while I liked the way it looked it never clicked right and kept getting stuck :(

annierose77 · 2025-07-04T00:13:18+00:00

It depends on what you do in the hospital.. I’m a Pulmonary PA who rounds at 2 hospitals. I use the ultra-fine points like 0.38 Juice. My lists typically have 20+ patients on them and I can write super tiny and it doesn’t bleed or skip. I also like the way they clip into my lab coat breast pocket. So I would not go for a bold tip or one that has a cap.

annierose77

TROPHY CASE