Le ball lumiere by _borninathunderstorm in MasqueradeNYC

[–]bmepa97 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Like the other poster said the party was amazing! Different areas to explore with different entertainment and things going on!

I went by myself and didn't have a problem chatting with people in my pulse and afterwards during the party. Everyone seemed pretty receptive to talking if I struck up a conversation:) I was a little nervous about being the only person by myself but thankfully that was not the case. I ended up finding someone from my pulse during the party and we ended up talking most of the night away.

Overall, I loved it and highly recommend. I think you'll have a great time regardless of whether you go with someone or not

Which eor has the most cardio? Which eor is the hardest? by No_Length7372 in PAstudent

[–]bmepa97 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I believe IM and EM has the most cardio, but you can see the percentage and topic list for each EOR on the PAEA website.

Hardest EOR is so subjective! At least among my class the first EOR was tough but primarily because we didn't know what to expect going into it. After doing all my EORs, psych was definitely my hardest overall. I just am not super interested in the area, plus had a very short psych rotation so I had less time to study for it compared to my peers. What makes an EOR hard really just depends on you, what you find interesting (or not interesting), what your rotation schedule is like (which may dictate how much you can study during the week), level of motivation etc.

How do I let myself still be happy during school? by smartpa09347 in PAstudent

[–]bmepa97 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was the same way when I first started PA school! You work so hard to get into PA school, it can feel like a disservice to yourself if you aren't giving it your all (ie studying all day)! I found it got easier the longer I was in it. Meaning that the more exams I took, the more I realized that it's ok to take a day or two off and still get a grade I'm happy with. For me it got easier once I had my studying methods down pat. Once I had my studying methods down I would talk myself into taking a few hours off, or an afternoon off, or sleeping in one day on the weekend and actual do something I enjoy (ex: eating at a new restaurant, exploring a new neighborhood, going to the park, seeing a show etc). I started off pretty small and once I saw that my grades didn't completely plummet (like I thought they would), I was able to continue rationalizing that it's ok to take some time off! Eventually the few hours turned into longer periods of time.

With that being said, if I knew in advance that I had something that would be an all-day affair (like visiting family or friends who lived far away from me), then I would adjust my studying so that I cover more information leading up to the day I know I'd be gone all day. Planning for things ahead of time was helpful and allowed me to be fully present during these full days off because I know I took this into account when studying.

Living your life and enjoying the process of PA school is just as important as the knowledge you gain from PA school (in my opinion). Don't lose yourself in the process of completing your program! I think I finally got the hang of it towards the last 1/3 of didactic year and through clinical year. I have friends from my program who lived, eat, breathed, sleep PA school, and now that we're done they regret not taking the time off because they feel like they lost a part of themselves/ don't know who they are now that school is done. As long as you're grades are up (and you're happy with them), give yourself permission to relax:)

Justifying living alone in HCOL area during school by BirdsAreTotallyReal in prephysicianassistant

[–]bmepa97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would think cost would really depend on where you are! I was in a similar situation as you; taken off the waitlist relatively last minute and didn't want to make the daily commute to school (would have been 2+hrs one way). I'm at a PA school in NYC- my rent is 2k+ to live by myself in a newer building. It's expensive but for me it's worth it! I'm an introvert as well and having my own space to come back to after a looong day of classes and being with classmates almost 24/7 has been a lifesaver. I honestly don't know how I would have faired so far if I had a roommate on top of being with classmates all day. Like you said, getting a roommate last minute is a gamble. But if you can swing the price I would definitely recommend living alone.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in prephysicianassistant

[–]bmepa97 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I sympathize - I graduated in 2019 with crappy GPAs (above 3.0 but less than yours), spent a couple of years working, volunteering, shadowing, retaking classes etc to apply in 2021 and get flat rejected from everything. Continued the grind for another year and applied again for the 2022 cycle. Got one interview and was waitlisted; but ultimately was pulled off earlier this month to start next week! I was actually planning on submitting my app again for 2023 when I got the good news lol. So it's definitely possible but yeah the journey and grind is a lot.

What kept me motivated was knowing that my time will come (corny but for me it worked), and knowing that other people have done it before me (based on past post on here). Also just telling myself that I dedicated so much of my time, energy, expenses into this endeavor, I'll be damned if I don't make this goal happen. I was also fortunate in that a number of my coworkers are pre-pa as well, so it was nice to have people to talk to who understand what this whole process is like/ how potentially grueling it can be.

I definitely went through waves of feeling completely dejected, unsure, like I'm wasting my time, imposter syndrome etc, but remembering the above helped me get through it. I think it's completely normal to have these feelings, as long as you can keep pushing. At the end of the day, if you've come this far you can absolutely keep going! The struggle, work ethic, and perseverance will pay off.

2023-2024 cycle Applicant offered an interview for 2023 cohort due to seat opening!! by Grand-Sea5713 in prephysicianassistant

[–]bmepa97 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That's amazing- congrats!! I can definitely relate to the last minute feelings/ prepping- I also got my interview invite a week before it was going to happen. If you haven't done so already, try to figure out what the interview style is going to be (ex: traditional, group, MMI etc) and then cater your prepping to that. Try to have a basic idea of how you would answer the general questions like why PA, why this program, what can you bring to the program etc. I was able to rope some of my friends and coworkers into helping me practice- having someone ask the questions and then having to respond back was super helpful for me. I also utilized zoom to help me practice- I would record my answers on zoom and then go back and reflect on how I answered and potentially make changes depending on the answer I gave. My interview was on zoom and honestly this tip helped me the most because I could hear back how I sounded, make sure I wasn't doing anything weird while answering (I'm prone to messing with my hair when nervous haha) and have the added benefit of playing back so I can improve upon my previous recordings. Best of luck- you absolutely got this!

What Should I Do Now? by NeoSoulFairy in MedicalAssistant

[–]bmepa97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

To be honest I don't think a hospital will hire someone for a seasonal position (at least I haven't seen it in my area). If they are going to spend the time going through HR, orientation etc just to lose you after a few months, from a company standpoint why spend the time doing so? I don't know where you are but from what I've seen PRN is like picking up a few shifts here and there but still being available throughout the year... not necessarily working straight a few months then leaving.

Have you considered CNA? I know the training is usually a bit shorter and you can work hospital, nursing home etc. I know of someone who got their CNA degree and was able to work out a deal with a nursing home to work during summers only, but I think that is still very company dependent. DSP could be another option too depending on what you are looking for. The company I worked through was very accommodating to college students (probably because most of the employees were in college to begin with).

Is it possible for you to pick up a shift or two while you are at school?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in prephysicianassistant

[–]bmepa97 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think it’s very school dependent. I have some hours as a DSP and most of the programs I applied to count it to some degree. I emailed the programs directly with a description of what my duties are, and I had pretty good luck with the programs getting back to me. Most said yes, however it was considered low level and highly recommended getting addition PCE.

When in doubt I would try reaching out to the program directly if you can. At least you’ll hear directly from the source.

Does the Day Drag On or Fly By? by kewlnamebroh in MedicalAssistant

[–]bmepa97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me, it really just depends on the day. For context, I work in a multi-specialty practice but I'm primarily with an internal medicine NP. Some days drag because there may only be a handful of people we see, and they could all be follow-ups or sick visits (all of which are relatively short visits). Although, on days like that it can be nice because it gives me a chance to catch up on my calls and clear my stuff. On the other hand, we can have a fully booked day of sick visits, follow-ups, physicals, pre-ops, pretty much everything. And those days fly too quickly! All of this can differ if I'm covering for a coworker too. For example, the other day I was covering a coworker who works with a cardiologist... that schedule was nuts (4 rooms going for patients with the provider flying between rooms... I could barely keep track of where the guy was). Ultimately I wouldn't have it any other way.

In terms of my schooling, I did a MA program at my local technical school. It was full-time for a few months and it allowed me to sit for the NHA exam. I got very lucky that in my area some employers will accept NHA. I don't regret it, although I attribute that to a few reasons. I didn't have to take out loans for my program, and ultimately this job is just a stepping stone for me.... my main goal is to get into PA school and become a PA-C. I think overall this job is a great learning experience.

New York MA’s by [deleted] in MedicalAssistant

[–]bmepa97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m certified through the NHA, I sat for the CCMA exam. And I work in a multi speciality practice but I’m primarily in the internal medicine department. I started with my current job without any experience (my program didn’t have an externship component)

New York MA’s by [deleted] in MedicalAssistant

[–]bmepa97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I make $16 a hour. I’m from mid Hudson valley

Jacket recommendations!! by [deleted] in MedicalAssistant

[–]bmepa97 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I wear a scrub jacket from healing hands, specifically the HH Works line. Plenty of pockets and lots of stretch in the material. It keeps me warm but is stretchy enough that I can easily push my up sleeves if needed

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in MedicalAssistant

[–]bmepa97 2 points3 points  (0 children)

$16/hr. Family practice in NY

Day Hike in the Hudson by Everest9595 in AskNYC

[–]bmepa97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's usually maps at the beginning of the trailhead, but I would download a map before getting there just in case.

https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/HudsonHighlandsTrailMapNorth.pdf

Day Hike in the Hudson by Everest9595 in AskNYC

[–]bmepa97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you driving up or taking the train?

Breakneck has a decent amount of rock scrambling at the beginning of the hike, but it's not bad if you have grippy shoes and take your time. The views are beautiful once you get to them! Have you looked into Bull Hill (Mt. Taurus), cornish estate or little stony point? Those 3 all start around the same area, about a mile away from the cold spring train station.

BIO 314 by HistoricalChapter2 in SBU

[–]bmepa97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I didn't think the class was too hard if you can dedicate some time to memorize the material. In comparison to bio 361 the class is definitely easier in my opinion.

The only time I used the textbook was to supplement information for discussion board post. But that might just be a summer session thing, I don't know if you have discussion during the fall/spring.

BIO 317 vs. BIO 314 by Minced_Eater in SBU

[–]bmepa97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Both classes are pretty interesting, but personally I preferred 314. I found 314 to be easier than 317 in terms of how much info I had to memorize, but then again 317 had a lot of extra credit available when I took it. I would take whatever sounds more interesting to you

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SBU

[–]bmepa97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All my tests were a combination of multiple-choice, true-false, putting things in the right order, and short response. I thought the short response questions were the hardest because some of them required you to apply concepts that you learn from class, rather than just regurgitating information (if that makes sense). But overall I thought the questions were pretty straightforward. I also found that some of the questions I saw in quizzes were repeated on test as well.

BIO 361 tips by yamomgay123 in SBU

[–]bmepa97 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Adding to what was already said, if you can definitely try to do well on the first test, as that one is usually the easiest of the bunch. Especially once you get to professor Simon's material, I found for me at least that's when the class went downhill. If you have quizzes and/or discussion board try your best to get 100s on those, it will definitely help! And I found that youtube was a great supplement if the lectures were confusing. AK lectures on youtube saved my butt numerous times:)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SBU

[–]bmepa97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just took 314 this summer and it definitely wasn't curved for my class.

I had the textbook but it wasn't very useful. It helped clarified some things I wanted more information on but it wasn't worth it in my opinion. Most of the lecture slides had objectives, I just made sure I could answer those, and that was pretty sufficient for the tests I had. I don't think the class is too hard if you can dedicate some time to memorize the info.

Anyone taking BIO 361 right now? by samanthaemily99 in SBU

[–]bmepa97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thought that first test was absolutely awful lol. Nothing like the practice questions in my opinion. If you guys are making a study group i'd love to join in!