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| Five Telltale Signs of an Unstable Work Environment |
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by Marcos A. Vargas, MSHA, PA-C - May 4, 2011
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In the beginning you were viewed and considered a “team player”. You were everybody’s friend; the one everyone came to for advice, the one everyone could confide a secret. In other words, you were the go-to-person in the eyes of your manager.
But recently, you haven’t felt that way. In fact, at times you feel as if your working relationship is changing or has become strained in some or many respects. And now you’re pondering if you should stay or should go based on some clues you have seen or started to experience along the way.
As a shrewd observer, you realize that there may have been some warning signs pointing to you that your job is in jeopardy. So the question becomes: is it time to move on? Often you know the answer intuitively, but if you don’t or you are unsure, then heed these clues so you can avert becoming another career casualty. These are the 5 telltale signs to look for:
TTS # 1: Increased Uncalled Criticism(s):
Increased personal or professional constant critiques—more than when you began your tenure—is definitely a red flag. If your clinical credibility or work performance is constantly allegedly and subjectively sub-par in the eyes of former strong supporters despite your best efforts, then you’re being set up or micromanaged. Not necessarily a vote of confidence if you are a veteran or weren’t treated this way in the beginning of the working relationship.
TTS # 2: NP/PA Governance Entrusted to non-NP/non-PA Party:
Placing NPs/PAs under the direction or guidance of non-NP/non-PA parties is another form in which you may not be recognized as a distinct professional class. Sadly enough, this situation literally says that NPs/PAs are not valued nor recognized when they are under the directorship of non-physicians or the medical staff.
TTS # 3: Restructuring Position (Job Description Revised):
Imagine your job description was changed without your knowledge or, furthermore, without your input. Such incidents tend to alienate employers from their employees, particularly, if the position has been downgraded. For example, your clinical privileges have been restricted. For instance, you’re unable to initiate basic work-ups, or if you are not allowed or can’t exercise your clinical-decision making semi-autonomously like you used to.
Conversely, if you suddenly have acquired more tasks or responsibilities, but without any improvement in the salary-compensation package for this unexpected job description change, this is another red flag.
Once again the blatant disregard for you as a professional is obvious. It’s easy to see why anyone would become disillusioned in such a unilateral professional relationship. Especially if you have had an impeccable record of patient safety and patient satisfaction and certainly that wasn’t the case when you began working with your employer whom in the past was always complimentary of your clinical skill and acumen. Hence, always keep in mind any new unexplained imposed limitations.
TTS # 4: Peer or Staff Unavailability:
Organizational or departmental “isolation” developed gradually or suddenly should be another strong warning sign, for instance, if you find yourself being avoided by former close peers, receptive supervising attending(s) and/or even supportive ancillary staff. Unfortunately, this may be another way of people distancing themselves from you. This overt or subtle workplace “unavailability” should signal to you that this uncaring period is another way of saying you’re no longer one of them, in spite of the fact that you have always conducted yourself with the utmost professionalism and caring attitude.
TTS # 5: Cultural (workplace) Changes:
Nothing can be more detrimental to a NP/PA career than a sudden or gradual changing of the guards” sort-of-speak. In this instance, you could find yourself technically speaking at the mercy of a group of administrators who openly or covertly are very indifferent to the NP/PA program/dept or concept. This organizational change can sometimes be the result of plain corporate unfamiliarity of the midlevel concept.
Or simply due to corporate apathy, a steadily corporate decline of physician extenders issues ensues leading to an unsupportive organizational climate, thus, reinforcing corporate non-supportiveness of the NPs/PAs will lead to this wide spread perception/reality that they are not appreciated. Because you’re not appreciated nor listened to, it is not hard to see why the umbilical cord has been severed.
So as you can see it behooves you to concentrate your efforts into being more attentive, and becoming a better observer. And if and when you begin seeing or experiencing these signs, then you know is no longer a matter of “should I stay or should I go”, but more so when should you go. Obviously the time frame is dependent on many factors, however the bottom line is this: the perfect storm is brewing and chances are there’s little you can do to change the tidal wave other than bail out…ASAP would be best if possible.
Marcos A. Vargas, MSHA, PA-C is a Boston born and Puerto Rican bred individual who has an extensive healthcare industry background, both industry-related as a Pharmacy Technician during his undergraduate years, and industry-specific as a dually N.C.C.P.A. certified Physician Assistant in Surgery and Primary care after graduating from the University of Alabama—Birmingham Physician/Surgeon’s Assistant Program. He has held clinical positions in Cardiothoracic, General Surgery, & Emergency Medicine over the past twenty years. He holds a Master’s in Science Administration from Central Michigan University and a Healthcare Risk Management graduate certificate. He has been retained and consulted regularly by both plaintiff & defense law firms over the past 14 years. During this time, he has served as both a consulting medical reviewer and a PA expert. Marcos has lectured on Clinical Risk Management (PA) issues throughout the years to various Michigan-based PA Training Programs. He has done the same for lay audiences, covering a wide range of “Wellness” topics. He has been a supporter and associate member of numerous professional clinical and non-clinical organizations. Currently he is employed as an orthopedic PA at HMC.
The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.
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| M. Vargas, MSHA, PA-C (Michigan) |
on 05 Feb 2012 at 3:21 pm |
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| Unfortunately, we live in a very uncivil society nowadays & much like you, I have been "there too". I have learned not to dwell on these employment set backs. Instead I have learned to look at them as "stepping stones". Thus giving me a more positive outlook & mindset. Continued success in all your endeavors. |
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| Alex Abraham (Abudhabi) |
on 05 Feb 2012 at 8:24 am |
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| My life work experience abroad here Middle east /Dubai had been troublesome since with high expectations we come here and become unhappy when the job scenario is unsatisfying or discontented life as an expatraite Work environment and the people along with whom we work play a keyrole for anybodys success/ career After 3 yrs of service with a construction co. I had to leave the job becoz company does not promote the employees or they r unsatisfied with our services I hope and strive for success again |
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| mlmuzzmoo (Okanogan, Wash.) |
on 08 May 2011 at 7:31 pm |
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| If only I had known that this was happening to me, I could have prepared for what was going to happen... I had no idea that all of those things were going on . I really thought that I had a problem . I didn't realize that the staff was going the way of others, I thought they were always as is and a part of the clinic that I was a part of...My oh my , I had a hard time of it and now 5 years later, with the help of my partner, I have began to climb out of the depth of the hole I was in...Please let others know that it happens under your nose and you don;t even know that it is happening untill it is done... |
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| Nellie (Missouri) |
on 07 May 2011 at 10:27 am |
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| I read the article "Five Telltale Signs of an Unstable Work Environment". I was looking for another job before I read this article. However, this article just re-affirmed my belief that the company I work for is definitely not NP friendly. Thank you for information that reassured me I am indeed doing the right thing. |
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