Difficult Bosses - A new book for self-help

Unfortunately, there are some who find themselves working for a difficult boss for a time.  Instead of being a victim by the situation, learn some insightful and powerful tactics to turn a lemon into lemonade.  This book allows for self-reflection and reminds us - our happiness is a choice, not an effect of what is going on around us.  Read below for a short synopsis of the book and then run out to your local bookstore to pick up a copy!

A groundbreaking guide to dealing with difficult bosses by two bestselling experts.

Working for You Isn't Working for Me: The Ultimate Guide to Managing Your Boss

by Katherine Crowley, Kathi Elster

In their bestseller Working with You Is Killing Me, Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elster taught readers how to free themselves from emotional traps created by difficult colleagues. Now they apply their research and insights to the challenges of "toxic bosses." Sooner or later, we all work for someone we can't stand. When that happens, some people quit, some suffer in silence, and others cope by sulking, obsessing, avoiding, or retaliating. But it's better to take control by applying the four-step process in this book:

• Detect: Am I crazy or is my boss driving me crazy?

• Detach: Accept that you can't change your boss, but you can take back your power.

• Depersonalize: Learn to take your supervisor's behavior less personally.

• Deal: Devise a plan to get what you need, manage your boss, and move your career forward.

AASPA - American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants 9th Annual CME Meeting Oct 8-11, 2009

The American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants is hosting their 9th Annual CME meeting in Chicago October 8-11, 2009.  From what I have read about the event, it should be one worth your while to attend.  There are numerous beneficial workshops and lectures within the 4 day meeting.  While it is uncertain exactly how many hours of CME credits this will get you, but organizers are planning on requesting over 30 hours of Cat 1 credit from the PA review panel.  Please go to the AASPA homepage http://www.aaspa.com/ to register and read more information for this fabulous workshop!

Physician Assistants in Orthopaedic Surgery Conference

I would like to promote a well balanced informative PA Orthopaedic Surgical conference coming up in just a couple of short weeks in Scottsdale, AZ, Oct 19-23, 2009.  Posted from their online brochure:

PURPOSE: The Physician Assistants of Orthopedic surgery has recognized the need for this lecture series in orthopedic topics. Our membership has identified that they require concentrated and updated topics in orthopaedics. Our program has grown in attendance over the past few years and we expect 150 –200 attendees this year. Our faculty has been in the practice of orthopaedics for many years and will furnish you with the knowledge necessary to manage orthopedic problems with confidence. Concentration will be on historical data, physical exam findings, interpretation of special tests and studies, and the initiation of therapy.


NEW this year is an ACLS refresher course. This will make it easier for the attendees to maintain their ACLS Certification without taking time from work. It will be offered on Friday, October 23 from 9:00 – 12:00 during the golf tournament. Attendees will be sent a completion card and can claim the customary CME for the refresher course through the NCCPA.
 
Visit their site for registration and additional information.   http://paos.org/
 

Healthcare Jobs!

Even during the weakened state of the economy there are great healthcare jobs to be found!  Please visit our website at http://www.alpharn.com/ to see some of the current job openings.  Submit your resume and contact us to let us know exactly what you are looking for so we can do the leg work to find your next great position!

Army Soldier PA, Killed in Afghanistan While Serving Others

Cory Jenkins, 30, a dedicated Physician's Assistant and living husband and father, going the extra mile to serve his fellowman.

Cory Jenkins was killed recently while serving selflessly in Afghanistan leaving a wife and a 9 week old son.  This young man chose to be in the army to serve in trauma and felt the military would be the place for him.  He led an exemplary life as he earned his Eagle Scout and later served as Scoutmaster.  His education was gained at Brigham Young University and A.T. Still University. 

We at Alpha Resource Network want to salute Cory Jenkins for his sacrafice, dedication and heart for service.  To his family and friends - you are in our prayers for comfort during this difficult time. 

To read the complete article, click on the link below.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/143654

America's Primary Care Physician Shortage

First nursing shortages and now physician shortages?? Yes, that is correct.  There have been a series of events that have led up to this shortage including the possibility of universal health care that will cause the shortage to exponentially grow to 500,000 by the year 2020. 

The Examiner had a great article on this earlier this week (see link below for full article) highlighting some of the catalysts for the physician shortage.  In short, the reasons are as follows:

In the 1980s, US medical schools were graduating twice as many physicians as were retiring.  Physicians began to worry about their income and future job market.  In 1987, Congress capped residency programs at 23,000 per year, a level that is still in effect this day.  The influx of physicians into the market never happened.  Now realizing the upcoming dilema, schools are ramping up to fill the gap, however with the years of education, lack of facilities, educators, clinical opportunities the opportunity to play catch up is not viable for quite some time. 

What is the solution?  Enter the Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant.  More times than not when I make an appointment to see a doctor, I am asked if an NP or PA would be okay, and therefore I am able to get an appointment faster.  The quality and knowledge of service has always ranked high on the scale. 

We are seeing more hybrids on the roads for efficiency, now we will be seeing more NPs and PAs in the healthcare offices for efficiency, faster service without sacraficing quality and knowledge.  A positive, reliable and cost productive solution for America's Primary Physician Shortage. 

http://www.examiner.com/x-5968-DC-Public-Policy-Examiner~y2009m8d24-Physician-shortage-spurs-search-for-alternatives

Go ahead...get yourself a Blog!

As a healthcare professional, why should I have a blog you may ask. As illustrated in more detail in the article link below, a potential employer can be pointed to your blog to give a larger view of your expertise in your field. The employer can read the posts to gain more insight than can be given on a resume and even during an interview.

In the article referenced below, the designer was able to stand out from the rest of the candidates due to her high level of knowledge and expertise she was able to share through numerous blog posts.



http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Hired-From-a-blog-to-a-cnnm-1816259633.html?x=0&.v=2&.pf=career-work&mod=pf-career-work