I work as an empa in the pnw. the scope of practice and salary vary considerably depending on setting. I currently work in 5 different settings with different rules/scope/salary at each. fast-track positions are generally low acuity stuff( uri, minor lacs/abscesses/minor ortho, etc) and the hours are usually arranged to cover busy times during the day, typically 9a-11p or so.
in an integrated community hospital setting( 1 chart rack only) pa's see more than in a fast track setting and may cover day/swing/night shifts as double coverage with an md. frequently there are a few restrictions in place such as cardiac chest pain/cva seen only by md. in a large/busy trauma center setting pa's are often used to see everything except the most critical patients and in some settings see all comers. typical pts have appendicitis, gall bladder dz, shoulder dislocations, boxers fxs or colles fxs requiring reduction by the pa, large lacerations requiring 2-3 layer closure and/or regional blocks +/- conscious sedation. solo positions for pa's also exist in satelite/rural er's in the pnw. I do this a few days/month and see all comers including codes, major trauma, anaphylaxis,mi's, etc. with transfers to other facilities as needed. often these settings are 95% low acuity and 5% high acuity( oh !@#$% let's transfer this guy out now!!!).
salary at these different settings generally is influenced by scope of practice with fast track paying the least and trauma ctr or rural paying the most. often there are differentials for nights/weekends/holidays. at one of my jobs they pay 11/hr extra for these shifts. some places also pay production bonuses which can be sizable( > 20k/yr on top of base and differentials). overall pay varies by setting from around 65 k/yr to >125 k/yr for an experienced provider.there are part time, on call and per diem positions available in all settings. send me a pm at my box at physicianassociate.com for a list of area hospitals using em pa's. also check out the em forum at
www.physicianassociate.com for more info. good luck-e
