As members of a rapidly growing workforce, advanced practice providers (APPs), which includes advanced practice nurses, physician assistants and certified registered nurse anesthetists, are expected to see a steady employment growth rate from 2016 to 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In an increasingly competitive job market, asking the right questions during the interview process can help in selecting an employer that’s right for you, while supporting your long term professional and personal goals.
What does the organization stand for?
A key area of focus when researching a potential employer is identifying what it stands for as an organization. Understanding the organization’s motivating factors, and comparing them to your personal career philosophies in advance, can make a big difference in job satisfaction and how long you stay with an organization. You can learn more about an organization by reviewing:
- Organizational mission, vision and values
- Branding and other public messaging
- Charitable activities
- Reviews – from both clinical and patient perspectives
- Social media activity
How does the organization foster growth and development in its employees?
A great way to discover how an organization values its employees is by researching its continuing education programs. An organization that invests in clinical and personal development demonstrates a commitment to the success of its employees and their future growth. Some organizations have established programs tailored to meet the unique needs of APPs.
What roles do APPs play within the organization?
As the demand on health care organizations increases, APPs are increasingly relied on across the continuum of care. Joining an organization at the forefront of these shifts in responsibility can lead to new opportunities and promotions. On the other hand, joining an organization not in tuned with these trends could cause frustration and decreased job satisfaction.
Learning more about the chain of command, and who has a seat at the table when it comes to making decisions that will affect you, can also provide insight into future job satisfaction. Health care organizations operate under a variety of leadership models; some led by business executives while others are promoted as clinician led. A variety of reporting structures can be found as well.
What benefits are available to APPs?
Today’s newly graduated APPs are highly sought after. Health care organizations increased their APP workforce by almost two-thirds in recent years. Many organizations are thinking outside of the box when it comes to benefit packages and offer a wider variety of options, including tuition and relocation reimbursement, higher salaries and increased time off. Before signing on the dotted line, be sure to have a clear understanding of the contract terms – reimbursements often come with time commitments that must be satisfied or the reimbursement will need to be paid back.
Common benefit packages include:
- Health insurance
- Short-term and/or long-term disability insurance
- Retirement savings plan
- Paid time off (PTO) and/or sick leave
Additional benefit perks may include:
- Support services, such as an Employee Assistance Program or AFLAC
- Increased PTO over time
- Discounted stock purchase plan for public companies
- Continuing education allowances
- 401(k) matching
- Sign-on bonus
- Relocation assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
Does the organization offer opportunities to fit both your current and long term career goals?
It’s easy to focus on what’s important today, but you should also consider long term career goals when choosing a new employer. Some factors to consider include:
- Number of locations
- Geographic presence
- Variety of clinical settings
- Growth opportunities
- Research, clinical trial and teaching opportunities
- Ability to switch between part time and full time positions
These factors can play a role in how long you stay with an organization. Longevity can mean increased benefits, higher pay and more growth opportunities as many organizations like to promote from within.
Find out how MEDNAX measures up:
Learn more about our organization and current career opportunities.
