Reasons PAs leave their jobs

Abstract

Purpose: Employee turnover is an important indicator that carries a heavy financial cost for healthcare organizations. Although previous research has highlighted some factors associated with turnover, the reasons physician assistants (PAs) leave their jobs are not fully understood. This study aimed to determine the most common reasons behind PA turnover. Methods: In 2019, the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) distributed a survey to all PAs with an eligible email address. The survey included a question asking respondents if they had left or changed their job in the past year. Respondents answering this question in the affirmative were asked a follow-up multiple-choice question to determine the reason behind this change. Results: A total of 13,088 PAs responded to the AAPA salary survey; of these, 1,261 reported leaving a job within the past year. The most common reasons provided for leaving a job were: better work/life balance (n = 209, 16.8%), moved (n = 208, 16.7%), better management/leadership/environment (reasons related to toxic/abusive environment) (n = 170, 13.6%), and better compensation/benefits (n = 148, 11.9%). Conclusion: Employers should focus on common reasons for turnover that can be reasonably addressed. Of the top three reasons behind PA turnover, those related to toxic/abusive work environments may be the most practical and important to address.

More evidence that relationships matter

“…Tetzlaff and colleagues reported the association between collaborative physician relationship and burnout among PAs in oncology back in 2018 and replicated those results in 2021 2. Bernard and I published a study showing that the third most common reason PAs quit their jobs was toxic management and/or work environment 3. I also wrote an editorial highlighting multiple studies that showed the detrimental effects of toxic behavior on clinicians, institutions, and even patient safety 4…”

“…2 Bernard and I published a study showing that the third most common reason PAs quit their jobs was toxic management and/or work environment. 3 I also wrote an editorial highlighting multiple studies that showed the detrimental effects of toxic behavior on clinicians, institutions, and even patient safety. 4 The sum total of these studies-and many more-confi rms what nearly everyone on the planet discovers sooner or later: interpersonal relationships matter.…”