Becker's ASC Review

37 HEALTHCARE NEWS 37 How physicians really feel about NPs, PAs By Claire Wallace T he majority of physicians (91 percent) say they have a good, or very good, relationship with the physician assistants at their workplaces, according to a new Medscape survey of over 750 practicing physicians. Additionally, 87 percent of physicians say they have a good or very good relationship with nurse practitioners. Only 2 percent report having a poor relationship. Seventy-four percent of physicians also believe that their relationship with PAs was unchanged during COVID-19, compared to 72 percent of physicians who believe their NP relationships were unchanged. Seventy-four percent of physicians are satisfied with PAs' patient treatment plans, and 71 percent are satisfied with NPs'. About 80 percent of physicians reported questioning a PA's treatment plans at least once, with 79 percent of physicians questioning an NP's. The majority of physicians (89 percent) believe that NPs and PAs get enough support in the workplace by way of PPE, mental health support and sufficient staffing. n Nurses frustrated with workplace politics By Claire Wallace A plurality of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses agree that workplace politics are the least rewarding aspect of their jobs, according to Medscape's Dec. 9 "Nurse Career Satisfaction" report, which surveyed over 7,540 practicing nurses. Least rewarding job aspects for RNs and LPNs: 1. Workplace Politics RN: 21 percent LPN: 18 percent 2. Salary RN: 12 percent LPN: 18 percent 3. Poor work-life balance RN: 10 percent LPN: 9 percent 4. Patient load RN: 9 percent LPN: 7 percent 5. Documentation requirements RN: 6 percent LPN: 7 percent 6. Lack of coworker respect RN: 7 percent LPN: 7 percent n Why urology was named the most stressful job in 2022 By Claire Wallace A t the beginning of December, urology was named the most stressful job in 2022 by the Occupational Information Network. The largest nonprofit urology trade association, LUGPA, hopes to change that by identifying urologists' stressors and working to change them, according to a Dec. 13 press release from the organization. Many practicing urologists are stressed out by a backlog of patients, caused by pandemic-era physician shortages and delayed care, and a high number of urologists reaching retirement age, according to the report. Additionally, practices are facing high inflation rates and a Medicare payment cut. A 2021 report from JAMA estimates that the number of practicing urologists per capita will continue to decline through 2060. LUGPA is working to decrease urologists' stress levels by providing practice management resources and advocating to reduce regulatory burdens placed on hospitals and independent physicians. Additionally, LUGPA is getting more young residents to join the field by providing networking and mentorship opportunities, as well as educational resources. n

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