Paperwork!

After accepting the job, I had to apply for my Alaska PA License. I had just received my Texas PA license a few days before I accepted the job.  As a new grad who was so stressed out trying to get my license for the first time, I ended up having to do it all over again in Alaska.  

The application was a 23 page printed packet with all the forms I needed.  Alaska required a few different things than Texas.  They required a notarized certified true copies of my diploma and certification.  My application and collaborative plan also had to be notarized.  Once I had mailed out all the appropriate forms, I overnighted my application from Beaumont, TX to Juneau, AK.  In reality, it was $56 and 2 days “overnight” to Juneau.  It turns out there is no such thing as overnight to Juneau from the lower 48.

I’ve learned quite a few facts about Alaska since I’ve started this process.  Juneau is the capital of Alaska, however there are no roads which you can drive to it.  You can only reach the capital by boat or plane.  In the Fedex world, it is possible to overnight to Anchorage 4200 miles away but it somehow takes a whole extra day to make it to the capital which is only a few hundred miles from Anchorage.  

It took me 3 weeks to get my temp license, a few days more to straighten out my collaborative plan and about 2 weeks for my DEA. My office manager was amazing helping me with paperwork.  Waiting those 3 weeks seemed to take forever since I couldn’t actually plan any of my move until I received my license.  Then, the rush to move began!

Moving time!

I am moving to ALASKA!  I accepted a position as a Neurosurgery Physician Assistant and can’t wait to start!

This move was a shock to most my friends and family since I am the last person you would guess to move to Alaska.  I am from Southeast Texas about 30 minutes from the Gulf Coast and 40 minutes from Louisiana.  I actually enjoy hot humid nights and running around in my bathing suit on a beach, river, lake…..and even the bayou.  I’ve never really owned winter clothes or been around much snow.   

So you’re probably thinking how did I end up in Alaska of all places.  

I graduated from PA school in May.  I was trying to figure out where I should start my new career.  I am 29 years old, single and can go anywhere I please.   Naturally, I thought someplace near a beach or the water so I could buy a boat.  I received a random email from a recruiter with a picture of gorgeous mountains, a fantastic job opportunity, and no location.   When I actually found out the location, it couldn’t have been farther from my original plan….. Alaska!  I had been wanting more outdoor activities and opportunities for new experiences.  Alaska actually ended up being a place where I could have everything I’ve been looking for, minus a boat and bathing suit.  

The first time I went to Alaska was for my job interview.  I ended up falling in love with this amazing state and the people.   The actual move turned out to be way more complicated then I originally thought.  My adventure of moving to Alaska began!