How to Find the Right Physiatry Workplace

The physiatry field offers plenty of exciting opportunities, but it’s important to do your due diligence before accepting an offer. Whether you’re considering major hospital networks, rehab centers, or skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), each setting offers unique experiences that will appeal to different types of nurse practitioners (NPs) and other midlevel providers.

Here are a few strategies to help you choose the best fit for your career:

1. Focus on What Motivates You

Think about what excites you most about physiatry. Are you drawn to sports medicine? Do you have a passion for helping patients recover from surgery? Or are you most interested in helping older adults regain their independence following a health crisis? Choosing the right setting is crucial, and it can significantly impact how rewarding your daily work feels.

For example, if your passion is helping stroke patients regain mobility or making a meaningful impact in geriatric care, CRC could be the perfect place for you. Some of our clinicians have highlighted the rewarding nature of this work. As one shared, "I am able to care for my favorite population on a daily basis, and I feel like I make a difference." Another noted the unique opportunities at CRC: "This role sees geriatric patients in facilities and gets you away from the 15-minute rushed clinic appointments. You get to have time to spend with and educate your patients without feeling rushed or overwhelmed."

Moments like these—whether celebrating a patient's progress or building lasting relationships—are powerful reminders of why you chose this field in the first place.

2. Get a Sense of the Culture

A positive work culture can make all the difference. At CRC, we’re proud to have a 4.8-star culture and management rating, reflecting our commitment to fostering a supportive, collaborative environment where clinicians feel valued. To help new team members transition smoothly, we offer the opportunity to shadow the team before committing to their role. One clinician shared, "[CRC is] supportive and [has] approachable management. You are treated like a valuable asset. It's just an all-around awesome place to work."

Innovation is also a key part of the CRC experience. CRC leverages technology and robust analytics while providing clinicians with the resources they need to succeed. We also provide remote monitoring tools that can help NPs track patients’ mobility from anywhere, enhancing ability to provide effective care. As another clinician noted, "CRC empowers its clinicians by providing the tools and resources needed to succeed. The company’s leadership team is approachable and values employee input."

When choosing your next role, ask yourself whether the culture supports your growth. Get a feel for the dynamics—does the team collaborate and support one another, or does the environment feel disjointed? Also, consider whether the employer invests in innovation that enhances patient care. At CRC, we strive to check these boxes for our clinicians.

3. Seek Balance in Your New Role It’s important to think about the type of schedule and environment that suits your lifestyle. At CRC, we understand the value of balance and flexibility. Whether you prefer the energy of a busy hospital or the personalized care of a smaller SNF, we strive to offer options that work for you. One clinician noted, "I enjoy the flexible start and end times. I can go to an appointment or a kid's class party and then go back to work and still get everything done."

At CRC, we boast a 4.9 star work-life balance score, and our clinicians often highlight how flexibility enhances their personal and professional lives. As another clinician noted, "I feel like I make a difference and help to care for a very vulnerable patient population. But I also have work-life balance and am able to be a very present wife and mom."

Finding the right role might take some trial and error, but when you land in a place that feels right, both you and your patients will benefit. Take your time to explore options and trust your instincts.

Become a Member of the CRC Family

If you’re ready to explore a new opportunity, Comprehensive Rehab Consultants (CRC) is actively hiring! As a national, physician-owned medical group, we serve patients in skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, and assisted living centers. Want to learn more about working with us? Reach out today or email info@crehabconsultants.com to discover how you can make an impact with CRC!