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Serving Over 20,000 US Medical Transcriptionists

Have not in MT field, but in other fields

Posted By: it happens all the time... on 2005-12-27
In Reply to: Men appear to be making more income in this industry - Men showing favortism

and how many of us women are the sole support of our families?  Many...


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Wherever you want the field, do ctrl F9. Once you have all the fields....sm
in you do F11 to "jump" to each field.  Makes life a lot easier.
Ctrl + F9 adds the field brackets - F11 jumps to the field.
xx
Isn't it time to go to the fields?
Please Amish lady, go pick the pumpkins and the gourds, isn't it that time of year? Then hitch up your horse and buggy and take them down to Wal-Mart to try to sell them.
But there are lots of fields where you can come right out

what you get a degree in.  Something like sociology, anthropology, etc. - no, probably not many jobs.  Psychology you really need a graduate degree.  Social work you can find jobs with a bachelor's but not that well paying, so would need a graduate degree.


But look at a lot of the medical professions - heck, nursing, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, medical technology (except they call it something else now), radiology, pharmacy, etc. etc. - all are BOOMING.  Just gotta be smart about what you get your degree in.


Alt + F9 toggles fields on and off.
nm
You need two commands for fields.
You need to add the End command after each Ctrl + F or all your text after the field will be inside the field when you expand it.
switching fields
Many big nationals have every specialty now. If you work for one, ask them if you could just do rad and path. You might find path interesting but rad could be a tad boring.
switching MT fields
I've been doing acute care for almost 30 years, but I would really like to do radiology and/or pathology. What's the best way(s) to get into these fields?
Jumping to fields

Hi everyone!  For years I have been jumping to fields in Word by using the F11 key.  Does anyone know if I can customize my keyboard to use alt/c to jump around and how to set that up?


Thanks!


I have never seen a white man/woman in the fields.
Who would want to stand in 100 plus degree temps or, in winter, nonstop rain, chilly temps, working the fields or tending the cattle? No one who was raised with sliced bread; they'd probably starve first.

I was married to an ag man (cattle). The immigrants come and go across the border often (visiting family). It is not difficult.

They are keeping the price of the food you eat down.
Admin: I get cut off a lot in the subject/name fields.
nm
don't care for it. too many fields to fill
in because it seems like the demo's are never there and of course you don't get paid for that, then you have to wait for extra screens to come up before you can select the dr/cc/patient name/etc.  there's no way to drop the normals in directly without using the menu, the Expander is more hassel than good.  it's straight forward to use but I feel it is a slow process since you can't just start typing without filling in numerous fields. 
If you are gpod, you can make a LOT more doing MT than either of those fields.
x
Hit Alt F9 after you insert your file and you should see your fields. nm
xx
Inscribe help... QA marker and fields
On my acct I am supposed to put brackets and put the time of the marker inside [1.12] for QA to review.

When I put this in and continue, my typing jumps to that field and erases over and over.

Can someone tell me how to prevent this??? It is driving me insane.
Using fields in Instant Text
If you are typing in MSWord you can create fields for the places where you want to fill in the different type of phrases using shortcuts.
See post:
http://fitaly.com/board/itmainforum/posts/5849.html


Add fields with Ctrl + F9 and jump to them with F11. sm
Shift + F11 will take you back to a previous field.

F12 is the shortcut for opening SaveAs.
Does anyone use SmarType and Word using text fields {}? When I F11..sm

to the next field {} it causes SmarType to lock up.  Does anyone know how to fix this?


thanks so much


Make 12 cpl but constantly rewinding, going in/out of fields
If you can utilize speed typing engines, have same docs, the format is user friendly, it is possible, in the long run, to make as much as I do at 12 cpl.

I think you should try it for two weeks and consider that after three months you will be twice as fast due to familiarity.

I understand your frustration but this is happening in all fields.
It affects every work situation as technology advances, etc.

The fact is one cannot expect to have a lifelong career in any one line of work without experiencing some times of either changing with the flow or stepping into another line of work.

hit insert button before filling in fields.
see if that works for you. You will need enough space in between or you will type over the next field.

you also can do columns but I am not good at those; hopefully someone else will come along with info on that.
There are ESL specialists in all fields & all over the country. You've just been extremely lucky
s
The easiest way for this one is to insert blank fields with Ctrl + F9. You jump to
each field with F11. You use Shift+F11 if you skip a field and need to go back. If you don't see your fields in the doc, hit Alt+F9 to show or hide fields.

Bookmarks and cross-reference fields are used when you have static information you need to pull into a field. That isn't the case when you are dealing with variable info.

You'll hear this claim in all fields by "the suits"

I've said it before and I'll say it again...back that sh^t up with a specific name or a place so there can be actual consequences.  I can throw anything in quotes and say I heard it from somewhere or someone.  It holds no water and only serves to get people workedup for an invisible fight.


Am I doubting what she heard is true?  Maybe, maybe not.  It can't be proven because there is no factual evidence provided.  However, my mother was an LPN and she always said her higherups referred to her as nothing more than an overpaid candystriper or overpaid a$$ wiper.  My father, a machine mechanic, said he was referred to as an overpaid janitor.  It's a wicked old and wicked lame argument to get the reader or listener riled up to basically do nothing and it's amateur stuff.  But, that's just me. 


SHOW US THE NAMES!  Then we can gather our pitchforks, burning keyboards, and Betty Crocker aprons and go to war!



 


How do you make fields in Word Perfect like in Word? I'm drowning out here
in new keyboard commands, macros, etc.  Thanks.
Not new to the field either. Been there and seen it. (sm)
However, routing is NOT ALWAYS the only problem. Times when bonuses are out show a vast difference in dictators that are left to type and number sequence of the jobs. There are some who do cherry pick and return these jobs to pool. In a smaller hospital setting this was not so prominent because others could see it, print out a report and show the boss who would address it in one way or another.

Unfortunately, we are such big organizations now and the people in the digital rooms are just worried about keeping TAT that they don't care who does it as long as it gets done.

Then world is not a perfect place and you cannot be pleasant and assume good things will happen always. People do cheat, people do send back reports they don't make good money on.

It certainly is not the company I am distressed about, it is the few (or I assume just a few) little prima donnas who are doing this "me, me, me" thing. You can choose your company, you just can't choose your co-workers.

Until a wand comes down from the Heaven's and casts a Pollyana spell on all of us, I don't think your new attitude idea will work.
are you new to this field or are you just
uninformed?  A few months back, the AAMT subject was brought up on this board.  One single question was asked:  What has the AAMT done to help improve the pay and overall career for the American MT?  After days, I don't think there was one, single positive post to that question.  Oh, yes for sure, there was a lot of "spin" but not one direct positive answer.  Do you know something we don't?  If so, could you please share it with us? 
Welcome to the field!
I've been in the field for about 22 years. Stedmans Words Books are a great resource and easy to use. Google words when you get stuck and best of luck!!! Stay away from Amherst....
another field
I often think about another field as I am tired of transcribing (going on 9 years now) and then there is asking my PS questions and its like pulling teeth to get an answer because honestly I don't think she knows and also not feeling like I'm being pay for what I feel is a hard day's work.  So maybe for me something in the beauty industry like esthetician where your also providing a service for people that want to feel good about themselves.
What field? (nm)
.
how best to get into the field
Hello. I am reading the messages about certification, AHDI, AAMT, etc and see that you have a very reasonable message. My sister wants to get into the MT field and I want to help her as much as I can. What would you recommend in today's employment outlook, for her to do to pursue this? I was steering her towards accredited schooling and the RMT or CMT, but after reading this Board, I am now very confused!
I'm currently looking to get out of the MT field too
I can see it going down hill really quick and it worries me. I don't know what I will do if MTing isnt around even long enough for me to get out of the field first. I wouldn't just go get any job though. I would need to go to school for something so I can make sure I would be making more money than I do now and have better insurance and benefits. I would love a job where I could just work 8 hours a day. Some days I sit here from 8 am to 8 pm or later just to get enough lines in to pay my bills. It sucks and I'm sick of doing it.
I'm currently looking to get out of the MT field too
I can see it going down hill really quick and it worries me. I don't know what I will do if MTing isnt around even long enough for me to get out of the field first. I wouldn't just go get any job though. I would need to go to school for something so I can make sure I would be making more money than I do now and have better insurance and benefits. I would love a job where I could just work 8 hours a day. Some days I sit here from 8 am to 8 pm or later just to get enough lines in to pay my bills. It sucks and I'm sick of doing it.
I don't know if any particular field is more difficult
than the next, if all you do is type one speciality. I think ER and Psych are mentally hard because with ER a lot of the patients die and it is depressing and then psych is depressing because of the severe dysfunction of the patients and/or their families. Oncology can be depressing too cause outcomes are not always great and like the previous poster said frequent new meds.

I used to transcribe for a teaching hospital connected to a medical school and that dictation was very hard, much more technical than your normal hospital, lots more dictators too and a new crop every July.
I wish I had read this BEFORE getting in the field
It may have been great once, but it looks like dog meat now.
Returning to MT field

I went through a training program and then worked one year for a national - Spheris.  Had some health issues (and a young son paying daycare for) so gave my notice and got done.  That was several years ago.  My son is now in kindergarten and want to do medical transcription again. 


What is IC and how does that work?  Do all nationals have this?  How does part time work for most of these companies? 


Any hints on brushing up on my skills before I return. 

Thank you for your help,


Hopeful MT


 


 


But you have to look deep down within you and ask why you are even in this field and
why being an SE is so important to you? To be honest, I've been an MT for quite a while and an SE MT for MQ for over 6 years now. The flexibility has been, well, too good to be true. I, too, can say that I haven't been a perfect MT because I havent keep to my "schedule" even though I have on as an SE. I just pretty much come and go as I please. Can you honestly say you do the same with your company? And are you with MQ? Well, that is just not really fair to them, if you really want to dig down and get honest here. They need to know that their clients will be covered all around the clock and their SEs just really are not consistent and I think all companies need consistency. It's funny, I am in the process of looking for another job, and have interviewed with quite a few folks and once they decide they want me - it's all about - hours, hours, hours. When can you work, what time of day can you start, can you work weekends, can we have that in writing?
Ok, I just had an ENTIRE post of great advice on 401 K programs for part-timers and it got deleted in this very post! That stinks!!!!!

Bottom line is: If you are an SE MT you have nothing invested and when you want to retire you will have nothing. It is sad. No one in my family who is retired or going to be retired have 401 KS and they will be living off the govt. or me, or other working family members. I don't want to be them in 20-30 years. Don't count on Social Security ladies! (and gents).

My husband works for a large corporation and they project when he retires (they send us followups monthly) that when he retires we will be millionares. Well, that sounds great, but what if leaves me for another woman? It happens everyday. And then where will that leave me and my kids? We are devout Christians and I know he is committed, but you just never know. I've seen church members leave their spouses before. I ain't takin the chance! Hence, I will seriously consider investing in 401 as a part time employee (first time in my life) just so that I can have some kind of cushion when I retire, even if its just 30, 40, or 50,000! Hey, if MQ is willing to match earnings, etc, why not? Why just take them for a paycheck? You should seriously, seriously consider all your options if you are an SE, which is what I am right now, and start protecting your future. Especially if you are stay at home mom with little kids. I am a Christian and I feel really led to start doing this. Don't just transcribe your little heart out so that in 20 years you have nothing to show for it.
SE is GREAT for flexibility. But it is NOT a great long-term thing to do to ourselves.
For PT MQers to qualify for 401 k, you have to work a minimum of 1,000 hours a year. You figure out the math. I don't have the time right now! Keep on keeping on girls.
45 yof, MT 10+ yrs, med field 20 yrs Alabama nm
.
Use F11 to jump to each field (nm)
x
Me too! Too much uncertainty in the MT field...sm

and too much potential in nursing. I have a small MTSO and since I'm getting a salary and can set a flexible schedule, I'm getting my BSN. Our state college only has a full time program. 1000 people applied and 70 got in. If you didn't have a 3.50, you didn't get in. The curricula is incredibly tough. I'm pretty smart but this is very challenging. Yet I am finding out I love the challenges too. Working as an MT is a definite plus. Everybody! comes to me to ask me how to spell things, including the instructors :) and I was the only person in the class who knew what a pheochromocytoma was. (I have lots of other medical background too including medical assistant, paramedic, etc. but listening to thousands of medical reports teaches you an immense amount.) Not to mention my charting is impeccable.


My main plan is to go on and get an Advanced Practice Nurse degree (master's) so I can work in primary care in the physicians' offices. Good luck to you. and Email me with any more questions.


Leaving MT field?
I feel for you and can understand all your concerns. I think there are areas out there with great demands like teaching, nursing (get your LPN or CNA to get started in the field), radiology technology or a shorter schooling experience would be for medical coding, though won't be surpised if technology takes that job away too! You can become a certified phlebotomist and get started in the lab work area. These areas are just the tip of the iceberg, but change can be done and is not impossible. Good luck!
esthetician field.

At least from what i've researched.  Starting pay is enough to live on. 


If you find out how to get into this field--
Would you mind sharing on this forum? I think it sounds interesting, but I don't know who you would contact, either.

Field Codes
Not sure if this is what you mean, but if you place field codes (CTRL + F9) in the appropriate places in your template, you can jump to them by pressing F11.
Field Codes - yes that's it...
thank you so much.
Long before I got into this field...
I was at an appointment with my GYN and he dictated right after the exam.  When he was done, I asked him how anyone could understand what he just said and his reply was that they can just "slow it down".  Now that I know better, I'm thinking, yeah right!
This is why our field is going downhill -

how to advance in the MT field ...

I am wondering what it takes to advance to another position in the MT field.  I've been an MT for about 13 years, acute care for 12 of those years.  I'm tired of typing and have done QA as well, but the pay is horrible.  What does it take to move up the ladder to another position, such as MT supervisor or account manager?  I'm just curious. I know there are probably many more qualified people than I out there for any such position, but curiosity has got me as to the general qualifications and average salaries of each.  Anyone know?  Thanks....


Looks like field of MT-ing is slowly
fading out. I have seen 3 MAJOR hospital transcription departments close due to outsourcing. I'm not going to sit around waiting until the place I now work decides to follow suit. I'm training right now for the field of broadcast captioning for the hearing impaired. Hear they make between $25-100/hour for captioning television shows and the company supplies your equipment. I should be able to pay my rent with that!

There are a lot of people in this field sm
who really are typists.  They even refer to themselves that way.  It is really abohorent.  Just a little while doing QA as a fill in made me aware of this.  I got the reports when there were blanks, but you would truly be amazed at what other stuff they were sending through, not flagged.  It embarrassed me for our profession and the low hiring standards.
I have been in the field for a little over 8 years.
I have never been paid this way. I want to mention also I will paid for headers and footers.