I also love Shorthand and recommend without reservations. sm
Posted By: EditScripter on 2007-02-19
In Reply to: I forgot to add I need one - just me
Every once in a while I see people posting issues on other Expanders I just haven't experienced with Shorthand. Very stable and workable with the platforms I've used, and I find the ability to use symbols in abbreviations an extremely useful feature. I originally chose it for its very large storage capacity compared to others at that time and pretty much lucked out with the rest.
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I highly recommend ShortHand. Affordable and efficient. nm
Yes, but with some reservations sm
You have to be careful of two platforms that are actually Word clients, and you can't have two versions of the same software on your computer either.
I was working on Extext and found that I could not work with MTWorld and Extext. Extext has a DocQnet file or something like that which will interfere with SOME other Word clients. Inscribe and Extext were not a problem. Currently, I am working in Extext and MedRite. I managed to injure my company computer and it is not out of the shop yet. I had to work last weekend and I mean NOW. The techies installed Extext on the same computer as my MedRite and I have had absolutely no issues...as long as I reboot between sessions of one or the other. MedRite to Extext is okay, but not Extext to MedRite, if that makes sense.
MedRite and MTWorld, no problem. MedRite and Emdat Inscribe, no problem. Extext, if that is one of your platforms, is likely to be the problem if there is one.
Now, you CAN work on 2 computers and have only one monitor, one set of speakers, one mouse and one keyboard. You get something called a KVM. DO NOT buy a Belkin unless you like to splash out $70 every 3 months. The best price I found was newegg.com and I think I paid about $19 for mine. I bought the highest rated brand on there and it is USB too.
About KVMs...you can buy them that are PS/2, but please don't. They are phasing out PS/2 ports in computers and your ability to get PS/2 peripherals will diminish. Everything is going to USBs, so get a USB. You also cannot use a PS/2 to USB adapter with a KVM, you have to have all USBs. Might be a problem for you, but you know about this going in now. I learned the hard way, so I am sharing my mistake for your benefit!
KVMs mean far less desk clutter. Mine, you hit Control twice and you switch between computers. The emulation on this one is like 3 seconds, which means I don't wait for the switcharoo for very long. I can almost pop from one to the other with no lag time.
NY reservations
I bought a couple cartons then heard they were going to send these letters out. I stopped buying immediately. That was a couple years ago. The reservation warned all of us that bought there and they had to turn over the names of everybody that did business with them.
Reservations for seven o'clock
can't cook
Wish Escription would mention that when they recommend the adapters or just recommend the one. nm
Try ShortHand if you love PRD+. sm
It reminds me a lot of PRD, but oh so much better. No maximum on the amount of shortcuts you can put in ShortHand. No changing buffers. I don't believe ShortHand works with DOS, though. You can even convert your PRD  files to ShortHand, but will have to tweak them all.
Love Shorthand....sm
It works with all windows based programs, not just Word or Word Perfect. XXXXXXX used to have a huge list of entries that you could add to most Expander programs. With Shorthand, you have your main dictionary that you set up and then a linked dictionary, which is how I set up the entries from the XXXXXXX site. It is a list of about 100,000 entries, I believe.
As far as brand name drugs go, ones that I use frequently in the specialties that I type (GI and cardiology), I enter them in my expander already capitalized so that I do not have to hit the shift key when typing. This may not save a lot of time, but time is money in this business and every little bit helps. I use my expander program and macros to the fullest extent to save time in typing reports.
If you decided to go this route and you cannot get the list from XXXXXXX any longer, let me know by e-mail....I would be glad to send you the file.
I love IT. Don't know anything about Shorthand...
But I have increased my productivity 60-70% in the past year and a half using Instant Text. Some people complain about it being hard to get used to because it runs across the bottom of the screen, but I like it. I have mine set to show me 9 rows at a time so I usually don't even have to type out the entire short form before I see it and can choose it. They also don't like getting used to hitting the ; key as the marker instead of the space bar (there is a mode where you can use it like PRD but then you lose a lot of the features). It took me about 2-3 weeks to get really used to using the marker keys and now I'm so used to it that it is automatic. A big pro is that if you switch jobs you can take it with you because it links to multiple applications. (I work 2 jobs and use it on both platforms which is great, no more adding expansions to 2 separate glossaries). I like that you can separate and make multiple glossaries if you want, the compile and continuation features save tons of time, I like that you have the option of entering both words and phrases, it comes in handy for those big long single words. I keep a list of all my drugs on my word side and once I enter them I never have to look up the spelling again. You can set it to automatically capitalize letters after a . or : and you can set it to automatically add 1 or 2 spaces after a period or colon or a comma. I like not having to worry about what I name my short forms, it doesn't matter if the abbreviation can also be a real word (ie PAT) because you don't accidentally expand them just by hitting the space bar.
Anyhow, like I said I don't know if ShortHand is anything like it, but as you can tell I am a huge fan of IT and think it is the best thing that has happened to my line counts in my 16 years of transcribing.
Have Shorthand, love it SM
I have no experience with the other program, but can still recommend ShortHand without reservation. It's always done everything I've wanted, very fast, very flexible, many more features than I actually use, no problems with a couple of new platforms with new accounts, and no lockups or weirdouts--very stable, bless it!
I didn't monitor the increase in my productivity, but it's been tremendous. I can't imagine just limping along with Explorer Tools, for instance, when superb programs like this are available.
BTW, although Shorthand will also provide a list of possible expansions for words as you type, I turned that feature off from the very beginning and started memorizing my abbreviations on the assumption that I would want to proof as I went and taking my eyes off the report itself could only slow me down.
ShortHand is what I use and LOVE it! nm
Amen to that. Love Shorthand because you can do macros, too. nm
x
aneurysm... love shorthand - just type anu and there it is...(NM)
xx
Use ExText for 1 job. Love it! Works with my ShortHand. Wish they all used it! nm
s
Love ShortHand and believe you can download it for a trial. Might be others out there, too. nm
s
Thank you so much... I love shorthand, but that always drove me crazy - sm
I have gone in and changed mine. Just proves you can learn something new each day, or you can teach an old dog new tricks, not sure which... lol
I've only been on it a short time but love it - I use Shorthand, though with it.
nm
I am going to order Shorthand for myself today. I love it. You can also manage your words in
:+
I use Shorthand for Windows and love it. I have found it works well with most every program. SM
I have used with Word and Word Perfect. I have used it with Meditech and Cerner. I have used it with RadNet and StarNavigator for Radiology. I can use it with my email applications and on the internet if I choose. If the Expander is open and running, you can use it with any and every window program you use.
I was really simple to learn to use too. Very user friendly.
Shorthand works for Radnet. I love Radnet BTW! nm
nm
SpeedType and Shorthand are the exact same program. Shorthand is lots cheaper and also has a trial.
.
{@KEY BkSp}-pack-per-year is for Shorthand. Using the semicolon works with both Shorthand and
;yo = -year-old
;py= -pack-year
etc...
Shorthand and SpeedType are exact same program. Shorthand will cost you lots less.
you can import your autocorrect into Shorthand.
I took shorthand too. But it sure comes in helpful for my expanders. I view words in shorthand for
i did use shorthand once in a job but i was so nervous the "boss" took pity and dictated the report on dictaphone.
If it is Shorthand, save the SPF file to a disk, then if you buy Shorthand yourself....
you can just drop the SPF file into it. That is not dishonest since you are the one who put the macros in. I am sure is it is another Expander there is a way to save the macro file and then drop it in the expander you buy on your own.
I would recommend this sm
Call and ask how many characters define a line. They should be able to tell you how many characters they consider a line. Most companies usually pay a gross line and characterize it as no more than 72 characters to a line. I hope I explained this correctly, but you really do need to call and ask the company who made you the offer. Then you will have your answer.
I would not recommend...
Breitner. They do not pay for headers/footers, you do not have any way of keeping your line count, etc., etc.
Recommend
I love my Dyson!! Absolutely love it. Have had it for a year and it is great at picking up cat hair, etc.
if you are new, I recommend
The Medical Phrase Index by Lorenzini & Lorenzini Ley. Try to get the latest edition. It is worth it if you are new as you can look up part of a phrase and ideas of what the rest of the phrase could be.
Also, if you are into CD versions, I like the Dorlands Medical Dictionary. It is cheap, too.
The Surgical Word Book is a must, I think, if you do op notes.
Good luck to you!
May I recommend
a STEDMANS reference book on pathology and virology, allergies, immunology?
Why does nobody recommend sm
that the MT get concrete examples of contradictory QA to present to her supervisor? Continuing to work until July 18 without at least doing that seems like a waste of time.
I would recommend
getting your own wav player (or knowing how to use something like ExpressScribe). Also, it might be a good idea to have your own line counting software. Other than that, it really does depend on the account and what they use. Good luck!
Although you state you would never recommend
a company you work for, you are indirectly recommending them when you question a particular MTs experience with that company and go on to state your positive take on it. I believe that MTs' loyalties should to be one another and not the MTSOs, and that we should do everything we can to support and encourage one another. It's not easy these days being an at-home MT, so let's pull together.
I have no experience with MD, but I would recommend a
genetics consultation for your daughter. My SIL went through a similar situation with a condition that runs in her family. The males go blind and pass away early. I can't remember what it was, but they had to see a geneticist to see if she passed it on to her kids.
It's awful. I'd never recommend it.
x
I would also like to know what others would recommend on this same question sm.
I work for three physicians right now and use the small microcassettes which I pick up twice a week. I live about 30 miles away. They asked me to research and give them a price on how we could set up a digital system. I am just starting to investigate this and I am thoroughly confused. Thanks.
I recommend Etrans too
Very good dictators on the account I was on and where they need the most help. I only left because I wanted an editing job with less typing. Good luck!
I wouldn't recommend it...
I started out in court reporting school and switched to MT when I got pregnant. VR is also playing a big factor in the court reporting field right now. They have stenomask reporters who wear a mask and repeat into the mask everything that is said during the court proceeding, and VR translates it. Court reporters currently make anywhere from 40K to 80K per year, but stenomask reporters only make about 20K per year. The military has switched to using stenomask reporters and many courts are also leaning in that direction because of the cost savings.
The steno machine is also very difficult to learn. Most court reporting schools say you can learn it in 2 years, but the average court reporting student takes 4 to 5 years to master it.
Whatever you find, I would recommend sm
staying away from Hartz Mountain products. Lots of cats allegedly have had bad side-effects or worse from HM. One of my cats could not tolerate their flea collars years ago.
Absolutely recommend this
Tips n Techniques
http://www.cherylflanders.com/
Highly recommend M-TEC!!
I had job offers right out of school with a number of companies. Their training was right on. The support you get from them is terrific. I have also personally met both Kathy and Susan who, in addition to being great instructors, are also very nice ladies! Go for it and be prepared to work hard! :-)
I recommend the SUM program
from Health Professions Inst. www.hpisum.com - it's a bit pricey but you get actual dictation to practice on and I think you can get it in modules to spread the cost out a bit.
PS I have no connection with this company, just like their products.
I'd recommend getting CMP and other blood
tests and going from there. If you get a physical and they do the blood work, should be covered under insurance.
I highly recommend
you quit leaching and GET YOUR OWN ACCOUNTS, this way you'll get what you feel you're worth, okay? I know you expect this and expect that, and there are posters here who think what you're asking for is totally within line and shame on ANY MTSOs who won't accommodate YOU! To that end I say, E-MAIL THEM and fill out a job application, and have THEM pay you the executive wages you expect. Yeah, like they're really going to. Gheesh! And don't worry, I wouldn't hire you on a bet. I'm looking to and intend to make money, not lose it on a SC who's got delusions of grandeur!
from thebigday.com...they recommend...sm
Never mention wedding gifts in the wording of your wedding invitations. Nowadays, the inclusion of a card or two letting guests know where you're registered is generally considered just fine-but never print a request for "Cash Gifts" or "No Gifts."
Having said that, here's what we recommend: create a wedding website, and tell your guests about that, not your registry. Telling people about your registry directly is essentially telling them to buy you a gift, and that's a little too pushy. Tell them about your wedding website instead--they'll find the registry link there.
You can gracefully tell people about your wedding website through e-postcards (with a link to your wedding website), or printed announcement cards (that announce your wedding website...we offer them for free).
Even if you really don't want any gifts, it's inappropriate to mention it. People want to give you a token of their affection & they'll do just that, no matter how much you protest. If you really don't want anything for yourselves, create registry items for small donations to a charity that means something special to the two of you.
You might find our article on registry realities helpful as well.
I highly recommend WW
I do WW on line and love it. However, some people really need the meeting support to stay on track. I lost all my weight on line, about 40 pounds, with the last 10 by joining local meetings for three months just so I could achieve "Lifetime Status", which I did. You never have to pay for any meetings after reaching your goal/Lifetime unless you go over your goal by 2# and you must weigh-in at least once a month. By achieving lifetime, you get a discount for your on-line subscription/E-tools. E-tools and the support of the forums keeps me on track and accountable so far. I have maintained for a couple months now after achieving my goal.
I don't see it as a "diet" either. It a change of lifestyle. I eat differently and do not plan to go back to my unhealthy eating style. You can eat anything you want too as long as you plan for it and/or account for it in your weekly points. Believe me, I feel if you have the desire and stick to the program, WW can work! :) My cholesterol levels are all WNL for the first time in many, many years too. :D
Best wishes.
Can anyone recommend a TASP out there?
I am trying to decide which company to use. I am looking for reasonable cost and good quality. Thanks in advance!
What MT schools can you recommend?
I am about to see my voc rehab counselor. I have some information about schools for MT, but would like some input.
What schools would you recommend? I would like to hear from people who have worked as MT's for more than 5 years and are successful and satisfied with their work.
I would not recommend berber. (sm)
Berber has loops that can catch on animals nails. Not only could it hurt your pet, but it could also cause a serious run in the carpet. Berber is also harder to clean because of the loops. I remember that the textured kind where some strings are more wound and others are straighter is not a good idea either. The sales people report it doesn't wear well. I'd get something durable (twisted fibers) in some medium tone of a brown or taupe so it will show as little dirt as possible.
Does any one use a VR program they would recommend?
Thanks!
I wouldn't recommend it,
pay is lower than ever. You would never make what you probably expect. Its like sweatshop work. I would say $16/hr is about the median.
When I first started out this was a very respected career, not anymore.
could someone recommend keyboard
need ergonomic and inexpensive one preferably a quiet one. TIA
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