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I understand what you are saying, but this is a highly skilled sm

Posted By: MQer on 2006-10-02
In Reply to: the market will pay what the market will bear...sm - Old MT

field, not "washing dishes" or even "working at Wallyworld." Yes, there is VR and other things out there making this our jobs easier and in very rare cases, null and void, but this industry STILL requires skilled MTs who will pick up what VR and computers just cannot do.

I do VR on a regular basis and there are so many gross errors it isn't even funny. I would say 50% of any given document contains error that would be a detriment to direct patient care.

I received a newsletter recently from my company that stated this industry is growing and that the industry is having a very difficult time finding experienced, good MTs to do all of the work given to any given company. That, to me, was very, very positive in the way of where our jobs will be in 10 years.

I don't see in 10 years VR or foreigners taking our jobs. In 30 to 50, maybe, but not anytime soon.

So, a company offering 7 cpl to an experienced MT is a disgrace (especially if they take it). On new grads, I think 4 cpl is just fine because I also taught MT at a local college and there was no way that any of my students (graduates) could do this from home without a mentor/QA, etc., full-time for at least a year until they could be on their own. They would make way too many mistakes.


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FutureNet --- treating me like the highly skilled professional I am.
you can apply on their web site. they sought me out... grape vine told them i was hating MQ --

only downside... no benefits, gotta be SE... it's what MQ was going to do to me anyway, so no big loss..
Katie, some people are much more skilled than SM
others, some work harder than others, some work faster than others, some work longer than others.

First off, I do not because, I choose not to work a full 40-hour work week, week after week.

But by multiplying my own hourly earnings: It is very possible to make comfortably more than $50, even more than $60K/year as an employee of a national putting out good-quality work (even transcribing lots of ESLs!) IF:

You are fully skilled.

You are working on accounts you are nicely familiar with and have all your templates et cetera set up for.

The accounts do not run out of work (a biggie) so that you can get 8 hours of production within a reasonable workday (should not have to spend 12 hours a day married to the offce to get it).

You are paid somewhere in the upper 20ish percent of the rate range (note I didn't say have to have top pay).

You are either an exceptionally fast typist or use an Expander a great deal and take advantage of computer features.

You work hard.

You work smart and don't waste time where it doesn't count.

You have some talent for the work.

You WORK A FULL 40-HOUR WORK WEEK.

Reasons why some don't even approach that include:

Not fully skilled. Just think, for instance, of those who don't use an expander. And a skilled worker will produce many lines in the time it takes another to look up one term.

Not familiar with accounts.

Account frequently runs out of work--and MT accepts less income instead of walking.

Is a whizbang registered nurse/racecar driverccur et cetera, but lack talent for THIS work.

Doesn't work HARD and push for high productivity. Just working is not the same as working HARD (it is tiring).

Has enough work but doesn't put in a solid 8 hours of production per day (although might think so, maybe forgets to subtract time spent complaining here from the work day).

Katie, although average incomes have gone down significantly, a lot more people are making decent money than posts on this forum give any idea of. Those people don't spend a whole lot of time here, though. Guess why! Best wishes for your own good income.
It is a shame that it takes such a skilled..sm
person to be a MT yet the jobs are just pitiful. The companies can't provide enough work. The pay is pitiful. Why isn't this profession looked at with more prestige? I mean it is sad when you have been an MT for years and can't make a living doing this even with 2 jobs.
Long-term skilled unit?
ss
You're a big girl and a skilled worker. SM
If you haven't resolved this problem already, go ahead and do it this morning. You know, as a high-skilled MT you should be making at least 3 times whatever your local minimum wage is. Best wishes.
It goes both ways. Not all those with positive experiences are skilled or professional.

Some are in it for the referral bonus, some are company recruiters posting anonymously.  It's really hard for anyone to tell the motives, but you can usually tell from the way a person posts who is on the up and up from those who are just spewing sour grapes and those bucking for the referral bonus. I tend to believe negative posts that don't personally insult other posters over positive posters that completely rule out any type of problem.  If a person is saying that their company is perfect and there are NO problems, that should send up red flags.


Good answers and becoming a skilled MT takes surprisingly long, but SM
although 5 years may be about average, there's an old saying about how some people have 20 years' experience and some have one year repeated 20 times. If you want to cut that 5 years down VERY substantially, work full time (a conscientious full time, not just slopping thru the day) and push for new work types and accounts as woon as you've milked the old ones for all you can learn from them. Plus, a reality is that availability of the Web as a resource now helps people function at a much higher level earlier than previously.
What future demand is there for higher-skilled MTs? Inquiring mind wants to know. SM
Seriously--with computers taking over the keyboarding and the electronic medical record replacing much (just HOW much?) of the currently dictated verbage, what need will healthcare providers have that we can train to fill at least the same remuneration if not better? What potential is there for remote work? I confess I'm very fond of my current commute down the hall to my office, and googling MT in England, which has had the EMR for some time now, suggests it's high time I figure out how I'm going to keep it. Any thoughtful or knowledgeable answers would be greatly appreciated.
You have a very talented and skilled writting. I had a great time reading your comments. Universal,
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You have a very talented and skilled writting. I had a great time reading your comments. when Oppone
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You have a very talented and skilled writting. I had a great time reading your comments. Table will
You have a very talented and skilled writting. I had a great time reading your comments. Round will Soldier unconditionally , Loose Soldier is very good Slot Kill Lose Increase - that is all that Mistery is capable of , Lazy Grass is always Standard Tournament when Game Destroy Boy Steal
As Economy Slumps, Firms Line Up to Hire Skilled Foreign Workers

 What the heck is going on around here?  It just gets better by the day!


http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/03/19/economy-slumps-firms-line-hire-skilled-foreign-workers/


I think most MTx are highly

their jobs.  I really believe to be a good MT, you have to be very smart.  We don't get the recognition we deserve!.


 


I would highly doubt that considering
you had been "riding" your horse all day. That stench will carry for awhile!
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 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!
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.


You think? Highly doubt it.
These people are getting promoted. LOL
I, of course, was being highly sarcastic.
Wow. No sense of humor? Seems this place can do that to some.


Cheers, luv, cheers.
Yah it proves how HIGHLY intelligent she is.
was for adults? You go girl? What are you 17? Sounds like something my daughter says.
For you happy highly productive MQ MTs

 Help those of us who are struggling by giving us some pointers on what you are doing to be so successful and happy.  I am very discouraged.  I do not want to have to start over with a new company.  I have 15 years experience, 8 of those with MQ.  Since DQS, I cannot get quota.  Never had a problem before, so I am not understanding. 


Please give me any suggestions that might increase my productivity.  And before all the comments of "stay off the board" begin - I am not working today.  I do have some self discipline.


 


 


 


Feel flattered they think highly of you. That is the
a
I highly doubt that is the reason.
I mean, how many people truly observe that holiday and think I need to get all the work done that I can now because it is Veteran's day in 2 days. It's not like there is a Veteran's day meal like Thanksgiving or presents like Thanksgiving.
Of course she didn't. I highly doubt
Some people just can't stand for this board to be quiet, so they either post a dumb POLL question or some other nonsense.  Now they've resorted to posting outright lies. This is totally absurd. I guess the next post will be that they are letting inmates process checks for banks at night...or work at day care centers. Sheesh!  The people on this board never cease to amaze me.
It's a sad day when a highly educated doctor can't

I'm talking epistaxis here, ok...not that hard of a word.  She won't even put forth the effort to pronounce words correctly, especially medications, which in my opinion is downright dangerous.  I wouldn't want her for my doctor...way to dangerous of a dictator.  BTW, I never, ever guess on a medication, even if I am confident about what she MEANS to say...so always end up sending hers to proofing...okay, I'll get off my  now...good day all!!!


I use IT. I highly recommend you have it installed.
date element in Meditech is F6, I think. Press F keys all the way. Then, try alt and the F keys all the way down and then control and F keys to see what their functions are. You can jot them down on paper and make it into a toolbar by taping it to the keyboard. Now that I think of it, if you have a Help Desk, they may have a copy of the F key functions to send you.

And also, you will need a speed typing engine which will be well worth the money.
25+ years ago, I'd have recommended it highly - sm
-- as it was recommended to me. It was an excellent fit for about 10-12 years, but then when managed healthcare came on scene, it not only ruined medical care as we once knew it, but also our livelihoods. Wish I'd followed my OTHER friend's advice, and become a court reporter. She's still working, still not outsourced to India, and she makes good money -- working about 3-4 days a week. Put her kids through college, etc.

Woulda', coulda', SHOULDA!
:(
I highly doubt it. Not these days.
x
Caffeine is also highly addictive

I love the stuff!!!!   Caffeine doesn't necessarily make you feel better, though, it just makes you feel less bad.  That's something I read somewhere that always struck a chord with me.  I'm not fit to speak to until I've had at least a hit of caffeine in the morning and don't even start on the headaches I'll get if for some reason I go a day or two without it. 


Do you take vitamins on a regular basis?  Despite the so called research that says that vitamins don't really do that much, I have found that if I go for several days without taking my supplements then I get really draggy and have a horrible time focusing.  If I remember to take them, then I do pretty well and have a much easier time focusing and getting work done.


Unlike right now when I should get started working and am playing on this board. 


almost forgot...........I highly doubt sm
Who told you anyone is scared to come up against me? I am no one to "come up" against! I don't put myself up on that pedestal. Seems to me you are the one doing that.

You need to LIGHTEN UP LIZZIE! Say something intelligent about the profession will ya?
I would highly recommend that if you are interested in this program sm

that you do attend some weight watcher meetings to get the program basics, etc.  There is something about getting weighed in once a week that makes you accountable and keeps you on track. (almost typed tract there, LOL can you tell I am a transcriptionist?)   Just a heads up though, you will probably be in the MINORITY at weight watchers as most other people choose POINTS.  If you read the messages from Kippy's web site, you'll understand better.  Good Luck.  I can't RAVE enough about this program. 


PS do a search on Kippy's for the zucchini potato pancakes (serve with salsa and/or ff sour cream.  DELICIOUS.  my favorite recipe. 


Highly doubt it--call your postmaster and ask, then you will know - sm
Also I cannot see prison spending the money to transport prisoners to the PO so they can sort mail, it is all done at the location of the post office; of course there are main hubs and all that that sort it to go to whichever local PO, but again I find it very hard to believe that they take the time, effort and expense to do this, it would be asking for major trouble.
Must be a highly technical medical word as
x
Secrets of Highly Successful MTs? Please share!

I'd really be interested to learn if there are any tips you 40k&up folks could share with those of us who are... more financially challenged.  What is your schedule like?  Do you log off every time you get up to get a cup of coffee, etc?  Obviously you don't spend your work days on message boards; do you have any tips for how to Stay Focused? 


Sorry if I sound ignorant; I have been doing this for many many years and still struggle with the same self-discipline issues I had way back when.  I'd love to hear from those who have actually made good money at this how they did it.  Thanks!


SoftFlex gloves come highly recommended
And a lumbar support too!!
I highly recommend Canon fax as well as printer.

"Skedaddle." A highly technical term.
" ... but when she feels the urge, she really needs to skedaddle."

I haven't heard that word in YEARS--and that's probably the first time in 37 years I've gotten it in medical dictation!

javascript:editor_insertHTML('text','');
I highly recommend ShortHand. Affordable and efficient. nm
 
I'm a WW plan but highly suggest the Core option...sm

of their plan. No points counting except for a 35 point weekly allowance. Really teaches you what and how to eat in a way that can easily be maintained for a lifetime. Once you are on a few weeks, you can easily identify "trigger" foods that make you overeat and affect your mood, weight loss rate, etc. All without counting points for every bite and very few restrictions on a daily basis.


One of the best things for me, is the healthy eating habits have really been absorbed by my family too. Hardly any junk food of any kind in the house anymore and no one is complaining at all, especially since they've all dropped a few pounds too. It amazes me every time I go food shopping how different my cart looks than it did just a few short months ago. My aunt got me hooked, she's lost 85 pounds in 7 months and hasn't been able to exercise at all due to a back injury.


If money is not really an issue, then I definitely and highly recommend the Yukon sm
or Yukon XL which is what I drive. I love it and wouldn't trade that SUV for anything on the road!!
I highly doubt that an itune voice file --sm
would be compatible with your software footpedal. my footpedal software recognizes certain types of voice fils like WAV or DSS, etc. but I seriously doubt if itunes uses those types of files. you can try though, but don't count on it. Save the file to a location where your digital voice player will locate it and try to open it. if your digital voice player will open it, your footpedal should work. but again, don't count on it.
I would highly recommend the Enclave Suites on International Drive (sm)
We stayed there when the kids were young, when we lived up north. We had a 2 BR suite. Each bedroom had its own bath plus they were on opposite ends of the suite for privacy. There was a good size kitchenette, large LR/DR area and balcony. There was a restaurant right off the pool area which served a full menu plus every day from 4-7 they had happy hour with free buffett. At night they had live music. Only about 45 minutes to Daytona as well.
Fellow is a highly respected title in the medical field tho--
not for medical transcriptionists!
I highly doub that MTs (IC or employee status) have begun using Vista; even more unlikely (sm)
for company-employed MTs.  Vista will need to undergo extensive testing and scrutiny before IT Directors will approve it to be compatible with their software programs. 
Gack! Is nursing your idea or his? Nursing is highly demanding and long hours.

I'd check with a college counselor/advisor on programs they have for women over 30 to return to academia and enter new careers.  Then I'd ask to take some career tests to see what your interests are and what you'd be be suited for.  Also, there is scholarship money available for women over 30.  Ask about it.  


Since I've already raised my kids, I'd also like to state that jr. high and high school are the years our kids need us at home the most.  Those are the years they can get into the most trouble if left to themselves.  If he's already 9, why not just enter college part-time to finish in about 6 to 7 years?  But definitely go talk to a college counselor.


I would be over there too.....but I also understand where
people are coming from when they say she is criticizing their gov't, etc. I can't say what I would do because I don't know what she is going through, but you can't just assume someone is guilty when there is no evidence to that. Those 2 brothers were held way too long and think about how their parents are feeling. There is no evidence that they did anything and we wouldn't be able to hold them like that over here w/ no evidence.
Don't understand

   I love it when I hear that an MT, at whatever company, is doing 2000, 3000, or more lines a day.  I love to hear that because I am trying to increase my line count and this gives me encouragement.  I love to hear how they do it and try to take their advice.  I don't understand why some get so upset when they hear that an MT has a great line count.  Why do they automatically have to be liars or cherry pickers?  I think we should be picking their brains to find out how they are accomplishing this so that we can benefit from it. 


So I say, keep on talking about your line counts for those of us who want to improve ourselves, please!    


what if you can't understand the
customer service rep.....I've had many,many instances while dealing with CS reps from India where I was completely at a loss to understand what they were saying.  I say, I you can't speak clearly get out of the field!
Understand
Hope it makes you feel better to know that not all of us out here expect you to keep it to yourself. It gets kind of lonely, and bad days are the worst for that. I have relatively good accounts also, working for a small MTSO, but some days it is all I can do not to come on here and whine. I say, if it makes you feel better, that is all that counts.
Here's what I don't understand - sm
Say we use a template and end up having to delete a lot of unused headings. How is that calculated into the line count? I guess what I'm trying to figure out is if we are typing to make up for the deleted headings, if this makes sense.

And, yeah, I suppose I could ask a company representative but I wouldn't really expect an answer and don't want to rock the boat.

SS is my 1st MT job and while it never quite passed the smell test to me, it was easy to get and quick to get started and is certainly giving me invaluable experience with ESLs, if nothing else. Yeah, the money stinks and I could certainly do without the nasty emails, but the thing is what it is: A foot in the door. And I may even try to keep SS as a backup if my new job turns out to be slow.
as i understand it,
QA addresses the body of the report or dictation, and QC's job is making sure the patient information or ADT is correct.