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Is it your shift or work type that makes your job unique? Autopsies maybe? nm

Posted By: Need a change...nm on 2007-06-09
In Reply to: There ARE good places to work for out there - Also a Happy Camper

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What makes this story so unique is that she disappeared while vacationing and has not been seen sinc
I read that this story is so unique which is why it is getting so much coverage, and her parentes are talking to the media which a lot of grieving familes won't/don't do. Think about Jessica Lunsford's dad and how much you saw him on the news talking all the time to try to help his case. Which is what Beth Holloway Twitty is doing.
I truly think that if this Holloway gal was black and her parents were willing to talk to the media and give interviews all the time, I'm sure there would be coverage.

It's not about a rich white thing. Get over that. I am Hispanic and I don't even believe that. If you had a family member disappear and you were willing to talk to the media and had a good "story" you would get coverage. Trust me.
I think my worst - and I've done autopsies
and ME cases was a trauma where a construction worker fell like you would onto your butt but he encountered a piece of rebar which entered into (where the sun don't shine) and went into his abdominal cavity.  That made me hurt!!!
I've got my fingers crossed; makes it hard to type!nm
//
I'm left handed, guess that makes me dyslectic, so I used to type "patient was raped and prepp
also....wayyyyy back in the late 60's and early 70's when I actually worked in a doctor's office or hospital, if patient's name was Norman, 75% of the time I typed Normal.  What is really funny....my father's name was Norman Hassell...can you imagine anyone being a "normal hassell"?  Even funnier still, my mother named me Joy....so guess you can say I'm a "happy hassell"!! and a lefty at the same time; people tend to steer clear of me!!!  Have a good day.  Big huge storm moving across our little island right now; got to shut down and unplug everything.  
3rd shift work
Just looking for any tips on how to stay awake transcribing 3rd shift.  I recently switched my hours from days to nights and am having LOTS of trouble staying awake about midway through.  Any helpful 3rd shifters out there that care to share their strategies????  
Except that you have to shift to work the + key.
I don't really mind that small detail. I really am just hoping the Freestyle will help with my wrist/arm pain. How long have you used it? Do you really notice that the keys are low-force? I think that will really help me. Thanks!
Off hour work shift
"posted by wouldn't have it any other way". Thank you so much for your post! I work a similar shift for similar reasons. I don't start until 8 p.m. most nights so like you my kids are in bed before I head off to work and I don't feel gulity taking time away from them. I do work one long day on Sunday to catch up, but I start at noon so we are all still able to attend church together and my husband usually plans a daddy fun day with them that afternoon. I WISH I had done this when my kids were even smaller as I breast fed and still worked off hours so I didn't have then in daycare, but I had to pump at work and my husband had to give them bottles when I was gone.

I agree it can be tiring, but you get in a routine, and honestly do you know any mom stay-at-home or out-of-the-house worker who isn't tired?

Being there 24x7 for your kids that is dedication! :)
Off hour work shift
I should probably add that while I am working I am dedicated 100% as my office is downstairs and I work with my door closed and locked. My husband is upstairs with the children and gets up with them if they get up before I am done with my shift. So, I don't feel guilty neglecting work either because I don't. :)
IC - work split shift. nm
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It is because the US wants it handed to them. Nobody wants to work 3rd shift.
Maybe if people would work the shift, we wouldnt have to send stuff overseas to get it done overnight.
Do most of us work the day shift, M-F? Action
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I usually work a split shift on Sundays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (there really isn't much to do during that time), then I log back in after 9 p.m. when I get my son in bed and will usually work for 3 or 4 hours. I am usually busy then because the docs are all dictating their pre-surgical H&Ps for Monday morning surgeries. I'm on the East Coast and my hospital is on the West Coast, so it works out good that way.
I will occasionally log in on Saturday afternoons too, but work is slim to none then, so I usually don't bother.
I work a split shift just for this very reason.
After about 6 hours, I am toast. Now I work 2 4's with a 4-hour break in between. I always come back to work so refreshed, and it has really helped my productivity.
Spellcheck is shift F9 in Meditech. SH should work also. nm
nm
Not sure if this will work, but hit control shift 8. This might take care of it.
Hope it helps
Split shift MTs---what hours do you work? sm

I'm trying to revamp my schedule around transporting kids.  Would be interested to know what works for you.  Thanks! 


I work early morning shift and I get the garbage

leftover from the day before.  I will often get 6 reports from a very difficult ESL dictator and they may be over an 8 hour period of dictation.   When there is such a gap in the dictation you know you are being assigned these reports, not just luck of the draw.   All work is assigned by the office.   I have seen my line count drop about 4000 lines/pay period the last couple of months because I'm getting such bad dictators.  I don't mind doing my fair share, but it certainly isn't fair that my line count is being affected like it is. 


I have complained to my supervisor and it got better for a couple of months and now it is the same crap all over again and I'm looking to move on.  


 


The reason why you probably don't have work becausen no one have to adhere to their shift. sm
One can work how many hours they like eventhough they have assigned shifts.
I work Tuesday through Saturday on the night shift. sm
I really like the off shifts when no one else wants to work. I get a lot of work at those times, and I don't mind being out having fun when everyone else is at work.
Control, shift, space, all at the same time, should work...nm
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Do any of you work a split shift? Are you employee status or IC? Thanks!-nm

I love the night shift! No interruptions and more work on the system.
I agree with poster below - Power NAPs! I am a napper, need my nap about 30 minutes to 1 hour, before my shift and a pot of coffee sometimes 2 gets me through!
Work Tuesday through Sunday morning on night shift. nm
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Delete your voice files at the end of your shift or before you start work again. No
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If employee, work the scheduled shift and complete the 8 hours. nm
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nm would you mind if I asked where you work and what type of work hosp, clinic ?
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My point is, work a NORMAL EIGHT HOUR SHIFT..dont worry
It takes away from the quality and the turnaround time... 
Your point was? You called me jealous and lazy, and suggested I work an 8 hour shift.
Now you're being "nice". I am NOT worried about others.  Why would I want to work an 8 hour shift and produce 1000 lines if I could be missing SOMETHING and increase my production?  How mean-spirited you are. I would LOVE to produce more and work less, so that I could spend more time with my loved ones. And to read on this forum the astonishing line counts most MTs are claiming to make regularly - well, I'm either doing some really, really wrong, which I would like to fix, or I'm not doing something that I need to be doing, which I would like to fix! Thus, my sincere question.  Truly I believe it is time to leave this board, though I used to LOVE it so much, cause you just can't get an honest thread running anymore about anything - even trivial threads turn ugly by 2 to 3 posts, let alone INFORMATIVE ones like how honestly asking my fellow MTs who are huge producers HOW they do it? As in straight typing or using normals and standards?  I try to hang on this board and stay "positive" despite the negatives, cause I really like it here and I really like the admin, etc, but I'm not a glutton for punishment.  I know a lot of the old regular MTs who actually carried on intelligent conversations have gone to the board where you have to pay $$$ to post.  Apparently, one can still have kind meaningful conversations over there - guess the $$ part weeds out the trolls?  Don't know, but its sure sad.  Please, don't misinterpret this as me thinking anyone would give a hoot if I left here - cause I know now there will be the normal "good - who gives a crap? good riddance" flames, but really, the MTs who are so trollish are just ruining it for themselves.  Thus is their lot in life, though.
Been at home for over a year now and I switched to night shift. I work for a national. Started out
working the night shift and sleeping in shifts during the day. My kids are way older but that doesn't mean they don't interrupt me. Besides, there the phone issue, more interruptions, the dogs bothered me a lot, too. Love them dearly but, oh so spoiled. It was taking me 10 hours to do what I can do in 8 on nights, plus I manage to get more sleep, if you can believe that. I still get supper on the table, vacuum, laundry, etc. So far it is working pretty good, so I think I will put in for permanent night hours for awhile. No sense in working 10 when I can work 8.
Makes me glad I work at home! LOL...nm
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What makes a company "good" to work for?

In reading some posts below, I came across one that peaked my curiosity.  She stated that she has not seen anybody post the name of a high-paying or good company to work for, so this made me think.  I am an IC and have a job but am afraid of losing it as I just lost one account.  So my question is I am completely new to the "big company" scene.  If people are unwilling to divulge who they like working for (for whatever reason), how does one go about researching on what will be worth it or not? 


Just curious 


How unique and to have it made FOR you!
.
What you describe is not unique to MT

I've worked in manufacturing (production control & customer service) for many years and realized that EVERY company, EVERY manager can do a better job at motivating and communicating with their employees. However, many managers do not know what to do or how to. They have their own managerial style and they “apply” that to everyone they supervise. A good manager will figure out each person working for them and determine what novitiates that person. Some like to be praised in public. Others want a private encouraging word. Each person is different and has different expectations. The grass is not always greener on the other side. I’ve learned that too many times in my career! BTW, I am considering enrolling in an MT course and read this board and others for information to help make my decision. This was a topic I just HAD to chime in on because this is true of ALL companies… Wal-Mart, GE, Walgreen’s, Ford, Kroger etc. Looking at the big picture, doesn’t it all boil down to how good are you at relationships and making them work?????


We are one of a kind, very unique, not just
anyone can do our jobs.  No matter what your situation, children, caring for aging parents, raising animals, raising crops, tending to another at-home business at the samee time, we are definitely jugglers, no matter how you slice it.  Sometimes I get on this board and think, ahhh, I know I have been there, done that, and seen it all, but I really haven't.  Hayseed, I think you are a riot!  There are so many others as well with just great informative posts that I'm glad they took the time out of their day to share, whether it be a funny or just to vent because it gives you a place to call "the water cooler" when no one else can really truly relate!  Thanks coerts, friends, and fellow MTs for all of your input.  I always new good things happen in numbers!  Here's to ya'...    Back to the  now!
Unique situation

I have two part-time jobs, one for doctors I worked for before in another setting - now I am doing their overflow work. The second part-time job is with a local MTSO. It is the only account they have with my specialty.


No, I don't think I could do autopsies, although I love watching "Dr. G., Medical Examiner" on Discovery Health. I close my eyes during the gross parts, though.


I think it is unique - not offensive at all nm
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I am not sure, I have a unique situation, but sm
My problem was no mortgage and being an IC. In October of 2007 I filed my taxes for 2006 (had an extension) and I got sucked for $7500 and then another $400 for penalties. In April of 2008, I got sucked for another $7600 and another $350 in penalties. There went my new car. There went paying off a debt I have been years working on. So, no I don't know how you do it and pay your taxes!

In 2008, I went to work as an employee. They will pay part of my taxes, they pay a fair portion of my health insurance premium, I have PTO and everything else. I was thrilled to work for only one place, till my tax accountant told me that in my circumstance, I would not be able to deduct any of my expenses because I can't itemize my taxes! He told me to work at least PT as an IC. I did for a time Jan-March and then quit. By May 1,2008 I knew I had to look for something. I ended up going back to work for the place I had quit in December 2007 to work for my employer. It turns out it is a 6-hour day on top of my 8-hour day. That was not the agreement, but it is the reality. I will be able to file as an employee and a Schedule C as an IC. I'll have my cake and eat it too.

I am saving 1/3 of after tax income, but I have very little free time and only one day off a week, if I have that much. I will meet my goals for a newer vehicle and paying off my debt next year, and that is great, but I will have had very little fun otherwise. I don't even have time to grocery shop most months, but I'd have money if I could get there. I am known for being a total workaholic and it is true.

The only thing I can tell you about making it all work is to scale down, down, DOWN! I went from a 2400 sq ft house in a large city, to an 1100 sq ft mobile home in a small town that has DSL. I bought the mobile home outright for a paltry $3K and while I don't own the land, my rent for that is only $75 (hence my tax problems). Where I live, it is so rural that the nearest Walmart is 60 miles each way, but it is best that Walmart and I should be parted that way. I get there perhaps 3 times a year, which is plenty. I eat at home. I make my clothing. I clean my own home. I do my own laundry. I pinch every penny I can figure out how to pinch, and then I pinch it harder. I gave away much of my furniture in this move and replaced it with second hand furniture that fits my new smaller home. The house was a real fixer upper and I have almost completed it...on a shoestring doing most of the work myself (but not this year). I grew up poor, I was poor when I was married and raised my kids poor. I am no longer poor, by the standards of where I live I am quite well off, but you would never know this by how I live. I run around in comfy sweats that are old, that is why they are so comfy! I live in a tin can and in a dirty little town full of wonderful people. I happen to be in love with my tin can which I have transformed into a very cozy, inviting home where guests love to visit...for tea in cups and saucers from the thrift store.

It is hard to make more money. I knew my energy limits and what I could and could not do. I made a conscious decision to work the money equation from BOTH sides...spend far less and make as much more as I felt I could. The end result has been better than I had anticipated.

As for getting out of MT, we are all pretty well in the same boat if we have been doing this for a long time. You might try a job center through where you live. Have them help you brush up your face to face interview skills, and see about how to present yourself as professional and capable. We have all been out of the fix your hair and makeup, actually get dressed and leave the house mode for a long time. I know if I were going out the door to work, I would need to follow this advice myself. I need some fine tuning, possibly so do you.

So stay in or get out, that is up to you. I thought I would give you why I have stayed in and how I did it.
Since that would be unique to each company, I don't know how anybody here would even have a clue.
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We used to get all sorts of unique things from QT (sm)

The enthusiam isn't there anymore.  Still a good company.


Maybe my hospital is unique, but they require their MTs to be fairly
x
I think each case is unique. I had a "no changer" and he changed (sm)
We went for counseling and boy did things change!!!! We now listen to each other. We talk more than we ever have. We do things as a couple, for each other. We learned to openly appreciate each other for little things. We learned to love each other in ways that we never did before.

Believe me, my DH came from living at home with momma into our marriage and he expected me to take the place of his mom. That worked for a little while until I grew tired of being his maid and his bedroom companion.
I don't know where all that type work is..
and its not that I don't know medical transcription, I've been doing this for 30 years and I am certified.. so that's not the problem.. it's the bad platforms and the "clerical" duties like looking up these doctors! I hear your frustration and mine too! I KNOW there is good stuff out there, but why can't I get it??
every work type has a different TAT by
H&P 24 hours
Consults 24 hours
Ops 24 hours
DS 48 hours

from the time of the event occurred. 24 hours from time of admit. 24 hours from time of consult. etc. (unless JC has changed those guides) Some hospitals want a quicker TAT by the MTSO for patient care or billing reasons.

Many preop H&Ps are needed stat because the anesthesiologist will not administer anesthesia until they review it.

Does not matter whether or not it is placed in the chart, as long as the document itself - whether on paper or in EMR - is completed by the time guide. It has been this way by Joint Commission standards for at least 15 years (that I know of). JC will put a random number of charts and look at the date/time stamp on the document to determine compliance. They have no way to gauge whether or not the document was in the chart as soon as it was transcribed or a week later.

This is where many hospitals lose points, but in the scheme of things, these points are minor.

I was once asked my the MR director of the hospital where I worked to go back in time and change dictated/transcribed dates and print new documents to place in the chart on the eve of an audit. I showed her how to do a global replace for dates in WP 5.1, reminded her she would need to get signatures on them before the next morning, then clocked out and went home. Whether or not she did it, I never asked. I don't believe she did it after the reality of not getting signatures hit her. She hinted at my being fired for not doing it, but I was not going to alter legal documents. Nothing was ever said again about it.
So is this the type of work you do?
Beause that's very helpful to know if you're doing nonmedical, two-person audio recording transcription. I have nothing to compare this to since I've never looked into it before. If it turned out I could do the work and liked it, I could ask for more money, or apply at other companies that do this kind of work.
Anyone work for Freedom Type sm

Do they have SE and employee status or just employee? TIA!


       


 


work type/TransTech
Don't be afraid to email QA and ask for help.  I work for TT, too, and our QA Dept. is top notch. 
Most productive work type?

What is the most productive work type?  Radiology, OP, etc?  Which one can you really make the money on? 


Bebo


getting the wrong work type
I work for an MT service and do discharge summaries per my request.  My production is quite good when I work on this work type.  However, quite often I end up transcribing an OP note here and there.  This really slows me down and affects my line count.  I realize that it probably happens because the doc keys it in wrong.  Or it could be that when they are out of summaries, my 2nd work type is OPs.  I am really out of practice with OP notes and just getting one here and there throws me for a loop.  Any advice on how to handle this? TIA
I would type it and be thankful I have work.
Eventually you will get good at it. It takes practice. If you start complaining, they may just send you less work.
It is different for every MT. My favorite work type is....sm
operative reports, other MTs hate them. It depends on what catches your interest. I dislike H&Ps. In general, the most difficult work types are the BIG 4, H&Ps, consultations, discharge summaries and operative reports, or "acute care".
It may depend on the type of work?
If it is extremely easy dictation, i.e. clinic notes, than it may be worth our while as MTs with years of experience. I have almost 20 years experience but I'm making 7 cents for extremely easy work. Just a thought...