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Just started with a company 4 days ago and having same issues!!

Posted By: KC on 2006-10-04
In Reply to: Again I am sitting here twiddling my thumbs - losing patience

VERY frustrating. I am paid hourly while I work, no work=no hours, so I charged them for the hours anyway. I went from a job with too much to do to nothing to do BORING!! They promise it will pick up and I am just keeping my fingers crossed!!


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just started with MQ 45 days ago
if they cut my pay, I'll quit. If they do not give me a raise when I ask (which will be soon), I'll quit. This is back-breaking work and I am no one's slave - I'll live in my car first and that is just a heartbeat away from happening with what they are paying me NOW!
The good days started unraveling when

The nationals started buying up the mom and pop MT businesses that started cropping up in most cities in the late-1980's and early 1990's. Most of these were small businesses with a few local doctor's office accounts and hospitals, had a guy who ran back and forth picking up and delivering tapes, and everyone got along fine for the most part aside from the expected competition between local companies. Then came Medquist, Transcend, etc. who swooped in and started scooping up these companies by the handful, and pretty soon we had what we have today. It happens. What started out as a good thing (computer networking) making us able to leave the offices and work from home, continued to evolve into what this business is today. Now it's taking off in another direction with voice rec and overseas MT's who work for peanuts. I've seen this business evolve from the IBM Selectric, a tape player, and a bottle of white-out to what it is today, and it's amazing what changes there have been in the last 27  years. Who would have known!



My company has recently started sm
assigning jobs by the TAT, not by the work type.  Again, maybe you need to refresh yourself on the various specialties/work types.  The SUM tapes can really help with that.  If you are interested, email me.  I bought them on ebay, and can make cheap copies if you like.
I just started with a new company this week, so I will let you know how it goes. SM
I am still working for Spheris just in case, but if this new one doesnt work out I will look elsewhere. Kind of fed up.
I started a new company not long ago, too

and they were detail-oriented.  Like you, my transcription was great, but I kept forgetting the little things - how they like their dates formatted, when to add headings, when to expand abbreviations.  I printed out the emails with the corrections I got and made myself a cheat sheet to keep beside my computer.  I reviewed it before each shift and referred to it frequently while transcribing. 


Learning the formatting/account specifics is probably the most difficult part of starting a new job, and I'm sure their QA dept is aware of that.  I made it and so will you.  Just stick with it and double proofread things.  I also doublechecked my demographic information prior to submitting just to be sure.  One thing to remember, when in doubt, flag it for QA. 


I started out working for a company ...sm
that gave you everyone who worked there's IM and then the company who bought them out isn't that way. They don't encourage contacting other MTs working there. Which has not stopped me. I still have managed to get email addresses and then get their IM. It does help tremendously when you are able to talk to others on the same account as you.
I just started with a great company that I had to purchase
Docshuttle and waveplayer.  I had contact with them throughout the period of waiting for the software to arrive, etc.   If you purchased the disk and not just the download, you can return it. 
I started work for 1 company this past
year that was really out in the sticks. They had dial-up because they were not close to anything and that was a company!! What I dislike so much about having my DSL is here in Atlanta with Bellsouth you have to have a land phone if you have the DSL. I am hoping with the take over of Bellsouth with AT&T maybe they will give you the fast access without the land. I spend sooo much on something I rarely use but went with another provider here in town and not satisfied with the service so back to MA Bell. I have to have the fastest. I really don’t want to try any others as that switch was sorta nighmarish!!
Not sure, but I started wtih a new company as an IC and they said they were not compatible
with 2007 and that I had to have 2003 or older to use. I think the majority of companies out there are not using the newest version.
Hired by new company and started training today.
Should have trained yesterday, but no one contacted me.  So of course, I contacted them.  During training today, their foot pedal did not work.  When their tech put their software into my computer last week, he said he "fixed it" so that their software would work with my firewall turned on and that my autocorrect would work with their software and I wouldn't have to re-enter 3000 shortcuts.  Well, you know the rest.  No autocorrect and I cannot access their system with my firewall turned on.  Plus I can't work because the foot pedal doesn't function.  With all that the MTSOs demand of us, you would think that they should have at least some of their act together, no? 
Okay...say Snopes is correct and it's a rumor started by a gas company...
How does the gas company that started the rumor know everyone will flock to them?

I buy my gas from the station that posts the lowest price, and not necessarily twice in a row. I may buy from Kroger, Walmart, or some other company, but they're always selling for several pennies below the big companies.
Just started working as an IC for a company, found out something I had been transcribing for
years was wrong. When I questioned it, they explained it to me, but for 20+ yearse no one else had seemed to care. You learn something every day in this business.
30 hours divided by four days equals seven-hour days. Most of us have to work pretty much every day
.
Working 6/hour days, 5 days/week I make
$42,000.00, but the work is there to make more if I want to.  I'm in the southeast. 
2000 low days, 4000 busy days
Did 43,000 lines last month.   6 doctors. 
You can "make a living" if you work 16-hr days, 7 days
and if you rarely buy anything but food and the barest essentials in clothing. My balancing act is so precarious that all it'll take is one of life's little disasters (rent increase, sick pet, major car repair) to pull the rug out from under me. Not a good feeling at all.
550-650 lph on average. Some days more, some days less. It all depends. nm
x
How? By working 12-hr days 7 days/week?
;LKJ
And you think I have the issues!
You have a pretty vivid imagination. The only way you could think up all of that is if you went through it. I am sorry all of that happened to YOU! I really, truly am!
See? There you go with your issues.
If you weren't calling names or belittling people, why are you arguing with me?  No, I don't have to put up with verbal abuse from you or anyone.  I have no problems with differing opinions, so say whatever you want.  For someone who never did any of those things, you're sure coming back to this post to continue arguing about it.
She had issues
Yeah, I belive that's what it was. By no means do I feel repsonsible for what was going on with her. She had marital problems, 2 children at home that she couldn't bear to be without and was just confused about what she wanted to do with her marriage, not to mention the stress of working b/c she was used to the MT world.  But nevertheless, I'm kind of glad she's gone b/c she always came in with some sort of sob story.
I had issues with that one.
I have yet to be able to get my foot pedal to work with escribe. I finally downloaded transcription-buddy and it worked for me.
I have issues with this also .....sm
Some times I am so focused, no interruptions, stick to my schedule.....other times it is interruption after another, inability to focus, house to take care of....

It is pretty much Life and I just roll with it...


MS having issues
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jeUZjaoJFQeFLR1T-E76M3IsHm8gD8V294AO0
Yes, I have the same issues
I have the same issues at my company, and the bad thing is, once they make their changes, whether they be right or wrong...our initials are still on that report.  I had an issue with a QA person saying I had the wrong word...well the first time I let it go because I thought, maybe I heard it wrong...the next time I got a report from that doc, he clearly said the word that I had typed previously, so I emailed the QA person and told her NOT to change my word..this is what he is saying, and besides, I confirmed it through Google and other transcriptionists that I trust...she said, that is not the write use of that word, and I told her, that's not my problem, call the doctor and tell him it's not the right use of the word...I'm typing what HE says, he's the doctor....who are we to change what he wants...but I was really frustrated, and she told me she would look into it and let me know...I asked her all day about it, but she never did tell me what she ended up doing, probably changed it....It really makes me mad!  So, I'm right there with ya, and like you said there are some fair QA people out there, but the company I work for have a few that just drive me crazy!
SS issues
Please contact the Director of HR by email and the HR team will see to it that this issues are handled. Sorry for any inconvenience. We will looking at where the previous emails have gone and how (or if) they were handled properly.
no pay issues
do you think maybe you need to go to the source before believing all the negativity? the people posting these ads are likely disgruntled people fired for poor performance. i have worked for this company for quite some time and have not had my car repo'd! i wouldn't stay around if i wasn't happy.
Pay issues.

I don't understand.  I hear people complaining about their wages.  Yes, I know we aren't exactly paid that great of an amount, but seriously.  I see people complianing about making $20/hr or more.  I am lucky if I make $11.50 an hour right now (including shift differential and 5 years experience), but I don't care.  I have the luxury of being at home so that I can work while my son is sleeping (thus not paying $500/mo for day care).  I don't have to pay for gas to get to and from work.  I don't know about most of your situations, but I would be forking out at least $100/mo with gas prices at $2/gal in order to get to and from an outside of the home position.  And, I even qualify for benefits.  Add all that up, and it is more than worth it.  Why can't we just be happy that we have a job and can make money?  I am the sole supporter of my family right now, and $11.50/hr, I still can make it.  Yeah, I don't even have an extra $5 at the end of the month, but I can make all my payments, provide a roof over my family, and provide food and clothing.  I have a nice house (only 4 years old and +2300 sq ft), with a nice chunk of land, so it isn't like I am living poorly.  I don't understand how those of you making $20+/hr can sit here and complain that you aren't making enough and can't pay your bills.  I think instead of complaining about your wages, you should reevaluate how you are living.  I know different parts of the country are more expensive to live in, but I could easily make it on my income alone in most of the country.  Every position is suffering right now.  Our business is not the only business where people are taking pay cuts.  Why can't you just be happy with what you have? 


you certainly have other issues with sm
"abuse" besides your husband! T his is not abuse, this is the "norm" for medical transcription. The company you worked with last, probably didn't have enough work to give you a second account. Most MTs would love to be in thep osition of having more than one account. some barely get anything.
one word- ISSUES!!

I don't have issues with my parents are they are

both deceased, but I have "disowned" all my brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews.  I grew up believing I was the black sheep of the family and maybe I am, but their lives are so screwed up and I never heard from them unless they needed something and there was lots of bitterness and anger about various events - mainly my parent's death.  The only way I was able to deal with the issues was to disown them.  I was not interested in making things better because they aren't willing to make an effort and I just don't have time for that. 


My oldest sister hated my mom and was very ugly to her.  My mom did so much for her. All I heard was what a lowsy mother she was.  Well, my sister's daughter had a baby and gave it away, did drugs big time, drinking big time, has lived with several guys.  Her son is gay and can't hold a job, has had so many wrecks he has lost his license twice that I know of.  They just keep buying him vehicles very time he wrecks one.  He can barely make a move without having to ask mommy, is a druggie/drinker/liar.  Only my sister can't see all of this.   We all make mistakes and I don't claim to be a perfect parent, but.....


AAMT issues

There are many MTs out there I have encountered on other websites who all have different opinions and solutions regarding state of the AAMT.  Questions:  Would you like to see a new organization built and structured for the MT, not for money or politics...or would you like to see MTs unionized.... or do you think it would benefit MTs to have state licensure to practice?  Please go to website http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hardworker1111  and place your comments.  Hopefully if we all voice together we can make some real changes.  Looking for real solutions.  Thank you.


 


Autocorrect issues

I copied my autocorrect .acl file to a disk to load it to my new computer.  I copies it into 3 separate files that each had .acl and nothing comes up but the stuff normally put in, not my personal stuff.  Any help greatly appreciated.  Been searching internet too and I've been at this most of the day and I've just about given up.  Windows 2000, XP OpSystem


Keyboard issues
It was not hard at all, maybe a day or two, if that to get used to it and it didn't take long to get up to speed.  I love the hand positioning, it is very comfy for me.  I bought mine off ebay very cheap, 27.95 with shipping.
some major issues!
If the post set off some "emotions," then keep them to yourself, or scream them out loud at home where no one can hear you. The person who posted this did not do so to set off YOUR PERSONAL "emotions." I think your major emotion just might be jealousy!!
I have all the same issues you mentioned as well.
I guess everyone else is thrilled with the new version or just does not use it? May be my last year wasting my money with them unless I hear they have made dramatic improvements for next year.
server issues
I work for a large national and we have servers down, programs down, instand messager down pretty often.  And, no we get paid nothing for downtime even when it's the company's fault.  Really sucks! 
Subcontractor..help with various issues
I need some advice on how to handle having a subcontractor.  I have a subcontractor now helping with one of my accounts.  My process is that I have a separate checking account and separate savings account for business.  All of my checks from work as an IC go into this business checking account. I then transfer to the business savings account a certain percentage for taxes.  We'll then transfer most of the remainder to our household checking accounts. That way, I can look at the business checking account and see my deposits and know exactly what my income is.  Anyway, now that I have a subcontrator, I don't know exactly how to handle everything. Do I just keep track of what I pay her and then claim it as an expense at the end of the year? Will I have to give her a 1099? I guess I should only hold back for taxes on the percentage of the money I keep now. I'm just confused on the whole process. I could use any advice...or a point in the right direction for where to find information on this.  Thanks!
Not having those issues anymore since
I switched from the Belkin to my networking system through my telephone company, Bellsouth. If I had any problems with anything prior to my changing, Bellsouth came and would not touch the equipment, saying they could work on mine if I had their networking. Ok, since I had so much trouble anyway, decided to give in and try theirs and no problems at all anymore. I have had theirs now for probably around 5 months.
punctuation issues

I was very careful about punctuation until I had to research things and found that the MTs at my hospital NEVER use commas. I could barely understand some of the long, strung out sentences. I always researched obscure medical terms to make sure my work was accurate, yet I make $10 less an hour than others there because the pools are set up so some MTs get the profitable work before the rest of us. The point of this is, I don't feel that my excellent work is appreciated, and I don't believe the pool situation is fair, so I just do minimum to get by.  I also work IC to supplement my income,  and my IC work is much better because I feel appreciated.


 


MT Workplace Issues

What a long thread!  I wasn't sure where to post this within this thread, as it goes back and forth in topics from dying field, to let's strike, to managers are Satan, etc. 


My only conclusion from this thread regarding the unhappiness so many have with being an MT is that the majority of you are young. I say that because you have such passion to defend a field you feel is worth fighting for, and that certainly is not a bad thing.  I used to be you.  I am older, though not necessarily wiser, but I have learned what works - the hard way.


All your complaints are very true for this profession, as well as for every job on the planet.  There will always be office politics.  There will always be a gossip.  There will always be somebody who doesn't like you or that you can't get along with.  There will always be a supervisor you think is incompetent. On and on and on. 


At my last on-site job, there was a very tight clique and I did not fit in, probably because I didn't try, nor did I have the desire to do so.  I brought my lunch, ate it outside, in the office, where ever.  Sometimes someone not in transcription would come in and join me, which was great, and sometimes I would eat alone, which was great.  I was invited to go to lunch with my co-worker out of politeness I'm sure, and I did go - once.  After listening to the gossip and the complaining and the attacks on everyone who walked by, I knew that would be the last time I would go to lunch with her.  She thought she knew it all, and I let her think that.  It made her happy and my life easier.  She did her thing, I did mine.  We got along great at work, but we would never be friends, and that's why it was a great place to work. 


In a nutshell: Do your job and do it well.  Do your time, and when the day is over, it is OVER.  You don't worry about what others are saying about you or anyone else.  As for being the meek little typer flying low and never saying a word, don't be quick to judge.  She is the smartest one of the bunch provided she sticks up for herself on the job front if need be.  She doesn't get involved, she minds her own business and does what she was hired to do, and doesn't go home with a headache or an ulcer at the end of her shift.


If you don't like your pay, approach your supervisor with facts and figures backing up your work.  If you are unhappy, start looking elsewhere.  Unless you have legal recourse for some action that management has done, you are wasting your energy.  Actions speak louder than words, let your work speak for itself.  No company wants to see an A+ trancriptionist head for the door, but by all means do so if the job is not right.  Trying to change the mindset of your supervisor will come back to bite you in the butt because you are not the one with the power, she/he is, and you will be looked upon as a threat.  Live by your job description, the one you agreed to when hired.  If your working for the social aspects, lots of luck. 


This is a dying profession.  I will be 50 shortly and I am looking to change my profession because I don't want to be looking for a job at 58 because low pay, outsourcing and VR made it impossible to make a living.  I do not see this being a viable way to support myself in the long run. 


Wow, do I sound OLD!  


 


You really need to understand the issues.

The wage demands (usually union-driven) are what have priced Americans out of the more than this business. You need to get beyond this drama that you've created for yourself and look at the issue. Your 7 years in the business are nothing compared to my 21+ so don't think that your name-calling and having to have the last word are impressing me at all. You are letting emotions control your responses, not level-headed thinking.


And two other issues come in to play.
It's the company's responsibility also to make sure the MTs have the tools they need to do the work, not pass along unreasonable expectations and demands to the MT with no help. I'm thinking things like facility punishing for not filling in demographics when said dems aren't available to the MT. IME it's the "st*pid clerical stuff" that often gets focused on. Stuff that could be fixed with a little footwork and planning.

Secondly, the supe should get over the emotional delivery and hysteria. The MT needs to know the facts; they don't need to know how upset you are about it. They don't need to be made to feel st*pid without being given the tools to solve the problem. Management needs to go into problem-solving mode, not blame mode.
satellite issues

My satellite transmission goes out if there is heavy rain, snow, clouds.......birds flying by (just teasing).  Very frustrating when you are trying to meet a deadline, but this is the only thing I can get.  It was also EXPENSIVE.  $600.00 up front to start installation and then they stuck me for another $150.00 for "additional" costs.  Monthly fees are expensive too. I live in the sticks though so I am lucky to have satellite.


 


Sleep issues
I have tried over the years so many things without success or with side effects. Melatonin puts me in a light phase of sleep, waking up frequently. Valarian root causes palpitations. Antihistamines do the same thing as the melantonin.

My godsend ... Tension Rx Nightime. You can buy in a healthfood store (though can be hard to find) or on-line. It is a mixture of a few herbs, aminio acids and GABA. It is very relaxing but not over sedating, and I am thrilled that if I get up in the middle of the night, it keeps me drowsy so I can go back to sleep. Only downside is your body builds a tolerance, so instructions state 6 weeks on, 2 weeks off. It also improves concentration and focus the next day.

Happy sleeping!
For IT issues/questions
I have found that productivitytalk.com has tons of information!
Give them a try! :)

tonighst issues seem to be
Urology and hip replacements! I dont even know where to begin to look for samples, et cetera
Wrist issues
Hi everyone!

I am having an issue with just my left wrist. It feels like it keeps locking up, and is pretty painful if I just let my hand dangle (like if you hold your arm out and relax your wrist so your fingers are going towards the ground). I only started working in April as an MT, and I am only 21. Do you think it could just be deconditioning or is it something I should get checked out? I don't have insurance right now so I really am trying to avoid a doctor's visit but I don't want to mess myself up permanently this young!

Thanks!
Security issues.
x
Does this have anything to do with personal issues?
I would not think the rules apply here- your name does not give history about you just by your signing in. I think this is a non-issue.
I had the exact same issues! sm
Maybe I'm an old dog. I started out with PRD and basically use IT the same way. I don't utilize all the bells and whistles that IT has. It really got overwhelming when I tried to use every aspect of the program. I basically just use it like the old PRD program and it works for me!