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again editorial decision

Posted By: Vann Joe on 2006-07-04
In Reply to: No spaces IMO looks terrible and is wrong. If you want it to wrap together use non-breaking space - QAer

Not an issue of right or wrong, just an editorial preference/decision.

You prefer:
1 tab 10 mg p.o. t.i.d.

Other prefer:
1Tab 10mg po tid

To me the second is easier to read and is clearer. To you the first is.

vJoe


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editorial decision

I think combining the measurement with the unit of measure is an editorial decision. I personally like it, for I think it is more clear, and you never have to worry about the measure and the unit being on different lines (with auto wrapping as in all word processors). I believe its origin stems from the scientific community.


You would never see 2 " for 2 inches, but it is 2". By the same token:


10mg, or 5cc or 1L seems more clear than:


10 mg, 5 cc or 1 L.


10mg qid. Seems very clear. It is just an editorial decision. No right, no wrong, just an attempt at greater/unmistable clarity.


Same editorial factors are working in writing 0.125mg and never .125mg without the 0. Leaving the 0 off can lead to misunderstanding: To the fast reader the . could be a fly speck, the the 0.125 is unmistakable. I think clarity ought to be the goal, and not strictly historical considerations.


vJoe


It is so easy to post a letter on a newspaper editorial or magazine. Everybody write one.
If you have a story to tell - get busy.  Go to news shows, magazines, newspapers.  It is so easy.  Talk about the MT business or about the whole offshore process and its cost to the U.S.  Any and everything written only solidifies our total point of view.  GO TO whitehouse.com for sure.  Don't wait for others to carry this for you.  Support Travelin MT's efforts on the company board!!!!
decision
Why not just be honest and say, hey, I have a better offer. Either pay me what they pay me or I'm out of here.
decision
I would have to consider the headaches and extra responsibilities of "lead" and the UNPAID hours you will work if you are salaried and do you still have to type a minimum of time/lines.
right decision
Tinkerbell, I think you made the right decision.

Independent contractors will eventually be forced to move to Vista when their XP boxes die, and they need to get a new computer. But if you have an option of staying with XP, I think for most MTs that course will avoid lots of heartache and problems.

--vJoe
My decision is my own....
I'm not looking for anything from anyone other than just to see if this has happened to anyone else. The fact that she did not allow me to explain the position, account specifics, what I expected, etc. tells me she is a difficult person to get along with. It's too bad too, because this account pays up to 14 cpl, so it's her loss, not mine. There are many other good MT's out there and I have several other resumes I can choose from.
Obviously, your decision
You don't mention benefits...I don't know whether you need them, if you have them with the at-home position, or whether they're a non-issue. I would love to find a hospital where I could get in for 3 days a week typing radiology. It would be great to have at least that much guaranteed money (although, admittedly, if you're part-time they could call you and tell you not to bother coming in unless you're actually covering a shift). Plus, after 20+ years of doing this at home, it's kinda nice to get back out there among people again. I worked for a very brief time for a temp agency and it was actually pretty nice; I felt like a little kid playing dress-up for the 2 days a week I went into an office!!

If you really like the current large company you work for, I would probably hold on to that as well, leaving the door open so that if you found after a month you really couldn't bear it, you could go back.
Thanks, I agree......I am okay with his decision, but will
absolutely miss watching him play. He has so much talent and to see a young man walk away from a game he once loved so much is very upsetting. He will be fine and is so intelligent. I always tell both my kids, academics are more important than anything else while in school. He gets that drive and push from me.

I am very proud of him, always will be. He has so much character and courage to actually face the coaches and explain his feelings.

Inside, I am sad just because I am feeling sorry for myself cause I won't get to see him play anymore.

Thank you so much for your help with this! I just needed to hear some opinions and hope I am doing the right thing by supporting him in his decision.

I will get over it tomorrow - today I want to sulk!


Only you can make that decision.

Will you be looking for another job any time soon?  Will you make more money as a CMT?  Will it make you feel good about yourself to have the certification?  Will you have time to study for the test?  Make a list of pros/cons and decide from there.


Personally, it's not worth it for me.  I don't want to support the AAMT because they're supposed to be for Americans, but they promote offshoring.  I have enough certifications and education papers kicking around that I don't need another one.  CMTs don't get paid any more at my employer.  I also don't want to drive 300 miles each way to take the test.  It's expensive, and you have to recertify every three years.


It's a personal decision.

I prefer IC as well.  When you're an employee, they pay you less per line than as an IC.  You still pay taxes, federal, state, Medicare, Social Security as an employee.  However, the employer pays for Worker's Comp and matches the social security and Medicare only portion of your taxes, which I believe is only 7.65%.  That social security percentage is quite small when you consider the fact that self-employment taxes are only 15.6%.  I don't remember the exact percentages because it's been a while since I had to manually figure it all, but you can look it up on Google.


As an IC, I get to deduct every little thing I can think of.  I can deduct my home office, a portion of my utilities, a portion of my Internet and phone, any mileage, office supplies (and I love office supplies!), furniture, software, computers and other equipment, paper, reference materials, everything.


The issue is that when you are an employee, those taxes get taken right off the top so you don't even miss that money.  Most people don't set aside a percentage of their pay that should have gone to those taxes, so they grumble when they owe at tax time.  You actually get to see how much you're paying out in taxes.  However, they got to use their money all year instead of loaning it to the government interest free.  That's a perk.


Yes, that is a wise decision. (nm)
dd
Trying to make a decision
I have just been hired with a super good company, who is offering the right amount per lines and have an abundance of work, but I work for a company that pays only pennies and I mean literally pennies and I've been working for them for years, trying to keep them on float. I feel loyal to them but with the new company's demands with the workload, I am not going to be able to keep up with the company that offers pennies.  I just don't know how to tell them good-bye....
At the end of the interview, the decision
was up to Mr. Trump, not Randall. In the business world, you protect your own position and interest, and he showed Mr. Trump that he was indeed tough enough to do that. This is not "Survivor," taking someone to the final two.

As far as Rebecca goes, she is indeed a very impressive 23-year-old. Her exposure from the show will take her far, perhaps farther than the Trump organization. However, she is still quite young. The right candidate was selected for this position.
Decision on taking a job

I took 3 documents in Word and the program calculated the amount of characters with spaces and without spaces.  I divided the character counts by 65 to get a line count.  I then multiplied the line count with spaces by 8 cents per line and the one without spaces by 9 cents per line.  In all 3 cases, you are better off taking the job at the lower rate counting spaces. 


Example:  1 document 4339 characters without spaces, 5179 with spaces.  Divide each by 65 comes out to be 67 lines without spaces, 80 lines with spaces. 


65 lines x 9 cents = $6.03


80 lines x 8 cents = $6.40


The others came out with a discrepancy of 78 cents and $2.16. 


I did other size documents and none of them came out where you were getting a better deal by being paid the higher line rate with no spaces.


I hope this helps.


They should post their decision
on one of the 'sticky' messages so it is always at the top of the boards...all of them!
You made the right decision nm
Crass.
Tough decision
I have been an MT for just over 20 years. I don't think I would ever consider QA. Knowing the poor quality of many (not all) of the MTs these days keeps me from even considering it. Knowing that the reports that I personaly end up sending to QA are the worst of the worst, I would think that is what other seasoned MTs are sending.....which means YES you are getting nothing but garbage coming your way. Inexperienced MT work *plus* don't-give-a-crap-except-for-my-line-count MT work *plus* really tough stuff from experienced MTs *equals* NOT FOR ME!!!

When I get ready to sit down and work I HOPE there are some good dictators in my future.....being QA I could almost bet I'm going to have a crappy day. I for one could not take that day in and day out. Plus the money is so much better in MT. I am going to try ASR soon, so a mixture of ME and MT. We'll see how I like that. Good luck with your decision.

Another thought would be that I might consider QAing for a hospital that has their employees at home, NOT a national company. Like the university hospital where I used to work. If I knew the quality of the MTs was up there, and that the MT supervisor tries his/her best to get onto the horrible dictators.

Best of luck with your decision.
Difficult decision

Hi,


It sounds like, despite all the problems, that you love him and want to remain a family, particularly for the sake of your son. 


Without disrespecting that, what I would suggest is that you tell your husband to either grow up already (and pull his weight around the house while he is at it) or please go ahead and divorce you and marry his mama. 


In the meantime, make sure that your name is not on his credit card bills, etc. and that you DO expect him to provide child support while he is absent from the family, the home, the marriage.  If he fails or refuses, take him to court--that should make him wake up and smell the coffee and grow up fast.  Otherwise, let mama figure out how to manage his payee check with that new expense. 


HTH. 


questioning decision...

Can any of you that have been at this for a long period of time answer me this question?  When you first started out...did you feel overwhelmed?  How long does it take a person to really see if this is something they'll be good at?  I find myself getting headaches really easy and only after a few hours of typing.  I feel fatigued.  Is it normal to feel this way in the beginning and what suggestions do you have to help?  When do you feel that things are finally settling down and you start to move along at a normal pace? I'll give it a few months I guess...I'd think at that point I would have a pretty good idea if this is something I'm going to be productive at or not.



Sorry for all the questions.....I guess I am feeling uneasy and was hoping for some reassurance or words of wisdom from none other than another MT. 


need to make a decision....help pls
I have tested this week with Medware, Execuscribe, and JLG. Offers from all, not heard much current info on any of these. Any input would be appreciated TY!
Have made a decision that
when dictation is too fast to decipher and doc is an ESL, will leave blanks without hesitation. I am responsible for accurately transcribing what I hear. I will no longer take responsibility for dictation of that which cannot be dictated. If they ask why so many blanks, I will tell them.

I am trancribing for a new doctor. No sample notes. NO IDEA WHAT HE IS SAYING. But, will no longer make it my responsibility.

Guess I have snapped!
decision made
Well I got told today right before I left work that my transcription i do for my department is being sent away anyways.  That pretty much made my decision for me.  I am getting a lot of support and even from my boss right now.  I am going to go ahead and take the at home job and use my left over vacation that i get once I quit and save that for my leave when i have the baby.  I feel happy yet scared but i just can't work there anymore.  My whole reason for having that job was to do the transcription and it has just dwindled for the past few years and now its going to be gone!!!   Most of it is going to this company i am going to be working for.  hey maybe I will get my own transcription back that i am losing!!!  Thanks for listening and please keep giving me your take on things!  
I would certainly base my decision around what
What are your hobbies or activities that you really enjoy? Look for a way to find training/employment in those areas.

It's not too late to go back to school at all. Though it will take some time and investment. You might discover your perfect interest along the way!

I'd open an Internet Cafe that serves gourmet baked goods, sandwiches, etc. :)


Help in making decision

I would like to know: are there jobs for MT's that you can work PT as in: log on, take the work you can do for the day, turn it in, and get paid for it? What I'm wanting to know is if PT work is available to work at your convenience or is it always told to you when and how much you need to work?


Thank you in advance for your response. I feel like I have read so much about MT's but can't seem to find this out!


Decision Process.....
I am in the process of taking on some part-time work, along with my account that I currently have.  I have had offers from several good companies, two of them are paying me 10 cpl, another 8 cpl per gross line, one 9 cpl and another 8.5 cpl.  The two that pay 10 cpl are super-nice to deal with, really they all have been great and that's what's making this decision so hard.  I'd like to just accept them all, but know that's just not possible.  These are all IC positions, so other than the pay difference, what else would you look at to determine which to go with?  BTW, all are for flexible shifts and are all IC positions.  Thanks for the advice.
Personal Decision for me because...
Two reasons.  NUMBER ONE -  This is not all about me. This is a USA issue with me first.  We are only part of what is going on here.  I have a new U.S. job, great.  I still care about the MTs going through what I went through.  I also care about the other millions of jobs that are offshored, those employees just like you and I, and the impact that has on this country.  NUMBER TWO - I have recently signed a severance agreement.  This was basically a nice financial agreement when I got layed off that stated I was to keep my mouth shut about the company and its practices now and in the future.  It was a nice settlement and  I have done that.  However, I can run my mouth from a different angle - an American citizen who is fed up with the whole process and I figure the bigger the numbers I can quote - the more notice will be taken.  I do not HAVE to mention a specific industry to be heard.  I wish I could say something about confidentiality though, but I guess you guys will take care of that for me.  I prefer to remain very anonamous.
It's his decision to make so you have to respect that.
:)
Not shallow. It's a big decision to make. sm
What color was your hair?.  If it was dark, you'll probably have to touch it up every 3 to 4 weeks.  If you choose to go blonde, you should be able to get away with every 4 to 6 weeks for touchup.  I had brown hair, turned white rather than gray.  I use Preference by Loreal.  It works well.  Like another poster said, it is a good idea to contact representatives of one of the OTC brands.  They are very helpful.  Should be able to find toll-free numbers on their websites.  If it was me, I think I would have a professional do it the first time, someone you trust. 
I know it's not the best financial decision, but (see message)
I have no money problems and can afford to have payments each month.

I lease strictly out of convenience. I don't like to own a car for more than a few years. I don't want to deal with the hassle of selling a car once I no longer want it or deal with repairs. I want a car that's always under warranty and that I can give back easily when I'm done with it.

If I were not financially stable, I would definitely purchase a reliable used car, but where I am in life right now, I just don't need to. Leasing is a convenience for me, and it's one that I'm willing and able to pay for.
I feel this is a personal decision
there are a lot of determining factors. Where you live, weather conditions, etc.

My dog is an outside dog but he is kept on a long runner. He is getting older and we are planning to fence in part of our yard soon so we'll let him roam free in that area when that happens. I imagine that means he'll be "caged" but considering how people drive on nearby roads I think that is a much more humane choice than *uncaged*. We love him and would never put him in a small cage or anything like that. In cold weather he is brought in to either our garage or our laundry room.

He is a very happy dog :-)
Thank you everyone for the input. It helped with my decision.
I have been feeling quite used for years by her, but have been putting up with it because she IS family. My mom did tell me years ago that she hates cooking holiday meals, so she has basically invited herself every year since 1999. We do always have a good time, but I do nearly all the cooking and cleaning up. Sometimes she and her husband show up in time to eat, gather the leftovers, and leave. I go all out for holiday dinners too. I have decided NO more. We cannot be used unless we allow ourselves to be a doormat. Thank you for telling me what I needed to hear, especially those of you who have also dealt with this.
I would just retain proof that it was their decision,
xx
So Toni, have you made a decision??
?
It's a personal decision. I make about $6K more with my CMT.
nm
Thanks for your help everyone! I made a big decision yesterday
And I am happy with what I have realized. I realized that what makes me nervous is the seeming unwillingness of my present situation as an IC where this company (perhaps all companies are this way when you are an IC) will actually make sure to keep me working. Their goal seems TAT which of course is to keep the client happy. That means they want very little jobs on the system at any given time, and they will hire as many MTs to keep that true around the clock. At least that is my take on the situation.
So, I made the decision to be an employee at a company which is more of a mom and pop type company. They are hiring on for 2 new accounts and have the full time amount of work slated for each MT they hire, straight transcription. I will keep the IC on the side for now, to make sure this company as an employee works out, but since the IC company does not care how much work they have for me, I have little worry how much I do for them. So, there will be no pressure on my conscience. If they don't bug me, I will do as little or as much as I want on the side and make sure to keep the employee job happy (which has incentives and bonuses). Either way, I guess what I was seeking was a more stable situation. I know I won't find the exact answer in this economy, you are all correct, but I do believe my worry was about mistrusting the company where I am an IC, and even if they were the best company in the world, they probably are not a good match for me if I do not trust them. Thanks for reading this long post. And a million thanks for your advice and suggestions.
EMR decision - stay or wait?
I have transcribed for a clinic for many years, as an IC. They are now going with the EMR. They are convinced that the minute they start their new program, they will no longer be in need of a transcriptionist. Therefore, I am giving my notice, because why wait around, wondering if they are going to need me or not. I feel like "dead man walking" every time I go in there now. Question for you who know? Is the transition as smooth as they think? One of my friends says they will come running back to me.

Apparently, the other clinic my clinic knows who has it says that is not so. Their transition apparently went fine (but of course I can't ask anyone anything, especially their former MT). Don't ask me if it's click and point. No one over there seems to know. I do know that the day they are going with EMR has changed 3 times and I have accommodated, but now can't stand the stress of not knowing. Any suggestions? Stay or go now?
I did Chapter 7 a year ago and I do not regret my decision..sm
I was in huge credit card debt and medical debt and after paying just the interest for years I decided bankruptcy was the best option.  I have since cleaned up my credit, payed my bills on time, and bought a new car.  I have no credit cards and no stress!!  Sometimes bankruptcy is the best option.  When people tell you that banktruptcy will ruin you and you will never get a house, car, loan, etc., it's not true!  Sure your interest rate will be high for a while, but life does go on! 
I've made a decision to leave MT...

And to pursue my RN degree...I've had quite enough of being treated as a 2nd class worker...enough!!! I'm tired of paying for xxxx doctor's mistakes. I'm tired of being "talked" to by "supervisors and QA" who know even less than I do. And basically, I'm tired of making squat for wages while I work my fingers to the bone...


So, anyone done this transition before? I'm sure there are some out there who have and have been quite successful at it.  If so, I'd love some words of encouragement. Unfortunately, I'm stuck doing this junk until I'm done with school, which will probably be a few years......but hey, I've done it this long, what's a few more, huh?


I'm glad that you were able to make a final decision...
and am sorry for your current living situation. It must be very difficult to be going through having your husband in assisted living. I sought an in-house position thinking it would alleviate my loneliness and help me to make new friends/colleagues. I was only in the office for about three weeks, had brought in donuts, bought soft-drinks, etc. just trying to fit in. My initial excitement didn't last long. The two girls in the office would take breaks and order lunch without even asking me. Maybe being home so long has made me naive or hypersensitive, but my feelings were hurt nonetheless. I heard them make remarks about how "chatty" I was. I was just excited to be around people again. After a short period of being around them, I questioned what I possibly missed.

Maybe you could get involved in a local church (if you haven't already). This has been my main source of outside interaction and support.

I wish you the best on your decision. I've been there and know how you feel. Please feel free to email me anytime you'd like to chat, give an update, or even vent a little. :)
The owners of both Andrews and M-Tec very accessible and can help you with your decision.
Best of luck. :)
It is ridiculous to make an employment decision
NM
I have made a decision. I am going to drive the school bus.
If the best an in-house position can offer is $12 an hour, I might as well make $12 an hour and NOT cripple my hands any further.  I will just type part time on the side.  Maybe that will pay the bills.  This profession has gone down the tubes and I am getting out. 
Martha Stewart made a GREAT decision...
Jeffrey was plain WEIRD. His story sucked...
Good point but I have made a decision, this is what I am talking about!!
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transcriptionist from USA, we offer to give our Best services to you.

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If you are looking for Something Better, Mail us at
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I don't agree. The decision to pay for holidays should not be based on money alone. sm
If it is, perhaps you need to look at the prices that you are charging.

If you decide to pay a higher than average line rate to make up for benefits, don't say that they do unless they really do.

I make a good living as an MTSO and hate to see whiners make us all look bad.

Time to rethink this business. We need to make our companies places that people want to work, not places that everyone complains about. If we all did that, this field would be much better off all the way around.

LMT
Needing to make a decision... hourly or production...
If you had the choice between a shift lead type position at somewhere between $14 to $16 an hour or production on an account with a lot of normals.  The shift lead gets you experience editing, supervising, etc., but the production account you are just transcribing. You can make a lot more money at the production job, but the shift lead will get you started in a more management type of position, which would you choose? You will be stuck at that hourly wage with the lead position, but there are possiblities of moving up with the company.  But, the money on the other account is quite good, as there are a lot of free lines.  I am just so confused and have to make a decision, as I cannot work them both at the same time.   Any suggestions, comments, or feedback?  Thanks. 
Okay, I understand that...but judge was wrong in the final decision.
These judges need to get off their high horse. They're lawyers for crying out loud!

Taken from article: Far too much injustice is perpetrated on individual plaintiffs and defendants because of questionable judges. Even more important, people's faith in government and in our society is seriously undermined by the presence of too many such judges presiding over our courts.
Congrats on your decision. Develop some outside interests or hobbies
s
Good grief. You'd make an employment decision
Honey, you need to get a grip!

After I make my decision, I would be happy to share the information. nm
x
no, it's not what he means. Point and Click is Client decision.
nm