Good post, Amber. And true, too. All professions
Posted By: have changed in the US. It's part of the on 2006-04-21
In Reply to: Tired of the gloom and doom - Amber
restructuring. But anyone with eyes can see that even though the MT profession has changed, there's still a TON of work out there. You know, it behooves the employers out there to have doom and gloom run rampant and the MTs thinking that they can't do any better than 6-8 cpl. Sometimes I wonder if they're the ones spreading most of the doom and gloom, and then some naive MTs are picking it up and shouting it too!
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Excellent post -- thanks Amber!!!! - nm
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Amber - great post!! I remember selectrics....sm
And stayed on the Selectric for nearly 10 years pre-word processing computers (pre-Internet). I remember, we had no self-correcting - we had to use a white tape to remove a letter. But in those days, I did 2000 lines PER DAY!!! At 6 CPL. And I worked 5-1/2 days a week in their office. I had 12 accounts there. So, I know my value and I know I'm not making my line counts for the BIG national since 1/1/06. 
I agree with you that MTs will always be necessary. I too have been doing VR for about nearly 2 years and it all comes in terribly garbled via VR and we have to make it all nice and professional looking. I love VR though today, I rarely get any VR reports. Don't know where they have been farmed out to either.
Thanks for your insightful post!!! I, too, am tired of the moaning and groaning....something I never *indulge* in. All this complaining is an indulgence in my mind.
Be well and thanks again for your insightful post!! 
Thank you, Amber
any other professions.....
Yes, other professionals have similar boards - nurses, teachers, etc. You can Google message board nurses, etc. and see what you come up with.
In other professions, maybe, but not MT. In MT,
Your point about other professions
not being docked for not making production is quite the contrary. I worked in fast food for 8 years. I'd seen many fired for not making the grade. The same for tickets from metermaids (although in my area is the cops who have to make their monthly quota of tickets). What about car salesmen? Do you really think they will continue to pay salespeople who do not make sales? My point was directed more towards the fact that anywhere you work, regardless if it's production or otherwise, you have to show up for work and do a decent job. If someone constantly misses work due to illness, etc., eventually they will be let go.
Now I do not agree that anyone should be penalized for not making their line count if the work is not available. But that is not the case here.
I do not look at the MT profession through rose-colored glasses, either. I have a second income which is much more profitable, but it requires a little more travel, so I prefer to hold onto MT more so for the winter months and the flexibility it offers me with regard to my family's needs.
As for MQ, it did not go downhill because of TAT. It went downhill for a lot of other reasons, cheaper labor available in India, wanting to avoid paying unemployment, greedy suits, etc. The TAT issues were easily met with E-time and BOBs.
Not flaming you either, but I just don't see it your way. Have a good day!
during history a lot of professions went
down the drain.
It is not O's fault if technology takes over. This is the sign of the times.
You cannot go berserk because your profession becomes obsolete or curtailed.
VR was only the 1st step.
And Obama did not invent computers, VR and EMR and he is not a VR- or EMR salesman.
Change of professions
MA doesn't pay well enough to make it worthwhile, at least in my area. I went to school for that and ended up in transcription b/c the money wasn't good. I am in the same situation, mid 40s, thinking of going back to school. I'm considering radiology tech or ultrasonographer. I would consider respiratory therapy too, but I hate drawing blood. These professions all pay well enough to make it worthwhile IMO.
Here's a funny for you. I switched professions at age 48.....
I jumped into MT from a accounting/administrative secretary work. Got sick of the backstabbing and college graduates booting out all the oldies who knew their jobs. I was next.
I have no desire to go out there for a regular job. What I see in stores and shopping reminds me too much of people at places I used to work, so even Wal-Mart, etc. doesn't turn me on.
My dream is to hit the lotteryand retire...fat chance since I never play... LOL
Companies organize, not professions
Unions are formed at the company level. A union can be formed to represent a particular group of workers, but only individual companies can be organized by the union. Unions generally focus on larger companies, as that's where the union dues are going to be significant. If you work for a small company, your company will almost certainly never be unionized. It's just not worth it for the union leaders (no money in it for them). And ICs cannot be part of a union, only employees of companies. The MT profession itself cannot be organized, only at the company level, and only if the majority at the company vote for the union.
I mean the 3rd post below this is true.
nm
Your post is so very true! sm
Unfortunately, in my 25+ years in this profession, I have never had a dream job. I have had my own local accounts and worked for several MTSOs over the years. We all receive our share of garbage dictators, as well as wonderful dictators. Currently, I have days where I receive nothing but terrible dictators who take me twice as long to type as my better accounts. On these days, I may make under 100 dollars. There are other days where I can make much more than that when I have fluent speaking dictators and easier accounts. I found over the years, both having MTs work for me, and working for MTSOs, a versatile MT who can take the good with the bad, is the most valuable MT. You not only benefit yourself with learning many doctors and specialties, but you also become valuable to the company, and likely to be kept long-term. I can remember working 12-14 hours per day 6 days per week for years. This dedication and perseverance not only helped me make money, but continually educated me while making me a valuable asset to the company. There is no way I could ever type this many hours now, as my hands, wrist, and neck will not permit it. For any of you who are unhappy with your company after knowing you have given your all, research other companies because most (I know not all) will appreciate a qualified, experienced, and hard working MT. Good luck to all in these trying times.
How was her post rude? True, she does
seem a little snotty, not wanting to start apparently at the bottom of the totem pole where newbies do, and not fully realizing that the workflow in this business waxes and wanes, but she was not rude. Just extremely inexperienced.
Guess I missed it.
Your post is so well written and so true...
I realized that saying something really will not make any difference and venting my frustration has made me feel better. I really can understand where you have been and know that everything happens for a reason and the way you handle each and every situation in life defines you as a person. I am going to stick it out for now, but have an offer from another company I am really contemplating, as I will be back doing my specialty of reports and maybe can finally get some decent lines again, as I really like to be able to eat out once in a while. ;oD
All of the replying post is true.
Even if you do meet your line count by the 3rd pay period but don't meet it later because there is no work to transcribe, you still get the nasty grams and phone calls and told to work 24/7 to stay employed. The MTs who don't have this problem are given preference in order to help them make their line counts, thus reducing the work volume of everyone else.
They also just completely changed their insurance, reduccing benefits and raising the employee portion with only about a 10-day notice.
above post is very true regarding Bayscribe nm
nm
Sorry, meant for *not true* post (nm)
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Yes, I was hesitating saying this in my post before, but this is true,
doctors use their handwritten chart notes and their notes.
Also in almost all 3rd world countries.
X-Press' website says they have over 400 MTs. Is this true? Your post sm
says a small group of co-workers. I am considering working for them but I am getting conflicting answers, which worries me.
Very nice post - all true statements! - nm
nm
QTers - post previously true
Thank you to whoever had courage to post about QT losing their large account, for all I know their only account at this point. I had for months heard rumors of the work going to outsourcing and now our latest check sure looks like an Indian had signed it. So figured work would always be light and would have to supplement. But thanks to kindness of a stranger posting where the account is going, I won't miss a beat with a paycheck and with an account I have worked on for a long time. So if those of you were doubting whether it was true, it is true and I believe they are still hiring for more positions at the company that starts with W. Good luck to everybody. How could such a good company go down the pooper so fast?
This post is true. Pay attention people. nm
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Post here in Jan. 2007 said they have mandatory overtime. Is this true?
s
GREAT post. So true. I've been in this business
for 30 years, and never ever had more than an hour or 2 with no work. Not acceptable and doesn't happen to me. I work my behind off, am fantastic at this, and not 1 employer has ever done that to me, and probably never will. Just like you said, if I hit no work, I call and straighten the situation out. Don't ask questions about the account, about what MT can or can't transcribe it, just state that no work is not gonna fly with me, and I am always treated with respect and instantly given work, which I also thank my bosses for. Give and take - it goes both ways. I'm there when they expect me, and I'm there when they need me, and we're all happy. Can you imagine some MTs getting ANGRY at you? Again, another scream or throw up reaction from me. Some of you MTs really need some psychoanalysis, if you know what that is...obviously your income is NOT a necessity, and this is probably a job for you and not a career. You get out of MTing what you give and what you expect, nothing more, nothing less. Expect to be treated like garbage, expect slave wages, expect no work, expect disrespect, and you'll get it, and it seems like many MTs are looking for this! Thus the continual postings asking about companies we all know STINK. There is no other explanation - you want to be kicked to the curb and probably put little effort into your life across the board. Such a shame.
On the contrary, I find your post refreshing and true. sm
I agree whole-heartedly that MTSOs AND MTs are in it for a paycheck. It's not personal. If you don't like your employer's treatment, find another company where their style is more to your liking.
I took it to mean.......too good to be true. However,
I emailed just to see, right? LOL.......made dummies of all us, I guess.
2 good 2 b true? c msg
Posting on MTJobs has V.P. Transcription pay for a radiology accountn at 16/cpl for NO experience. Am I not reading this right?
If it looks too good to be true
that is what the story sounds like, millionaires all over the place in just 25 years. Yep, just sign me up today (Not).
Great post and very true! I read these today and was amazed that someone's first thought was pay
I agree that circumstances can make loans necessary but the OP sounded more like she uses these on a regular basis. No I'll have to learn to budget for the difference, just oh no, now I need to go to Payday Loans and pay 400% interest.
We have the potential to earn what we need to, although sometimes lately it is harder and harder.
Good for all of you. Wish I had seen these earlier.
p.s. Can someone call and tell my BIL to grow up too?
Thank you so much!! It sounded too good to be true! :)
nm
So very true. A good laugh. Thanks n/m
What sounds too good to be true - REALLY IS!!!
Gads! Three phone lines? What in the world could you possibly do with THREE phone lines?
What freaks me out about that posting is
$12.50 AN HOUR SALARY
STRONG ESL
At the end of the day, babe you will have earned every penny of that money. My head hurts just thinking of working that dictation puzzle.
Those dictators are the worst of the worst and they can't find anyone who wants to do it. ECK!
Not true. Good things have been said. sm
Actually only one person said anything negative and that was that they didn't pay, but others who have and are working for them countered that and said they do indeed pay.
I started with them last week and am happy so far. Haven't worked a full pay period so can't say for sure on the pay/don't pay issue.
They have an office in Texas and an office in India. If you don't like/want to work for a company that works with India also then it isn't for you, otherwise it has been good for me so far. The account I am on is pretty easy and I am being very productive. It is editing and transcription, from what I've seen about 1/3 standard transcription and 2/3 editing VR files.
Hope this helps.
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. (sm)
Nothing is as it appears to be there. I would look elsewhere.
Sure sounds too good to be true.
If anyone has any info I would sure be interested. TIA.
True but they have more good qualities
Too good to be true but any QA jobs available
Sounds too good to be true? It is.
Ok, so you are a provider and you want to eliminate your MT costs. So you either go with VR or EMR (template point and click). So you think if I just buy this program I can eliminate my costs of creating a record. So you fire your MT (s) and buy into this electronic thing. But then you find that you need to hire IT staff to make it keep chugging along. So you are replacing someone who does piece work by working by the line with someone who needs salary, PTO, sick pay, benefits, etc to keep that electronic thing going. So in the long run you aren't saving any money. In fact you are creating another boondoggle by having to install a body on your precious real estate and in the bargain you must take them to raise. This won't last long once these idiot providers realize the costs outweigh the benefits of going electronic.
Moderator answered "Not True" which means she will not delete post with name and link (nm)
I feel if it sounds too good to be true,
there usually is a catch..susan
I don't think that's true or fair. Most of the posts about KS are good. sm
I work there, have worked there a while and am very happy and know many, many others who have been there a while and are very happy too. They have improved rather than fallen apart as many companies seem to do. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a fair, caring, well-paying, high line count, good benefits providing company. I am in acute care but know many others in radiology and ortho and clinic. Yes, we compare notes with each other (many came from Edix and MRC) and everyone is happy. They keep getting new accounts and the new accounts are getting bigger and bigger.
I agree that OT pay (or lack of) was a problem but when they said no more OT work, many complained to the point that they said to work the production you want.
It is disheartening to sit back and read posts that are so negative when I know the opposite to be true. It can chase people away from working for a wonderful company. I think we see more posts because there are more employees and because they are always hiring due to new accounts. I also know that every manager, including the owner, that I have ever talked to, really cares and really wants to continue to make Keystrokes better and better. I think they are doing a great job.
As for running out of work, I know that there are ups and downs in transcription and they try to be fair during those times, spreading the work around. I also know that sometimes when a new account starts, the volume will be go up and down because they are working on the perfect staffing mix.
If you are having a problem, not getting enough work, etc. you really should talk to them. They will bend over backwards to make it work for you.
Good for you!! Its true, IC status is a joke!
nm
knew it sounded too good to be true...nm
knew it sounded too good to be true...nm
Agree!! Sounded too good to be true.
You do not get that kind of pay and only require 1 year experience!
Very true. Good reason to never burn bridges in this biz.
x
I've always heard if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. n/m
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Girls, hold onto your hats. Say it isnt so...if something is too good to be true..it usually is.
An ad on the job seeker's for 12 cpl...yeah right. I hope that Janis Reed realized she just opened a can of worms and her inbox is going to be flooded. I just still wish I believed in Santa too. Everyone tell me the skinny if your brave enough to apply. I bet no one thought they'd see the day when they would become paranoid about seeing an ad for 12 cpl LOL.. At 6 cpl, I'm disgusted, at 7 cpl, I'm not impressed, at 8 cpl..maybe...if easy clinic account, at 9 cpl, taking a second look, at 10 cpl, you've got my attention, getting a litte skeptical that it isn't all ESL, 11 cpl, Right!!!!, but 12 cpl...NO FLIPPING WAY.. Keep me posted. 
TT has paid maternity leave? Sounds too good to be true..
Just wondering if anyone has used this paid maternity benefit? Is there a catch? This is such a rare benefit now days it just seems too good to be true.
Good for you, if that is true. It is really a losing game. Wouldn't advise anyone to pursue it.
You have to lie a lot, wouldn't you agree? It is all bait and switch for the recruiters. They promise a lot, but the companies do not follow through. Care to say who it is you are a hiring manager for? LOL. Never heard it called that before.
This is not true. I have been there a month and get a good line rate and paid for spaces. ??? nm
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