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Many MTs do jump around a lot, often thinking the grass is greener. sm

Posted By: Is it Friday yet? on 2008-11-25
In Reply to: It's not really fair to judge a person on how often - they change jobs....sm

I recruit for a small MTSO (100 MT's) and look at each resume individually. I have a list of which companies do not pay, which companies send work overseas, which companies run out of work (have a lot of complaints about that here). If someone is changing often and has a string of bad luck, that is one thing, but when I see that someone is hopping from one big company to another every 3 months, that's a different story.

Many, if not most, of the resumes I get are from MT's who have either been with one or two companies or hospitals for a long time, or at least have one long-term job on their resume.

I have also found that someone who works full-time for another company or hospital is probably not a good applicant for us, as the full-time job will occasionally need OT, need the MT to fill in for someone else, have meetings, etc. and we are left trying to get coverage. For that reason, I will always choose someone who does not have another job over someone who does, if all other things are equal.

Also, you mention that IC's move around a lot. The MTSO I work for only hires employees, and after being at MTIA last year, he came back and said that most companies are moving to employees only, not ICs, as the IRS and state governments are finding that most IC's are actually employees, and it is not worth the risk of a large fine to have that determination made, even after following all the rules.

There are a lot of great MT's out there right now looking for work. Most of us look for stability, length of experience, flexibility and willing to work and are fortunate enough to have enough applicants to be choosy. When I interview, the MT's who give me their entire life story, complain about everything from their current place of employment to the cost of cat food, list their medical ailments and/or have a chip on their shoulder are put on the bottom of my pile or discarded completely. With so many resumes, there is no reason to hire someone who is negative from the very first contact.


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Greener Grass
I left Transcend's, never having made $16.00 even once. Now I make a minimum of $20.00 an hour, and on bonus time I get $40.00 an hour.

You must be the CEO of Transcend or something. : )
Grass Isn't Always Greener
I work for a major MTSO.  I work all holidays (without extra pay), nights, and weekends.  Its not that much better out there.  A lot of them will promise you a lot when they are recruiting but when you get your foot in the door, you find out what they said isn't true.  Just a word of advice, quitting over the holiday pay change isn't going to reap you any rewards.  If its on top of other things, then definitely think about it.  But quitting a job for that one reason alone when almost all of the other MTSOs don't pay for holidays anyway, is something to think twice about.  There are much worse companies out there than OSI.  And for those who are already going to start the mud slinging, no I don't work for OSi and no I'm not management.  But my advice would just be to think twice before jumping.  Like I said, I've never worked for an MTSO that paid me for not working the holiday.  Some have paid me a little extra when I did work it.  Others, just don't care about holidays at all.  It can always be worse than what you have.  Maybe you'll find something better but during the recruiting phase, it is so hard to find out what is true and what isn't.  Good luck!
for me the grass is so very greener !!
I had 7 yr in MQ and was able to take my Expander file with me -- so didn't feel like i was losing all the investment of time. I am extremely happy now, making more cpl too, but no bene's other than sweeeeet freedom :) i'd never go back. they asked me at least 4 times...
Grass is much greener!

I am making more $$, have paid holidays, but can work them if I want to.   I have 1 account and have can actually create and use normals.  I ran out of work once and that was on Labor day for an hour.  I was scared to leave MQ as well, but I couldn't stand it anymore.  I like my job again, which is great.


 


The Grass is Greener
I did leave MQ in September after 8 1/2 years and the grass is definitely greener. I took a 1/2 cent per line pay cut and now am making more money anyway. If you find the right company I'm sure you will be much happier.
The grass always looks greener
on the other side.

We are in financial straits. My husband was laid off years ago, which set off a huge ball of stress rolling downhill right at us. We ended up filing bankruptcy 3 years ago and are still paying the price, including a high interest loan on our home. He has been working 2+ jobs for years now. For me, it may always look like the right choice to find a hospital job with benefits but in my case it wasn't. I had been employed at a hospital until last week. The work there was short...and they weren't outsourcing, either. We would actually have to go IN to the hospital and work in Medical Records for our hourly time instead of taking PTO, which was depleted from the sporadic days of no work. I can't afford day care, which is why I WORK FROM HOME. They were pushing the inhouse work at least 2 days a week. That wasn't working for me. I had to quit. They won't be filling my position. I have had an IC job on the side for a local doc and have been lucky enough to find another IC job that has the work. So, hopefully I will make roughly the same...only time will tell...just no benefits. But, I now have a more flexible schedule and can be the mom that I have been missing out on being for the last 3+ years. I know there are people out there that would LOVE to work from home to spend more time with their kids. I love the fact that I can hear if they need something or can stop to cuddle for a minute but it's stressful at the same time when you are pushing to get your work done.

All I'm saying is that there are pros and cons to EVERY job, MTs or otherwise. Not everyone is lucky to find their dream job, but it never hurts to keep your eyes on the lookout.
went to where the grass really WAS greener.

went to where the grass really WAS greener.

Grass aint no greener
From my experience, to hop around, unless you know someone personally, no, two people, maybe even more that work for a particular company you are probably better off where you are, no matter how unhappy you are at the moment. This too will pass...
VERY well said. The grass is NOT always greener. I am happy s/m
to work for Webmedx, even thought things are slow right now. I can recall when I worked for another company sitting for DAYS at a time with NO work --ZERO WORK-- so I am quite happy running out for a few minutes at a time. The world is not perfect.
grass isn't greener, BTDT came back, sm
I have always been frustrated with management. However, they don't pay management enough and that is a huge reason why they don't get quality people in there. One awesome person they had left and now I see she is even back - grass wasn't greener elsewhere for her.

I left awhile back and came back with my tail between my legs. There are far worse companies out there, I tried 3 before I came back.

Why do I like Diskriter -
Pay is average for industry don't expect anything more than average, on time, direct deposit.

QA staff is very good, only 1 person maybe would not be my ideal QA person there because she really doesn't know what she's doing - she's QA because she can't type fast enough (was told that by a management level person who is no longer there).

Their Tech Support people are wonderful and always go out of their way, very personable and more than willing to help no matter time of day or night. Other companies are not that good or personable.

So, I guess I will be a Diskriter MT forever. Many have left and a lot have come back. They aren't for everyone but no one is.

Feel free to email me if you want to know more.
I work there and I love it. The grass is greener.
xxx
Grass wasn't greener - the poo was deeper though

I was in-house for 3 years.  We each had to work a major holiday every year, 2 if we were understaffed.  And we had to rotate weekends because we could never find part-timers willing to work the weekend, and then we had take an odd day off in the middle of the week so they didn't have to pay us OT.  Plus we had to back one another up in case someone called in sick - ruining our weekends off because we were on call and could make any real plans.  Our schedules constantly changed and it was impossible to plan anything in advance because we never knew when a last minute change in the schedule would affect us.  Often I'd get a call from the boss to come in early because someone called in sick.


I couldn't make any money in house.  My hourly paycheck was set in stone, and they whined and griped if they had to pay any overtime, but would rather force me to take unplanned time off to make up for the 12 hour day they required me to work the day before.  Then someone else had to come in early to cover MY being forced to take off half a day.  It was a circus that never ended and we all felt like clowns.


Now I have some control of how much I make and when I make it - at least a lot more control than I had in-house.


I feel your pain but the grass may not been greener elsewhere!

I am getting a little worried too.  If you can, wait until after Labor Day before you make such a major decision just in case it is simply last minute vacations before the kids go back to school.  I hope that will take care of some of it.  Good luck!


The grass, in my opinion, is definitely not greener. I left QT and a short time later, sm
I came back and was never happier that I did. I should never have left in the first place. I think QT is, by far, one of the most flexible, good-paying, understanding company to work for. I actually enjoy when it is a little slow and volunteer to have a day off. I love to have a day to myself every once and a while.

In regard to the person who waits 30 minutes for work, just call again. Sometimes, the office people get side tracked and then might forget that they didn't get work routed. L told me once, if I didn't have work in 10 minutes, call again. Usually, if this happens to me, the person says something line, Oh, I got busy and totally forgot, I'm sorry, I'll do it right away. Sorry about the long post, I just happen to think that QT is the best company out there! ;)
The grass is always greener over the septic tank. Go find another job if you are unhappy.
MT jobs are easy to find, so very easy to find.
At first I was thinking that you were being unrealistic, not thinking about taxes, benefits, etc. bu
surprised to find that you are not asking the moon. Let me clarify a few things: Rates charged are not as high as 0.25 per line, but no one that has U.S. employees goes as low as 0.115 or they would not be able to pay their bills. A more realistic range is 0.125-0.165, and that top end is hard to find, most falling at 0.14-0.15 per line.

The rates of pay you propose are very reasonable IF the following is true: These are seasoned MTs who do not need a lot of hand-holding, QA or blanks filled in, unless a very difficult/impossible doctor.

How about a scale based on experience and accuracy of 0.09 - 0.105 per line (acute care), and $1.15-$1.30 per report (radiology)?

The VR one is tough as everyone, MTs and MTSOs and facilities are still feeling their way on this. As an MTSO who was an MT, I feel that VR editing is as difficult to do as regular transcription. I don't think that it should be substantially less pay or charged less as the end product is still the same.

Funny thing here? My company already follows that scale. We should work together, not at odds, to reinforce this industry and bring it back to where it should be, right here in the U.S.A. with a decent paycheck.
The grass is not green in Radiology
Your friend may make triple what you do, but I can assure you she/he is the exception, not the rule. I have many years' experience in radiology and I can tell you this is one of the hardest specialities in which to earn a living because it is the most vulnerable to voice recognition takeover. Don't quit the 'day job' till you really do your homework about rad jobs.
greener where?
I was offered a position with FutureNet. I am not sure though. I know the acct that they are going to put me on is ESLs, not fun!! Where did you find the greener grass, if you don't mind me asking? Thanks much!!
Greener
If I might ask, email if you don't feel comfortable posting. Thanks!
greener pastures
I left MQ about 5 months ago for TransTech, couldn't be happier. They are extremely busy right now, hope it lasts!
To Greener Pastures
It sounds like you have been in this business long enough to know what it has become and how fast it can change.  Don't expect it to be any different with the next company you wok for.  All good things eventually come to an end.  I just started with a small U.S. Company who does not offshore.  Yes, I hope to make it 10 years there, but I doubt it.  I stayed 10 years with the previous company.  The last 2-3 years were awful.  When it gets to the point that you hate to go to work every day and your life is miserable - it's time to look for greener pastures.  They are very hard to find I agree.  I would tell you to look at the smaller U.S. companies who do not outsource.  They pay better and for the most part the work is steady.  They are also a little more flexible with their scheduling if you need that.  They can not afford to over-hire and waste an MT's time.  If you lose your account, they will still do everything they can to keep you.  You may have to go through a couple of companies to find your home and be happy, but save your money for the next change too.
Mind if I ask where the greener pastures are?
with as much flexibility? i could use a backup plan. thanks.
there are NO greener pastures anymore
too many horrid platforms, low pay, so on and so on
not a good company...look for greener pastures
nm
I quit and found greener pastures! Good luck to you. nm
x
Sure!!!!!!!!!! Jump right on in!!!!!!!!!!
After the wage and hour uproar they most likely won't ask you to work overtime and not record your hours
May I jump in here...
I have already applied to TT, finished the testing, etc. Does anyone know how I might follow up on my application? Has anyone here done so. I know a lot of people have applied here and they are probably swamped. It has been about a week since I finished my testing. Should I wait another week or try to pursue a followup?
Would jump on more pay
if it doesn't work out can always rely back on your MT skills. As long as work load isn't too much and too stressful, as QA can be much of the time.
may I jump in?
it is not just medical; this is everywhere, I think it is a direct result of shabby schooling. The kids are not getting the same basics we did. At my 30 year reunion, this was a big topic of conversation. Some things are better and more in depth, especially social studies and math and sciences, but good basic English has gone by the way side. and then, of course, there is the internet which I guess actually has more people using some writing skills that otherwise they would not have. and I don't care what anybody says, the boston tea party was not an accident! You really have to be aware of what your kids aer being taught now. Our parents would have been down to the school so fast. Now they are teaching some religion, just not Christian. Big dispute on Houston radio last week. well, enough of that for awhile. Just had to vent.
Where exactly are they all going to jump to?
This has been coming for a long time. I for one am going to try to go into with a good attitude at least and give it a shot. I left my last company (MQ) not only because of VR, but because on top of it they put everybody in huge work pools (otherwise known as the cesspool). It was an impossible situation. They will all be doing it before you know it. Nowhere to go but out of the profession altogether.
I am so tired of having to jump
accounts to get a laughable report count. With the company I work for I have to work on 4 different accounts to even get the minimal amount of work daily. I cannot stand it anymore. I have to be the most flexible person in the world but enough is enough. Are there any companies out there that allow you to work 1 Radiology account and actually get a decent report count by the end of your shift. I am lucky if I hit 80 reports a day and that is just not cutting it for this single mom.

I guess I just needed to say it outloud. TIA.
Just jump right in. They're okay. nm
:L
Why don't you just jump over to MDI side!
You think Transcend is bad, honey work a week with MDI and then let's compare jelly beans.
Sorry to jump in, but it really IS common
sense not to post account info or patient names.  Yes, the rules of posting are plastered everywhere, and any Transcriptionist of 15 years should know NOT to post private client names anywhere. So, you are arguing and looking more silly.
Jump ship
Their pay plan is horrible to work with. The bonus is based on your QA score, if I'm not mistaken from the month previous and that goes through the whole next month. So if you have a bad month, it will haunt you for the next month!
its sad when ppl jump on a company
just because they can't or won't do their job right! As part of the management at Shapin, I really don't understand where anyone could honestly say we have poor management. We strive to help each and every MT and editor....So...if you're bitter...you must be a bitter person!
Jump on board!
Same with me -- no test, immediate offer, so I jumped and I'm glad I did! 
Oh, I would jump at that chance if available!!
nm
jump ship now
you won't be sorry. 
I would jump on it - MDI-MD is very selective
in whom they hire & would consider myself fortunate to be offered a job with them. Their entire staff from recruiter,liaison,& technical support convey that they are the best!

I've been with MDI-MD for 3 yrs & couldn't be happier! Workflow on my account is 98.9% & is predominately steady; however,there are seasonal periods when work is low or nonexistent. I do have a secondary account, but if that account is low also, I've made sure I've ensured myself a safety net by working extra when the accounts have been bombarded with dictation. There again, I could ask for another account to fill any deficit if I felt it was necessary to do so.

Simply speaking,it boils down as to whether you are truly a SE & are willing to work hours other than 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I have adjusted my body clock & work late afternoon & evenings with plenty of work left over from those signing off at 5 p.m.

Everyone with this company is just fantastic to work with. I can e-mail the manager personally, my liaison or tech support,& know I will receive a reply via e-mail,if not a phone call,within a short period of time, if not minutes, of doing so.

If you have any other questions,please feel free to e-mail me and I'll try to answer them or guide you to the appropriate person at MDI more qualified to answer such.



I am not so sure I'd jump on the KS bandwagon...
I applied and they said they only wanted full-time and would I consider that?  So they talk out of both sides of their mouths.  I have 15 years of experience with Meditech and I would have agreed to a set schedule including a weekend day for employee status and worked on Meditech since I know it, and the recruiter told me no part-time and I sent my resume through their site and she responded right away.  So, if this is a sign of how they operate, I am not so sure I'd want to work there at this point.  That is not fair at all.  I have a lot of experience and for them to just shrug me off yet turn around and hire a part-time person, that's just wrong! 
I think others can jump to another company
but what I see coming in your companies is probably VR right behind them. What I would suggest if people are so against even trying is that, if they are younger, to train for another profession. Nursing would be an excellent choice, nurses always needed, any type of medical field because even in hard times people still have need of people in this field. Ultrasound, MRI techs, anything if so hard to grasp the idea of technology coming down the pike. I personally think by changing jobs will not take care of the problem but changing professions might.
I saw the typo, so don't jump all over me, lol. NM
.
Oh yes. I believe I'd jump at the chance.
I really have to say that. Although I have dedicated my life to this job, that fact is easily lost with the smallest infraction by people who scream at me in CAPS. I want to enjoy doing the work I do with such care.
MQ IC's jump on the system and "hog" up
It is like that at any company I have been with, whether we were all IC's or all employees. How some people can wait until the last minute like that EVERY pay period is beyond me.
Before you jump into transcription you should know that we have all been told that
all transcription work is going to VR Editor with very, very little transcription and that we are all going to take a cut in money! Most people at Medware are great and most of them are not the ones making the decisions that will impact us. Going to transcription is certainly not a longterm save for your paycheck!
Don't think I want to jump into the MQ frying pan with all that's been happening lately. nm
s
Oh, so your not seriously looking for another job, just trying to jump start them into paying more..
Not sure that works because there are still way too many transcription companies using Escription that pay less so they probably don't feel to motivated to increase their pay. Although I do know a lot of MTs that have turned them down because of the low pay. Personally, I applied but I couldn't take the pay cut.
I have to jump right in this cesspole & answer
This is what I know and/or what I was told by 2 ex-managers there.

1. You are expected to be on call 24 hours a day.

2. You are raked over the coals if accounts go out of TAT (if your MTs decide not to work for whatever reason on the same day).

3. You make a LOT more money as an MT.

4. You do not have to relocate but you will have to go to Douglasville for a week to get the inside scoop.

5. If you've been a thorn in their side, they won't hire you, so don't even bother - SERIOUSLY. See #6.

6. They hire only patsies and brown-nosers for managers.

7. There are MUCH BETTER companies out there. I feel like a frickin bird out of prison and have never looked back.
Don't jump the boat too quick...sm
Good morning! I feel your frustration. I have been in a situation like that and actually did have to leave the company. Being that it was just a holiday weekend, I would suggest just hanging in there a little longer. The company I work for takes about a good two or three weeks to get back to normal after a holiday, especially if not many MTs took PTO. Maybe give it a couple more weeks and see if it improves. Ask for a backup account to learn while you're out so you at least have that for next time. I know it's hard to be patient, but it might pan out. :)

Blessings! :)