Um, yes employers do expect you to look in books
Posted By: OldMt on 2009-05-10
In Reply to: Being an OldMT, as you call yourself, it seems that - ==
Employers do want you to own and know how to use reference books. The Internet is not always the best tool. A combination of books and Internet are the ideal reference tools. But to respond to your post would definitely be a waste of my breath, as I can see your mind is made up that you don't need reference books. That's fine. I am neither too old to know about Google or to be computer savvy, as I am a college student working on a Bachelor's Degree. You must be very insecure to have to make such catty personal remarks about a stated opinion. So when the Internet goes down, you just sit and wait for it to come back up, the rest of us will continue working.
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Reference Books?
How much are you asking and what do you have? I need a cardiology ref book for sure! Also in need of ophthalmology ref book. Please let me know. Thanks!
Reference Books
I am starting with Trans Tech the first part of September. I used to do transcription in a hospital, but have been out of it for a few years. I have never worked at home before. What kind of reference materials do most of you have at your desk? Do you have mostly books, or online references?
Question about books
When you do QA for a company do you all use the same reference books so that everyone agrees? (QA team and trans). I've always wondered about that.
(sorry for going off topic)
Books ;:Internet........................sm
to each his own.
My instructor and also my supervisors told me to look it first up online and then, if in doubt, verify it through book references.
I said already that I use both, books and internet...
And I also agree that the MTing field needs a total overhaul, but not a regressdive one, it needs a progressive one, namely more AVR, front-end and EMR.
Are you at least using an online dictionary?
This is for sure faster!
And I also do not understand why you say that one learns from books faster and better than from electronic books? Why should this be? I can also memorize terms if I look them up online.
Books vs internet
As I stated in a posting below, I learned in books. However, if used properly, I think the internet is one of the best tools available for MTs. We now have access to drug lists as fast as they are approved. Online access to the dizzying array of medical specialties via their journals provides information about the latest and greatest testing and procedures in their respective fields. The various American Cancer Society, American Epilepsy Foundation, etc., keep up to date information on diagnostic procedures and new treatments for their respective diseases. Vast data bases provide information about study protocols, gene sequence testing, standard laboratory values. Even the Yahoo yellow pages means less guessing at physician names. Yes, books have their place, but as an MT, there is an obligation to embrace technology rather than fight it, much like we went from typewriters to computers, because to do otherwise renders us dinosaurs.
I use a combination of online and books
I do radiology and have 4 Stedmans - radiology, medical and surgical equipment, cardiovascular and pulmonary, and ortho. I had a big drug book when I was typing acute care, but found that it was WAY too cumbersome and so used Medline Plus for drugs. I can't do without my Dorlands online, but if you go to dorlands.com, you have to pay for a subscription, so I used mercksource.com, clicked on Medical Dictionary and it takes you to Dorlands, and that page is in my Favorites. Of course, the reason I like radiology is that 99% of the time you're typing the same thing over and over and you rarely have to look anything up! But it's that 1% that'll get ya.
Google vs Reference Books
I admit the Internet is faster and easier, but if you put in the wrong spelling when looking up a word on the Internet, a lot of times you can find it spelled that way. I've had it happen. I agree with this poster. There's too much room for error when you just Google a word and don't know the meaning or how to spell it. I do use it frequently for drugs, especially new ones. I just make sure to find the drug company's website or the official website for the policy. I've seen surgical equipment come up spelled totally wrong, like it sounds, nothing close to the correct spelling.
Another thing, I worked in an office last summer doing editing with a couple newbie MTs. One girl thought she was the computer/Internet whiz. She was working on clinic note tapes. One day the Internet went down. OMG!! You would have thought the end of the world had arrived. She was lost, frustrated, and on the verge of tears. Now there was a complete set of Stedman Word Books, as well as Dorlands and 2008 drug books in the office, but she didn't even know what books to look in. So another good argument for reference books. Get the knowledge, don't just depend on the Internet.
books versus internet
Well, for me, when the internet goes down, I can't work anyway :=)
Yup, change to create a need to sell more books.
That's what I said the first time I heard examples of the new edition's changes. With the logic this one uses, I expect the next edition will decide that a lot should now be one word, and no one should be spelled as one word as well, because it is now so common for people to spell them that way. Oy.
I've heard of it. Do you Google only or do you have MT reference books? nm
x
Buying reference books a tax write-off, yeah? (nm)
While some employers may....sm
try to claim that you can't work for someone else and them at the same time there's nothing legally they can do about it if you do as long as you're not telling the other company what hospital/clients you're working with for either company and sharing other internal information. Things like this have been tested in the courts previously and basically they can't prevent what you do in your non-work scheduled time. A lot of MTs don't tell company A if they're working also for company B... or vice versa, because it's really no one's business what you do in your off hours.
Can. Employers
Terra Nova is looking for as many Canadiab MTs as they can find. Acute care is mandatory and experience with Vianeta is a bonus.
most employers have an
at will employment. How secure is that?
Basic word books, spellchecker, expansion software...$450/500?? nm
s
Wait a minute now..before you sink a bunch of bucks in books..sm
I've been at this for many years and I have about 18 books that I've acquired over the years. Since I started working using internet-based platforms, I rarely have to open those books..just Google gets it most of the time even quicker. Oh, yeah and the 150 bucks I sunk into SmartType..well, it's been sitting on the shelf for 6 years now. The internet-based platforms and most others have their own expanders. A good basic word book from Stedmans or Sloans should be adequate for a newcomer; but some companies provide these as well or offer a discount. So, bascially, between Google and company-provided Expanders and equipment along with reimbursements for phone line/web access, start-up cost should be quite minimal now.
I have tons of reference books, all specialties. Going on ebay if not sold. nm
Not just MT, most Employers require it now
It is becoming quite common for any employer, not just MT Services, to do a Credit Check now. Some companies think that if you cannot handle your finances (late payment, judgments, etc), you will not make a good employee or you might be tempted to try to cheat on something. Since past employers are reluctant to give any information besides dates of employment for fear of being sued, new employers had to find some other way to dig up the dirt, so to speak. Just the sign of our times. No one trusts anyone anymore. Nothing personal. Used to be you could just send in a copy of your ID (Driver's license, SS card, passport, etc), and now they want you to have it Notorized, but still get it back to them within the 72 hours required. Best advice -- find a job you like and try to stay there -- forever!! 
Employers also like to know how far in debt you are
them! There goes your negotiating! If you're desperate they'll dangle any crummy old carrot in front of your nose.
Me too...most of the time employers
ask that you NOT attach your resume, rather paste it into your email. I understand the poster's statement, but it is not the norm to attach resumes in emails anymore. Most companies state that if you do that, it will be deleted.
Canadian employers
Also, hi again. Would anyone know of any Canadian companies hiring MTs, or US based who hired Canadians?
Thanks again
Me, too. If employers don't want to get badmouthed,
.
Employers looking at your credit!
That should absolutely be none of their business about our credit report. I can see about criminal investigation, but credit, that is confidentiality and those people can steal your identity in a heartbeat especially when we have never met these people in person. We fax forms constantly to so many different MTSO companies and have no clue what they could do to destroy our credit! I would never allow a company to check out my credit report unless I was applying for a mortgage, buying a car, applying for a credit card, etc. What nerve do these companies have going into more personal detail about our own credit rating. Please...lets be so darn careful about protecting our identity. Very scary world we live in today!!!!!!!!
Definitely appeal it. UE is used to having employers
make up reasons for termination. The bottom line is if they cannot provide proof of your misconduct or that they informed you of said misconduct, you will probably win, especially if you saved any of your e-mails regarding your problems with demographics, etc.
Are there any employers hiring that do not use VR? nm
Who are they?
Questions to ask prospective employers
Hi there. I'm the recruiter at Precyse Solutions and was looking out on MTStars to see what's going on and saw your email. I think it is great that you are asking this. So many applicants call me and never ask any questions. Below are some I think are important and probably I am forgetting some:
1. How long has the company been in businss.
2. Approximately how many MTs do they have.
3. What is the companies philosphy regarding MTs.
4.Employee Status or IC
5.Do their lines include spaces (very important. 65 + spaces makes about a 17% difference to your benefit in production.
6.What benefits do they provide. (If benefits are important to you?). If you don't need benefits, can they pay a higher line rate.
7.How does the training period work. What is the pay, how long is it. How are you trained.
8. How is the pay calculated. Do you get shift differentials, etc. Does the line rate fluxuate in anyway regarding QA audit or usage, production, account levels, etc. Any penalties?
9. Do the MTs have a primary account and a secondary or multiple.
10. % of ESLs on Account they are considering you for.
11. Do they provide a computer. What is the cost.
12. Do they reimburse for phone line, internet service provider, etc.
13. What kind of support do they provide. Technical and QA.
14. How is PTO paid?
15. 401k? Match?
16. Minimum production standards and time line.
17. Schedule flexibility. Hours in schedule?
18. What platform to they use?
19. Is there an Expander and medical speller provided.
20. Can you install Stedman's etc. on the computer if provided by the company.
That's all I can think of for now. If you want to email me, I would be happy to talk with you and anwser any questions you might have. Good luck to you :)
Thank you for your help. I performed very well at the jobs, but did not know whether employers may
not be happy with people leaving, etc. I also did not realize that they may just want to verify your employment there. Do you need to pick a specific person to contact and inform them that you are using them as a reference? Thanks again.
Flipping the script on Employers!!
Since the majority of these companies are not upfront or truthful about their lack of work, and their recruiters are just little monkeys following orders, I have decided to accept as many jobs as I can, space the hiring dates 2 weeks apart, and try each job out before I make a serious commitment. I have accepted 4 jobs to date, and I will not be left out in the cold another year because I believed in a company that did not measure up to their hype. My kids will not go hungry again. I have been burned so many times and I did not start out to accept AL 4, but my husband informed me that none of these companies will be loyal to me, so I need to do what I need to do.
Employers are required to report anything over
Sorry but those are Uncle Sam's rules.
well i have received gifts from employers
and i too have been in the business for over 30 years, in various capacities, various states and on-line. I have received everything from nice cash bonuses, to fruit baskets and smoked turkeys. But i never 'expect' a gift and rarely see one anymore from employers. Nowadays with all the so-called political correctness, they'd probably be in trouble if they didn't offer similar gifts for every various religion's major holiday....
Open letter to MDI and other employers going to VR
In VR:
Dear empty eye,
As an empty with plenty years experience comma eye was vary this dress to learn that I will shortly be demoted from an empty to a VR quote Editor unquote making far less money than my training and years of experience deserve period you are comma node out comma counting on technology to eventually fix the bugs in yore VR soft wear period mean while comma you are ????? a viable resource period sum of us wood much rather retire than see our tail ends miss used by working as VR editors period to whom will you turn when this VR idea fails to pan out question mark period paragraph person alley what I have all ways enjoyed a bout transcription work is the actual typing comma the rhythm and flow comma inserting a punk situation mark here comma subtly colorectal sin tax there comma and turning a complete mismatch of a dictation in to a real double report period lets face it comma many doctors are complete idiots period the dictate the rung medications comma or the rite medications at potentially fetal doe sages period they mambo comma wrestle peppers comma talk to colleges comma eat comma bleach into the phone and make other bodily noises while they dictate period even naive English beakers often do not have the first idea of proper sentence structure or grammar period yet comma you expect olive us to clean up a VR mess for half the money we are making now question mark we think not explanation point paragraph so cut costs as you wish comma in one or 2 years when VR comes to our accounts parenthesis or before parenthesis we will have found something else to do comma and the profess shun will be pourer for the lost of all of us period have a nice stay explanation point
MT translation:
Dear MDI,
As an MT with 20 years’ experience, I was very distressed to learn that I will shortly be demoted from an MT to a VR “editor” making far less money than my training and years of experience deserve. You are, no doubt, counting on technology to eventually fix the bugs in your VR software. Meanwhile, you are jeopardizing a valuable resource. Some of us would much rather retire than see our talents misused by working as VR editors. To whom will you turn when this VR idea fails to pan out? Many of us believe it is time to retire or find another line of work.
Personally, what I have always enjoyed about transcription work is the actual typing, the rhythm and flow, inserting a punctuation mark here, subtly correcting syntax there, and turning a complete mishmash of a dictation into a readable report. Let’s face it, many doctors are complete idiots. They dictate the wrong medications, or the right ones at potentially fatal doses. They mumble, rustle papers, talk to colleagues, eat, belch into the phone and make other bodily noises while they dictate. Even native English speakers often do not have the first idea of proper sentence structure or grammar. Yet, you expect all of us to clean up a VR mess for half the money we are making now? We think not!
So, cut costs as you wish, in 1 or 2 years when VR comes to our accounts (or before) we will have found something else to do, and the profession will be poorer for the loss of all of us. Have a nice day!
I think the employers are just lazy, and don't want to do the taxes. nm
/
Exactly. That also goes for good and bad comments. Employers can be sued.
Employees can also be sued. Bad taste though and we do not need that type of thing. We have had enough of it on these boards.
Credit check IS the norm. Employers want to how
x
Employers, creditors, lenders, landlords, etc do run
x
Are employers required to offer Cobra?
nm
Meant employee and not employers in the second sentence
nn
Your idea of screening employers who post
Two thumbs up!
Internet DSL or cable...heads up to prospective employers sm
I see many employers insisting upon cable or DSL internet only as a prerequisite for employment.
These are not the only two reliable, fast ISPs anymore, folks.
I have fixed wireless, also known as wireless DSL. I have a package right now at 768 kbps, with the option to go 1 mbp. My ISP is every bit as fast as regular DSL (I know; I used to have DSL) and is, in my experience, more reliable. Fixed wireless is NOT satellite (and again, I should know; I used to have satellite, as well). Fiberoptic is also out there and from what I hear, beats even cable.
Technology is progressing by leaps and bounds and I hope prospective employers do not rule out any great MTs because they do not realize that cable and DSL now have company...and competetion: Fixed wireless and fiberoptic.
Part-timers cost as much to have on the books as full timers with only
a fraction of the revenue. It costs the same to run a check, mail things, send equipment, set up with IS, etc with PT as FT.
I expect I and a lot of others will be also saying bye bye.
:
they can expect all they want,
but you do not have to comply. When they send out their pleading "we need all the team helping on this" move past it. You cannot be productive or happy working 7 days a week for too long. White collar sweatshop is only there if we allow it.
I just have to say this: What do you expect?
A company comes underfire in a public forum by what may well be just 1 employee who didn't make it. There could be many reasons why.
Now, the company cannot name employees but the employee can name employers?
So, why wouldn't you expect an owner to come out swinging? This original post to the thread has nothing wrong in it. I saw the posts that were removed and they should have been.
But you know what? They were not any worse, different, or shocking than the trash that is posted here daily.
While some know how to post appropriately - complain in an appropriate manner still showing some integrity - most do not.
I don't blame her for at least addressing the issue. If MT's don't like employers coming on here defending themselves, perhaps they should consider the ridiculous trash they themselves are handing out.
This is a 2-way street, people.
Don't expect that to last
nm
Expect nothing and you will never be let down (sm)
Some of us got absolutely nothing from our company but personally, I'm just thankful to have a job in this messed up world we live in.
You cannot expect (sm)
to receive more than 7 cpl if you only graduated from an MT school 1 year ago. You are still considered a newbie. Actually, some would say you are lucky to have found a job at all, especially a job that pays 7 CPL. My advice: Stick with your current job for 2 or 3 years; try to work on as many different accounts possible, learn as many different report types possible; then, after 2 or 3 years, search for a company who will pay you a higher rate. I know it is hard to make it on what you are being paid, but we have all been there; it comes with the territory.
If IC, co cant expect you to do ANYTHING for no
x
Expect nothing, get nothing.
nm
Oh come on!! How do you expect her to
stay in business if she isn't making something beyond what she pays the sorry likes of you??
Oh come on!! How do you expect her to
stay in business if she isn't making something beyond what she pays the sorry likes of you?? I think we'll all heard enough from you today and probably for a long time to come.
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