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Question about wedding gift requests...sm - Posted By: Future bride

My fiance will be merging 2 homes into 1 and the last thing we need are material things as wedding gifts as we'll be yard selling and giving away the equivalent of a household of goods as it is, with many items being donated to a local women's shelter to help these ladies set up a home now that they're away from their abusers. I'm not interested in collecting china or silver and there's really nothing we need. We've decided on asking people to give donations to a local children's home in our honor instead of wedding gifts, but other than that how do you recommend that we politely tell people that we don't want material things and if they don't want to donate to the children's home that we'd be happy to accept a gift card or money? I looked on websites such as "the knot" and while in one place they say it's tacky to ask for money, in their registry they have an option for people to sign up to buy American Express gift cheques which is basically the same thing (love the double standard) with the exception of course being that these have to be bought through them with a $50 minimum (ouch!) and $5 service fee. Thanks for your input!

Any suggestions on keeping your foot pedal still! - Posted By: SM

I have hardwood floors in my office and my foot pedal slips and slides around. I am consantly scooting it back towards me and having to reposition it numerous times a day.

Any suggestions?

Ortho, Neuro and/or Neurosurgery MTs...sm - Posted By: MT

...with Workers' Comp experience, where are you? Help!

Can you work M-F midnights for MQ or must sm - Posted By: hmm

work a Saturday or Sunday?

word help! - Posted By: Mary

Has anybody heard of something used in echocardiograms called (s/l Olfex, Offex), maybe some kind of contrast?

How not to hire an American video question - sm - Posted By: Yada

I looked for that video on YouTube and couldn't find it, and was wondering if there is more info. available on its origins, who made it, when the meeting took place, etc. Hayseed - did you find it surfing on YouTube, or did someone send it to you? Was it fairly recent? Did it have a title other than "How not to hire an American?" I think we might've lost one news organization's interest in it because of the difficulty in tracking down more info. regarding it, so I'm trying to find out as much as I can.

FYI on links from message boards - Posted By: mamaitalia

Please be careful when opening links from anyone on the MT boards. I had a word question and posted it to XXXXX (this is the board that the company I work for prefers us to use). Instead of answering my question, someone posted to look at the link that they listed. This link had the answer to my question, but it also transmitted spyware/problem to my computer. Just a warning, especially for new MTs - I had to learn the hard way - and am going back to my books instead of searching the internet or message boards for answers to my questions.

Sheri from MT stars - Posted By: Tamera

Sheri, I just wanted to let you know that I have not received an e-mail giving me a chance to draw from the gift bag. I made a donation using paypal on December 2nd and have not heard anything. I do have the reference number for verification.

Anyone out there live in Habersham County, Georgia ? sm - Posted By: Relocating

If so I'd like to e-mail with you about the area as we're considering moving to that area. Thanks!

Blurry Text Question - Posted By: Susan

I got a new computer for work, but my text looks quite blurry. (Makes me sick when trying to proof.)

I screwed around with the monitor settings to no avail. Does anyone have any idea what I need to do?

I will soooo appreciate any tips or suggestions.

Thanks!

EditScript on new computer - Posted By: Candi

Anyone ever have troubles getting EditScript to work onto a new XP computer? After getting Office 2003 and installing it, I thought I was all set, but I still can't get ES to work. It downloaded okay (I think), but won't open up. Waiting on tech support . . . but wondered if anyone had any words of wisdom. Perhaps there is something on my new computer conflicting with it. Any ideas?

Need Info on Company - TranscribeATL - Posted By: justplainnosey

I searched the archives for info (good? bad? etc.) on this company but can find nothing. Anyone know? Are they good to work for? Platform good? Pay on time? TIA

Does anyone know why some companies won't hire you if you have satellite internet service? TIA - Posted By: NM- AzMT

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How often do you replace your reference books, or (sm) - Posted By: rodawn

do you all strictly use medically acceptable internet sites for research now? I've been using the internet a lot, but I'm thinking of getting a new Surgical Word Book. Wondering if it is worth my $50 to do this. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

IC with severe carpal ts, what will I do for $$ - Posted By: sm

Hi, any suggestions for an IC for 10 years now that has severe CTS? I am in severe pain and have to medicate myself daily to work. After raising 2 kids on my own, I don't have any $$$ left to pay for an operation. What do I do now? I am so used to being independent. . .thanks for any help.sm

When last name is first, where does the... - Posted By: I should know this!

Mr. or Mrs. go? Last name, first name Mr.

Anyone going to Allied? - Posted By: Jennifer

I am a student at Allied, and I wanted to know if anyone else is going throug the same school for their MT course?

MQ pay cuts, more info - Posted By: nss

I just got a call from Corporate and I asked them specifically if they were going to cut the charges to the client the same amount of the pay cuts to the employees and she said Yes, they are............... I found that interesting

as long as it is indeed true.

Keyboard height issues - Posted By: Lara

It seems my keyboard is just a bit too high (or my chair is just a bit too low), as I am developing wrist extensor problems and ending up with a weak right hand, making it difficult to type. (I have been massaging it, but can't keep on top of it.)

I tried putting the keyboard on my lap, which really helped my arms but caused more trouble with my legs (I have circulatory problems in my legs). I also tried sitting on a pillow to boost me up higher, which, for some reason, also caused more trouble with my legs.

I have my keyboard on a tray below my desk and my chair at the highest it can go. - Any other ideas out there? (Can't afford one of those cool desks where you can sort of recline and no husband to rig up something for me.)

Thanks for any tips!

wannabe mt ur thoughts? - Posted By: angel

Hi. I'm a Transcriptionist for AT&T. Basically I transcribe sound files taken from surveys. I have over 3 years experience at this company. I left last year to go to another job which didn't work out. When I came back, six months had passed, so they rehired me as a new employee. This even after I left the company as the night supervisor of transcription with a three month notice of resignation. This wouldn't have been so bad if my pay rate as a transcription supervisor wasn't 10.00, and I was dropped down to 8.00 upon returning. Then again, it wouldn't be too bad making 8.00 if I didn't do double and triple the production of everyone else in the department with a 98% accuracy rate.

Here's my point. I have been wanting to get into MT for some time now. I have been doing research and gotten a lot of feedback about how you need to pick Andrews, M-Tec, or CareerStep to get a good job. Honestly I was leaning toward M-Tec, but of course you have to have money to make the money, right? I was going to try to take out a loan to afford the almost $4,000 tuition fee, but I'm not sure how that will work out with my GREAT credit score and this booming economy we have going for us. So tell me, should I be pushing to make my way into M-Tec, or should I check out some other schools? I need some unbiased opinions if possible, i.e. no recruiters and all that jazz. I'm about to have my first child, and now more than ever I'm feeling the pressure to have a future that will take care of her future. I really want to get into a field like this, so that when I'm accomplished I can work from home. Not only that, but I think I will be very good at it. so yeah... suggestions, comments, criticisms welcome!

Need some FTP info...sm - Posted By: NM

I have a desktop and laptop computer, always going back and forth. I need to find out how to set up an FTP so that i can access one when i am on the other to grab folders, etc. Can anyone give me simple steps on how to do this? I have Ipswitch as my primary FTP client. ANY help is appreciated. Feel free to email me and thanks so much!!

Is anyone else missing the complete list in the blue box? Pages seem to be smaller, too. nm - Posted By: Cyber weirdness

s

Any other vegetarians/vegans on board? :) - Posted By: Meghan

Just wondering if anybody else will be celebtrating a meatless Thanksgiving

Chat - Posted By: Lilly

Anyone interested in meeting in the chat room 7:30ish tonight?

ENT: "stassberger?" - Posted By: Joanna

I'm a VERY new MT and need your help. During the Review, the physician said, "ENT: No tinnitus...stassberger" or something along those lines. I've researched but to no avail. I will be calling someone soon for help, since I need to get these transcripts back by tomorrow. Any help would be appreciated.

it just struck me: Docs will speak clearly for a robot machine but not for an MT. (sm) - Posted By: chrissy

How does that grab ya?

A computer is demanding and getting more respect than we did for years, cleaning up their sentences, fixing their errors....and generally wiping their noses.

but now that a computer demands STANDARDIZATION....suddenly the docs can find the brain cells and patience to comply.

What a bunch of hooey.

That just struck me today as I was trying to understand the new mandate that literally takes away my way I have made a living and at 60 years old I get to go try to get hired at this age.

(All I hear on the TV is the "unemployment figures came out today and they are...... yet this govt is continually using computers to do away with meaningful employment for its people)

Thanks representative in WashingDC

The other thing before I get off my soap box:

Exon made a $40.6 billion dollar PROFIT last year.

............and my tax money went to them in the form of SUBSIDIES........

Unfreakingbelievable.

My cost of living to stay alive food wise, gas wise, electricity wise has gone up because Exon wanted a profit...........and my taxes still went for subsidies.

I understand some legislators tried to do something about it and BUSH THREATENED A VETO.

I leave you with those thoughts.

Just wondering - Posted By: Siren

does the moderator delete a job posting if the company name is not mentioned. There was a job posting a few days ago with either just recruiter or the person doing the recruiting's name, and now I cannot find it on the forum.

a dumb question (please don't blast me) ... sm - Posted By: dem

First, let me say that I too HATE our jobs being outsourced. Not only for the ill effects to US MTs, but especially the slave wages paid to Indian MTs to line the pockets of more greedy and overpaid CEOs. It is sickening.

My question, however, is what exactly is so bad about medical records being sent outside of the country? I just don't understand why everyone seems so adamant that this is an awful thing, mentioning homeland security, privacy issues, etc. Other than loss of our jobs as MTs, what is the danger and concern? Just curious.

Dictaphone question(s) - Posted By: baloney amputation

I've been using a Lanier for awhile, just switched to Dictaphone. Can someone tell me how to program a quick-access key to "go to beginning of file" -- or tell me if this is even possible?

Thanks.

I just found that you configure your regular keyboard - Posted By: me

to the Dvorak. It looks pretty interesting so I printed out the keyboard layout and will be trying the switch later. Of course it will slow me down a little, but my left hand has been hurting and I don't think it will hurt to try something different.

Another day of not smoking - Posted By: former smoker

YES....

Split keyboard mounted on chair arms versus split keyboard on desk - Posted By: Dixiekaye

For longtime comfort which is best - split keyboard mounted on chair arms or split keyboard to be used on the desk?

Also, why the preference over split keyboards that come totally apart versus split keyboards that are permanently connected at the top?

I want to revamp my office and there are so many different options.

MT vs. coding vs. RN - Posted By: kathy

I am looking to change careers. I've recently been laid off in data entry and internet research (expected) with a chance for re-hire in 2008, but I'm not counting on it. I'm looking for a flexible, transportable, decent paying job. I have been considering nursing for about a year but have it on a back burner as we are currently living 1/2 the year in Mexico and 1/2 the year in the US. We LOVE living on the road and really don't want to change that, HOWEVER; if it comes to taking care of my family (4 children 13-6), we will do whatever it takes.

In order to maintain our lifestyle (about $35K/year), recognizing that I appreciate and recognize good grammar, enjoy a challenging job, and require a job that allows me to work at home, I've been looking very seriously into the MT field. If I pursued this option, it would be with a certificate from either Andrews or M-Tec.

Reading the various MT boards (here, MTChat, M-Tec's board and the WAHM transcription board), however, I am quite concerned about the future of MT, both in pay and job opportunity. And then, at the same time, I am heartened by the enthusiasm expressed by IC's and happy MT's. There doesn't seem to be a clear-cut side on which to stand; the detractors seem to be just as common as the enthusiasts.

Further adding to my quandary is the trickle of nurses moving from RN positions to MT. I would enjoy the solitude of being an MT and am highly self-motivated. I believe I would enjoy oncology, L&D or peds as an RN but I'm not certain I would have the temperment to deal with patients stealing attention for frivolous issues from those with serious needs. I also wonder about the gore; not necessarily the blood but the pus. I am also concerned about bringing disease and sickness home to my family.

So, my current plan is to train with M-Tec or Andrews for a year, obtain my certificate, work as an IC and keep an eye on the nursing field. If possible, I might be able to continue to MT while in nursing school should it prove possible. I am also considering the fields of Radiation Technician and Surgical Tech. The reason I would prefer nursing to RadTec or Surg Tec is due to the travel available for traveling nurses (although I understand MedSurg would require at least 2 years of experience before I would be able to travel nurse).

Any thoughts? I definitely don't want to spend a year obtaining education and training that will simply be offshored.

What would a single person health insurance be - Posted By: likely to be, on average? TIA

s

DocQscribe normals - Posted By: Soon-to-be-unemployed user of DocQscribe

I will be leaving my company at the end of the week without a job to take its place. It's taken me several years to accumulate all my normals, and I hate to think I will have to start over creating them. Does anyone know how to transfer/move all the normals from DocQScribe to Word or to save them on my hard drive. I hate to think I'll have to start over creating all new normals. Thanks for your help.

Sounds like "buffalo" catheter.. - Posted By: Margaret

Please help!

? lidopine bis-a-late 10 mg daily - Posted By: STAT help

Anyone heard of this. I posted on word board but got no help. Need STAT.

LAW WITH REGARD TO UNPAID TRAINING, UNPAID WAIT TIME, DOWNTIME, ETC. - Posted By: Alice

I was doing some research and just thought I would share it here.

----------

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Employment-Law-924/2008/3/unpaid-training.htm

Question
I'm a part time security officer. The contract is changing hands where i work (large corporate facility)...the location stays the same but a new company takes over the new contract next week. The incoming company has advised everyone that they must attend a mandatory unpaid training class. Is this legal?

Answer

Expert: Shirley McAllister, CPP, PHR
Date: 3/28/2008
Subject: unpaid training

It is not legal.

Here is the ruling from the Department of Labor Website at

http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/whd/whdfs22.pdf

Lectures, Meetings and Training Programs: Attendance at lectures, meetings, training programs and similar activities need not be counted as working time only if four criteria are met, namely: it is outside normal hours, it is voluntary, not job related, and no other work is concurrently performed.

Since the meetings are not voluntary you must be paid to attend them.

FURTHER:

29 CFR 785.27 - General.
Attendance at lectures, meetings, training programs and similar activities need not be counted as working time if the following four criteria are met:
(a) Attendance is outside of the employee's regular working hours;
(b) Attendance is in fact voluntary;
(c) The course, lecture, or meeting is not directly related to the employee's job; and
(d) The employee does not perform any productive work during such attendance.

IF THE ABOVE 4 CRITERIA ARE NOT MET, THEN THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE PAID FOR THE TRAINING/MEETING TIME.

29 CFR 785.28 - Involuntary attendance.
Attendance is not voluntary, of course, if it is required by the employer. It is not voluntary in fact if the employee is given to understand or led to believe that his present working conditions or the continuance of his employment would be adversely affected by nonattendance.
__________________

ICs and unpaid trainings:

http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=59022

----------------

FURTHER
(FROM http://www.dol.gov/elaws/esa/flsa/hoursworked/screen1d.asp)

Waiting for Work
Time which an employee is required to be at work or allowed to work for his or her employer is hours worked. A person hired to do nothing or to do nothing but wait for something to do or something to happen is still working. The Supreme Court has stated that employees subject to the FLSA must be paid for all the time spent in "physical or mental exertion (whether burdensome or not) controlled or required by the employer and pursued necessarily and primarily for the benefit of the employer of his business."

Place of Work
Hours worked include all the time during which an employee is required or allowed to perform work for an employer, regardless of where the work is done, whether on the employer�s premises, at a designated work place, at home or at some other location.
------------

DOL.GOV, WAGE AND HOUR OFFICES:

Having trouble finding your answer on our website?

Call the Wage and Hour Division�s toll-free help line:
1-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243)
TTY: 1-877-889-5627
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time

line counts doing acute care ???? - Posted By: dls

just wondering, all these very high per day line counts, does this include acute care - discharge summaries, op notes, consults, GI tests, echos, etc. Just curious. I have been doing this a long time, mostly acute care, but some clinic, but I find that my acute care line counts are a lot lower than the clinic. I would appreciate any tips.

Midwest are cpl - Posted By: Lisa

Is anyone out there from the midwest that can tell me the going cpl rate in Illinois area (NOT CHICAGO). I am starting my own MT business and I don't want my pricing to be too high or too low. I plan on using 65-character line, with spaces, free corrections, pick-up, and delivery. Any suggestion would be helpful.

7th Heavn Finale tonight - Posted By: Poll/7th Heaven

Who will be watching the show finale tonight? I would watch the show with my daughters when they were in grammer school now they have better stuff to do and I still watch it. Was a great show.

Pacemaker/Microwave Oven - Posted By: Dixie

If you have a pacemaker do you still have to avoid microwave ovens?

Gmrtranscription Services - Posted By: Kymee

Good morning,

Has anyone heard of Gmrtranscription Services or Verilogue?

I am testing for a home position and I am curious about their reputation.

They transcribe physician/client interactions for medical marketing research.

Any advice is appreciated.

Kymee

Converting DSS to WAV - Posted By: Dave

I heard there are free tols on the internet that can convert a DSS files to a WAV file. Does anyone know where to find a good one? I just used the DSS software that came with my handheld to do it, and it went from a 2 MB DSS file to a 35 MB WAV file, which is unwieldy. Am I supposed to now zip the WAV file? How do you do that?

Thanks a lot.

Dave

Please welcome new Affiliate sponsor Northeast Transcription. - Posted By: Welcome! Administrator nm

/

KWIK POLL - Posted By: Kay

Need a quick stat if anyone has a moment to answer .... what is the "going rate" for transcription of VR these days? I do use that term loosely, as I know it can involve either hourly or by the page or by the line, and it also entails "easy" work vs very technically difficult. However, from the standpoint of someone who needs a springboard to start from, any sane offerings of truth out there? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE VERY, VERY MUCH! You are good people.

A challenge... - Posted By: Amanda

Okay folks... I like everybody else have seen my pay go down lately and have been complaining about having to work more to get the work done; I also see people talking about how many hours a day they have to work to get their lines for the day and how it equals minimum wage, etc.

Well, I went to the store and bought a cheap timer. I set it every hour for 55 minutes and I would take a 5 minute break at the end of that 55 minutes. I did not move my butt from the chair during that first 55 minutes - just typed. No phone calls, no surfing the web, no answering people's yells, no TV, no laundry, no dishes, NOTHING, NADA, just typing. Here are my results -

165 minutes (2 hours and 45 minutes) and I got 1129 lines. That averages out to be 410 lines an hour. For my pay, that is $41 an hour.

My challenge is to each of you who say you are not getting your work done to try this yourself and post your results and let's see what happens...

WP5.1 to WP12 - Posted By: hiya

Hi, I have WP12 and when you open it, it give you the option to choose the WP windows version, the 5.1 version, and something else, I think it's word? Anyway, I stupidly chose 5.1, now when I exit the program and open it back up, it is still in WP5.1 format. I cannot get that default that opened before when you open the program to allow me to use WP Windows. Does anyone know how to resolve this? Thanks in advance.

hourly rate - Posted By: nervousmt

What is the going HOURLY rate for a MT (independent contractor) that would be competitive.

Yeah for Time Warner - Posted By: mtme2

I actually just saw a commercial on television about customer service from TW, the end being they were making a point about a company with customer service in the United States. It had a guy calling for service, showed an overturned vehicle in a foreign country with the guy walking and the voice says something like stick with Time Warner, where when you call customer service, you get someone in the United States.