A story about homeschooling.....very long
Posted By: MT in GA on 2005-11-15
In Reply to: Homeschooling - Brandy
First of all, please know that this post is NOT to say that homeschooling is not as good as public or private school, because that is not my belief at all. I have 2 nieces and 1 nephew on my husband's side of the family who are absolute geniuses because of being homeschooled. I don't have a strong opinion one way or the other about this subject, and I had not even heard of it when my children were young. But this is what happened on the other side of my faily.
My nephews, now ages 14 and 10, were homeschooled by my SIL (my brother's wife). Their 1st son started out in first grade in public school, but they had trouble with the teacher at the very beginning so they pulled him out because they thought the teacher thought the child was not advanced enough to be in first grade. I don't know the whole story because they were always so "private" that they never really shared a lot with us, or maybe just me, I don't really know. Anyway, they decided to homeschool. Honestly, we as the family around them did not feel this was the right thing to do (1) because my SIL was sooo protective, (2) we didn't feel she really had enough education herself to do this (even though I do understand the the cirriculum really "tells" you how to teach, and (3) the fact that there is not a homeschool group close by where we live and my nephew was already showing signs of some kind of social "something" where he didn't interact with other children well - I don't know, just somehow kind of off socially.
Anyway, trying to make a long story somewhat shorter here, they did homeschool hime and his younger brother when he became old enough. Everybody like it well enough, but I could tell that these nephews did not thrive on it nearly as well as my nieces and nephew on the other side of the family, who had really great parents and a really geat support group. Then....my SIL came down with cancer -- melanoma with brain mets -- and for the 14 months or so before she died, the boys used videos and the help of my mother and their other grandmother to continue to homeschool. After their mother died last September, they homeschooled with a friend for the remainder of the calendar year, at which point the friend bailed on them and my brother enrolled them in a Christian school in our area.
Now they are both having MAJOR trouble in school, math particularly. The oldest one has tons of homework and obviously really does not know "how" to study. Sometimes he gets long assignments early and has a few days to work on them, but he "forgets" to start on them, or "forgets" to look at his agenda where he has it written, etc. The kids at school make fun of him and he is almost a complete social misfit - really just because of his personality and, I think, because he has only had 1 or 2 friends all these years, and those were children of a friend of his mother's who has now pretty much dropped out of the family's life so ... poof! - there went those friends. The younger one is having trouble also but not so much socially. But the older one is completely miserable - here he is, beginning his teenage years and no friends at all, his mother gone, living way out in the country where there is not much to do since he "doesn't play anymore" as he puts it, and homework lots of night from 3:30 or 4 p.m. to 10 or 10:30 - plus, on top of it all, he has developed a smart-mouth which is driving his overloaded dad absolutely crazy!
My brother now says that maybe the homeschooling experiment wasn't such a good idea after all. :(
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- A story about homeschooling.....very long - MT in GA
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Here's the story - long message
I have been using the product off and on for the last 7 years, but mostly since November 2002. Let me offer the short version of what’s involved:
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4. Learn the proper way to dictate: http://www.emicrophones.com/articles/index.asp (check all of the links on this page; Marty has a terrific web site). This can make or break the level of accuracy.
5. I prefer Dragon Medical Suite over the Professional version. You want to have the latest version, which is version 8, since it has the highest level of accuracy (you upgrade further at no charge, but you need version 8 on your system). Previously, you could purchase version 6 or 7 off ebay for $250-300 and then upgrade to version 8 for under $200, but it seems that now the upgrade to version 8 is $450. So, you’re best option is to keep an eye on eBay and pounce when you see a good deal on DNS Medical Suite version 8. However, you *can* get by with DNS Professional if you have enough documents for the program to “read.” They say 30-50 MB is sufficient but I disagree. I do acute care and have close to 500 MB, and keep adding all of the time.
6. Will the product benefit you? I would recommend the product to someone who can say “yes” to any of the following: [a] you have physical problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis; [b] you don't have a great memory and cannot remember thousands of abbreviations, which means you’re typing things out at least 50% of the time (that includes being proficient at SmarType and Instant Text, which *still* boils down to memorization).
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I think I've covered the initial bases on this. If you want to discuss things further, just email me. 
It could be worse...(long story)
I was an in-house MT at a psych facility, both inpatient and outpatient. This also involved telephone and face-to-fact contact with patients.
There was on patient there whom I'll just refer to as S. S had been discharged from inpatient services to outpatient services. She was a very, very ill woman, and she relied very heavily on her therapist to make it through the day. I did NOT like her therapist on a personal level at all. Huge, overblown ego...just one of those guys you get the "creepy" vibe from. Well, he decided that S relied on him too much and that she need to be transferred to another doc for her primary care. Which I understand, truly I do, so this part I don't hold against him.
Holiday season rolls around. S is looking increasingly horrible as the days go by in the process of transitioning to her new doctor. The day before Thanksgiving, she is calling repeatedly, several times an hour trying to reach the therapist that I don't care for. I tape notes on his door, I catch him in the hallway to tell him she doesn't sound 'right,' and is he going to call her. At this point, I know career-wise I'm skidding on thin ice but there's a human LIFE involved so at this point I'm putting my instincts first, career second. He finally tells me he's allowed her to come in for an emergency session.
She comes to pay me after the session and things ARE NOT RIGHT. I can feel it in very fiber of my being clear down into my gut. After she leaves, I tell the guy that something isn't right with her, I can sense it.
An hour later, her calls start up again. She's sounding increasingly upset and just generally on the edge. Again, notes taped to his door, etc. Finally he leisurely strolls into my area for a cup of coffee. I ask about S. His reply? "You sound just like a hysterical woman. This is how patients react when they're transferred away from a doctor they worship, like S does me. Stop worrying about it."
Well, you all see this coming, I'm sure.
Thanksgiving day, S is found at a local hotel, having poured a 500 count bottle of aspirin into a paper bag and eaten them like popcorn. She committed suicide.
When I found out what had happened, I cannot begin to explain the feeling of liability that consumed me. Should I have gone over his head? Should I have screamed and yelled and threatened to quit unless SOMEONE did SOMETHING to save this woman? Should I have yelled out wondering why all of these highly paid specialists didn't see the writing on the wall, as I did, that this woman was about to take her own life and someone had to stop her?
And if I had, would any of them have taken me seriously or just written my concerns and instincts off as he did, "a hysterical woman?" Yeah, imagine my delight at being told THAT.
They had a memorial for S at the hospital for the staff and patients who knew her to attend. The day of that memorial, I became so emotional that I was sent home. I kept thinking it was somehow MY fault, that I should have overstepped all bound and done SOMETHING.
This all culminated in a meeting between the chief of staff, the therapist involved, his supervisor, and ME. I let it all out and I didn't hold back. I told them I would curse forever the day THAT MAN RIGHT THERE shrugged off his professional obligations, left the ball in MY court, and left ME to live with the guilt of that woman's death, all because his overblown ego wouldn't believe that (a) someone other than HE could sense this woman was getting ready to do something horrible and (b) that expressing concern doesn't mean you're 'hysterical', and (c) had he been enough of a human being and less of an ego-driven imbecile, perhaps he too would have seen this woman falling apart right in front of his eyes.
I still live with the guilt of this. I still flash back when I hear a song from that memorial, or when I see someone isn't sound or acting just right. I make it a policy to NEVER allow myself to let personal feelings enter my career.
But truth be told...I really wish I would have committed career suicide that day and saved her. I really do.
RIP S. Wish I'd have done more.
Just left a long comment with the story.
I just left a long comment in the comment section. Any little bit helps at this point. Thank you so much if you are the one in the story or connected to it somehow.
Before considering homeschooling, I would
ask a lot of questions such as What is going on to cause the trouble?, Does he have an inadequate teacher?, Bad atmosphere?, Other children picking on him? I truly do not believe in homeschooling and feel that it should not even be an option. Children need social interaction. They do not need to depend on us moms for every little thing. They need to learn to stand on their own 2 feet even at this age if they are going to make it in the real world later.
You certainly don't know much about homeschooling. sm
Homeschooled kids are more socialized than you would or could ever imagine. Just because you bring them home doesn't mean you take them out of the world! Homeschoolers these days have SEVERAL groups in EVERY area who plan events TOGETHER and help each other as well as LET their kids soialize. These parents, YES, get to pick who their kids socialize with during these times. BUT, then you'll find almost all homeschooled kids are also involved in social activities, i.e. community soccer, baseball, football, bowling leagues, ski groups, etc. They don't have to be sheltered just because they're brought home to LEARN.
You WILL find that most homeschooled kids are more RESPECTFUL of adults than other kids, can INTERACT with adults more easily, and DON'T get away with any excuses as to why their work didn't get done or blame their problems on someone else. They actually don't have a choice but to take RESPONSIBILITY for their actions.
How could I possibly know all this? Well, I homeschooled both you youngest children, now 25 and 18. Both are obviously out in the world now. Both have good jobs where they work hard to make their livings, the second just as an interim to going to college out of state and the first with his degree and working a very satisfying job. Both deal with adults in a world where they have become adults and are truly amazing men! Homeschooling life is certainly a busy one, but I'd not trade back any second of what I was able to help them accomplish in life without ALL the crap that kids get in the public school those days or these days, they actually LEARNED.
YOU obviously know NOTHING about homeschooling and this is a
THEY DON'T NEED to be in school, it's a choice by the parent. This is a very narrow-minded opinion.
BIG YES to HOMESCHOOLING
I have homeschooled my children since Kindergarten and I encourage anyone to try it. I am not what you call a very educated person, high school grad + one year of college, and I have had no difficulty. The A Beka program that someone else mentioned is superb! Use the DVD program.
My daughter is a sophomore in Spanish and Algebra II and we are experiencing no problems. My son is in the eighth grade. He is a typical boy in that he rather play than do school but even with that attitude, he has all A's and B's.
Yes, you do have to be committed! A HOMESCHOOL parent cannot be running around shopping all day. The DVD program does allow the child to work a lot on their own, frees the parent from a lot of responsibilities, but I know that I am giving my children the best education I can possibly give them. That has been proven time and again when the kids in our local area are asking them how to do their school work or spell this for them. One college kid even asked an English question and at that time, my ninth grader, answered their question. He said how do you know that. She replied I have already had that in my schooling!!
Your state probably has a homeschooling organinzation and get in touch with them for guidelines. The public school system will have you jumping through all kinds of hoops that may not be necessary. That is a proven fact over and over again. Get in touch with Home School Legal Defense Association (they have a website) and confer with them before you jump through all the legal hoops. They will tell you what you have to do in your state and what you legally do not have to do. This can save you a lot of heartache in the future, especially if you are pulling out of public school system. You can join this organization for $85 a year and they will provide all the legal assistance that you need, even those who have to go to court over issues. It will also give you peace of mind if someone confronts you of why your child is not in "school." Just show them your "legal defense card" and say they can talk to your attorney. It really is that simply. Never answer their questions, always put them in touch with your attorney. Once you answer them, it makes your case more difficult. This is a great investment.
Someone said it in another post, but NO ONE knows what their child needs better than the parent. You can homeschool and do a great job! If I can do it anyone can!!! It does not hinder with my transcription work either!!
Homeschooling
By the post below, I have noticed that there are a few people here that homeschool. I am curious how you approached this and what steps you took to get started?
I have a son (five-years-old) who is in the public school system at the moment with a developmental delay. I don't feel that his needs are being met at the moment academically or socially for that matter, so I am interested to learn about homeschooling, as I think this may be an option for me to approach given the particular situation.
Any information that anyone who homeschools could provide would be wonderful!
Thank you very much and have a wonderful day!
Homeschooling MTs in GA!
Hi, I am a single mom through adoption from China homeschooling my two girls! I live on the south side of Atlanta. Email me if you want to chat! Jan J.
MT and Homeschooling
Hi I also have two small children and MT full time. I have a son age 4 and a daughter, almost 3. I read your post and we seem to have similar views on things. I am also hoping to homeschool my children. Was wondering if we could keep in touch via e-mail. Please let me know if that would be okay. I've never posted on this board before but I read frequently. I hope I'm doing this right...
Homeschooling is the best
I have homeschooled for 12 years now. I started out because I knew I did not want to put them in public school, couldn't afford private, but absolutely am so glad I made the choice to homeschool. I'm from the state of Indiana. In our state, you do not want to go with charter school. That still allows the state to control you education and that is what you want to get away from. In our state, if you have little ones who are not in the school system, you do not even want to register with the state. For the best information on your state's homeschooling regulations go to Home School Legal Defense Association website. You can depend on their information. If you choose to join their organization (I wouldn't be without them) it is well worth the money and gives you the support you need. Many, many curriculums out there that are good -- my favorite, A Beka. I know that I'm giving my kids an excellent education!! Could share much more info. Email me if you would like to.
I tried homeschooling
hated it. I think it is all about being involved with the school. My daughter is in public school and doing GREAT! Good luck to you. Don't let anyone bully you into thinking that all public schools are no good -- it is NOT true.
The down side to homeschooling
I have personally seen kids that have been home schooled and become "out of touch" with society. These kids ultimately end up having "culture shock" when they are out in the real world and around lots of people.
I know of several kids that were home schooled and when the parents decided it was too much and they sent them back to school the kids were "THRILLED!" During the home schooling process, the kids became disengaged from friends and became loners.
Again, this is my own personal experience that I have witnessed through friends.
DON'T FLAME ME this is just what I have witnessed first hand!!!!!
Homeschooling x 5 years
I have 3 boys. The first we homeschooled for two years. It did not work at all. He is very social and loved being in school around other kids. He is now in high school and is thriving. We homeschooled him for 4th and 5th because he was having so much trouble keeping up with work.
Sons #2 and 3 are in 4th and 5th and we have homeschooled them all the way from kindergarten. They are wonderful little boys who are not half as social as their brother. My youngest is very shy and introverted. My middle one talks all the time, very much an auditory learner.
But all along they have been involved in a group that teaches twice a week in a class setting. For us, this gives us the best of both worlds. They take history, PE, Spanish, geography, and science in this group. I teach the rest of the curriculum using Bob Jones satellite for grammar, reading, and math. So essentially I don't teach. I am the "overseer" of scheduling, supplies, and grades. It requires a tremendous amount of time and committment though from me. We start at 9 a.m. and finish each day about 3.
My husband worried incessantly at first too that the boys were going to be social freaks or something. Then when the social stuff kicks in, Cub Scouts, co-op, gym at the YMCA, plus a library reading group, he starts saying now, You need to stay home more!
It's not really homeschooling for us. It's independent learning/modified private school. A lot of co-ops are spring up like this. It helps with those of us who want the social aspect without dealing with public school traumas, like homework!!!!
The only problem for me is really the time - it is so tiring. But I do it for the kids and have to remind myself of that a lot. My youngest, being so shy, has the same group of friends for the last four years and has been so happy and settled. Being in a new class each year would be very traumatic for him.
Anyway, good luck. It can be done but research, research, research. The options are endless out there anymore. My recommendation is to start with a really good support group if you can find one and talk to people there. Remember, not all support groups are the same. Many have started based on different educating or parenting beliefs. We dropped out of several due to some problems with bratty kids or uncaring parents who just let the kids run wild. The group we are in now is small but dedicated to teaching and playing time. They are all well-educated too and such a source of information.
God Bless.
Maybe not related to homeschooling, but...
whatever happend to kids just going outside to PLAY??? I don't think these structured lessons and sports are quite the same thing. Kids are so micro managed anymore that they wouldn't know how to go outside with the kid next door and just climb a tree. If they did, they'd have to wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and carry a cell phone to call for help once they got up there. I guess being a kid in the 1960s was just so different. We went to school, made our friends, lost our friends, read at our grade level (and that was OKAY), and for the most part we're smart successful people. Oh well, off my soap box.
Homeschooling mom in GA...What part of GA
I'm in Waycross. I didn't think there was very much homeschooling here. I'm planning on home schooling my daughter before junior high. I was just curious what part of GA you were in.
I will be homeschooling 3 kids
Last year I homeschooled 2 and this year my daughter will be homeschooled as well. They are excited but I'm still trying to get ready. We do have a lot of fun and our days are more structured which helps me get my work done.
Need help on possibly homeschooling a 9th grader
Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Homeschooling High Schooler
I, too, am thinking about homeschooling my 9th grader. He goes to a school that is akin to a public zoo. The boy who sits next to him in Algebra is very proud of the fact that he has amassed a record-breaking 275 referrals already this school year. As you can imagine, my son is failing this and all of his other classes as the teachers do absolutely nothing to discipline the disruptive students. My son has struggled with ADHD all of his school career and this is a horrible situation for him. He is begging me to homeschool him and I am tempted, but do you who have homeschooled a high schooler think it is a good idea? I have investigated private schools (none affordable in my area) and also after school tutoring but that was not successful. I am at a loss as to how to help my son, but don't want to "lose him." My oldest son dropped out of high school in the 10th grade because he was so disillusioned.
I'll be homeschooling for the first time
NM
Sounds like you need to educate yourself on homeschooling. nm
nm
Yes. And I'm thinking of homeschooling next year...
so I'm sure it will just get worse, although I hardly talk to any of the other moms at school anyway. It's more of a drop off at school, pick up from school thing. Other than that, I'd say I basically have no friends. We moved up here about 8 years ago. I made good friends at my job, but then my surprise baby came along, had health issues, and I ended up quitting, studying MT, and have been working at home for the last 5 years. I've fallen out of contact with my friends from work. I do have one that we e-mail back and forth from time to time, but it's just not the same when you're not with them for 8 hours of every day.
Approach homeschooling with knowledge. sm
I have family in California that homeschool their children, and it is wonderful. The mother has an education, sets up great courses, and the support network there is absolutely fantastic. Sports, music, field trips, clubs, they are all available. They couldn't get a better education anywhere, and the socialization is absolutely great.
However, I had to homeschool my son last year for health reasons, and there can be real problems. He is an only child and was left out of all the school social activities. Unfortunately, there is no homeschooling network in my area, the nearest one is 150 miles away, so there were no field trips, sports activities, etc. We live in a small town, and not much is available outside school. It took him 2-3 months to get back into the social swing in high school. Fortunately he is very well adjusted, and turned out fine. Be sure the pieces are in place before you homeschool. Otherwise, you will be the only support your child has, and it can be almost a full-time job, especially if you have to start your own organization. I highly recommend homeschooling if you are in an area to do so. It can be a great experience and children can learn so much faster than in the public school. Good luck.
I'm in my 9th year of homeschooling. Have worked
FT the entire time. I work a split schedule, half morning hours and then the rest evening hours. That allows me time to homeschool, fix meals, do housework, etc.
My comparison of homeschooling to MTing at home.
"A full-time job isn't finished in 3 hours (like the abbreviated day many homeschoolers boast about). It's about being there on time, sticking to it even though you may not feel like it, and getting along with people you may not care for, and avoiding those who are not good for you."
DANG! And that's why I got into medical transcription. LOL I didn't want to work fulltime or stick it out in an office. And that whole getting there on time thing, oh, I've never been good with that one.
GEEZZZZ!!!! What a heated debate about homeschooling!...
Man, this is surely a hot topic! Everyone certainly has their own opinion. In the end, you just have to do for your child what you feel is right. Each child is so different, and you are the only one who REALLY knows YOUR child. Some children flourish in the public school system. Some do not for whatever reason. My first two childen went to public school.
My third (ADHD) WANTED to go to public school, but just couldn't handle it, no matter how much medication and how much counseling, and ended up being homeschooled through the internet for 6,7,8, and begged to try the 2,000 kid high school, so she did. Total disaster. Constant phone calls from the school (same as in grade school) and a 1.6 GPA. She then went back to homeschool through the local alternative school, got a 4.0 GPA. Begged to try the high school again for Junior year. Even worst disaster. 0.6 GPA. She flunked everything she couldn't bring HOME to do. Flunked floral design, basketball, swimming, ceramics, band. Passed all the academics, English, history, science. She is now back to homeschooling through the alternative school, but is allowed to go to the high school dances and walk down the isle for graduation, so she is not too unhappy with that. Good luck to you, whatever you choose.
We view homeschooling from opposite spectrums.
But that is okay. What you describe would never work for me -- that is why there are so many different curriculums out there because we are so diverse with different needs. A Beka is a very advanced program and I am satisfied that the education my children are getting will serve them for life in no matter what situation they find themselves in -- from a doctor to the President! They are excelling above most or all of their friends and to me that speaks well for A Beka.
I hate Instant Text. It is expensive, long long learning
curve, and too much distraction for me.
How long should I wait after applying for a position before I follow-up. It has been as long as two
without hearing from some. Just wondering if I should send an e-mail to follow-up to see if they received my resume or not. I don't want to offend anyone but feel two weeks should be long enough for someone to at least acknowledge my resume and that I have applied for a position. Right now I would accept anything even a note saying no thanks. Any advice would be appreciated. I haven't had to apply for a job for the past 10 years so I am a bit rusty at this. Thanks again for any advice.
Congrats! How long have you been a MLS and how long did you study for the test!
Please see message. I have three daughters with long, long hair.
I also have long hair down to my waist and my three girls have hair that long too. My daughter brought them home from school last year. I was devestated and grossed out!!!! I have never had to deal with lice. Anyway, we did the treatments and two of my girls broke out in a severe rash with the OTC stuff. Their little heads were so sore!! I thought I was being meticulous with eggs, only to find them hatching again down the road. A nurse at the pediatricians office suggested I try oil to suffocate them since my girls were allergic to the lice solution. I bought a huge bottle of veggie oil and dumped it on all three heads, plus my own. I then wrapped the heads in platic wrap and then a towel. I left this on for 30 minutes. It takes a while to wash out the oil, but we never, ever had the lice or eggs again!!! If you try this, make sure you put on an old shirt and put a towel around your shoulders. Obviously we were desperate, but we all have such long hair and very thick hair so I was willing to try anything. And I figured there was no chemicals involved so that was pretty safe. And it sure did help my littles ones since their scalps were pretty raw from the solution. Hope this helps and Good luck!
It's been a long, long time since I've used a C-phone, sm
but I do think jobs can be paused.
I had a problem with this for a long, long time sm
I have always worked days, like from 6-3. Over the last few years, it didn't matter how much sleep I got, I became real groggy between 7 and 11. Really shoots the day. Talked to my doctor and he said my blood pressure pills were the culprit but he refused to change me to another brand or dosage since I have multiple aneurysms (2 in the brain). My BP has been stable for a long time and he wants to "keep it on the low side". I tried taking them before I went to bed instead of early in the morning, but then I had headaches all day. So, I am changing to a night shift for a few months so I can sleep when those pills kick in and so far it is working pretty good. I stay mostly awake during my shift and die when I hit the bed from 6 am to 10 am, then I lay down again later in the afternoon for 2-3 hours. I still get 6-7 hours of sleep, it's just split up during the day, plus I am mostly awake now when I sit down to type. I don't have to deal with the heat in my office, either. It tends to warm up real fast in here with the south sun on the house and 2 pc's running all day, even with the air conditioner on.
Way back when, a long, long time
ago and in a galaxy far, far away, I had my own accounts also and some years cleared $75,000. Yes it can be done, but you need to have your own accounts. Also lots of delivery, and other duties involved. I work for a large national now and make much less, but I got tired of accountants, having to deal with hardware problems, deadlines, driving deliveries, printing, printers, etc. So I decided to simplify my taxes and stay home and just type. Don't have to worry about computers either, because the company will just send me a new one.
Long, long files. Seemed like they'd never end! I'd never go back to VA again. nm
s
I've been doing this a long, long time...
I used to make $70,000 and up a year and did so for most of the late 80s and 90s (one girl used to make six figures a year working 7 days a week!) Because we were making more money than the supervisors and Medical Records Directors in hospitals, they began to switch to transcription services which were sprouting up all over the place. Plus AAMT came into existence and even though in the beginning it claimed it was to fight for transcriptionists (although assured us it was NOT a union), they eventually morphed into an organization that was more management friendly. They developed the "guidelines" and the 65-char line. That was the beginning of the end for those high-end wages. Then all those mickey mouse transcription schools popped up, and now outsourcing overseas. YES, we're complaining.
Been in this biz a long, long time, 30+ years and....sm
I love/loved MTing. However, things have changed so much during these years. The job definitely gets easier; don't have to look up much, can decipher ESLs much easier, in other words, you get pretty comfortable with things and you have confidence in yourself. The more experience you have the easier the job, but....
I actually made more money 10 years ago!! We didn't have speech recognition and you actually got paid for headers/footers, demographics, carbon copies, etc., you got paid for what you did fairly; today, I am not so sure.
You will feel burned out at times, but that passes and you find you like your job again.
Good luck to you!!
There was a story in the
21-year-old Mexican illegal whose citizenship was sped up so he could go to join the army because that was his dream. He died in Iraq. Funny, all of a sudden he was welcome in this country.
Yeah, and it's so easy working in the fields picking your vegetables so you don't have to pay more than a couple bucks a pound.
And those Vietnamese freeloaders....working 12 hours a day,7 days a week in their little markets and restaurants. Sheesh!
Okay, here's my story.
My Mom's middle name was Violet. She died in Spring of 2003. This year, guess what tiny little flowers are growing next to her headstone, not planted by me. I looked around to see if there were any nearby, and there was one violet a little ways away, but not 3 or 4 like they were clustered right next to her headstone. I know, the birds are responsible for it, but I really like to think she had something to do with it.
My MQ story
I was hired by MQ in April for clinic work. The clinic account was huge and always behind when I first started. There were constant emails begging for people to work extra and on weekends. Slowly, it started running out of work and they started slowly adding more and more accounts to my pool until I think I was up to around 20 (yes, 20). Most of this work was ER notes. I complained several times. The ER notes were done by some of the worst dictators I've ever heard -- mostly American's, but sounding like they were eating while competing in the world's fastest talker competition. I complained -- several times -- about no work, multiple accounts and the quality of dictators. Finally, I received an insulting email from my supervisor telling me that I should be able to do this work. I promptly replied that I could "do" this work, but that they did not pay me enough for the headache and resigned on the spot. They really complained about everyone sending things to QA and QC, but with most of the accounts I was on, every report went to one or the other. I'm not used to turning in reports filled with blanks and I and was not comfortable with the quality of work I was producing. I'm certainly not the best Transcriptionist in the world, but I'm not the worst either and I actually care about what my work looks like. With MQ I was lucky to make 100 lines an hour. With my current job where I have been almost 2 years I make about 200-250 lines an hour and I also have gotten another part time job working for a local person where I make about 250-300 lines an hour.
I already had a full time transcription job with a smaller company I love and only went with MQ part time for tax purposes. My experience was not a good one. I personally would not work there again nor recommend employment there. On a side note, an MT I used to work for locally went to MQ, she lasted a little over a year. She referred someone who started 2 weeks before me and she lasted a little over 2 months. These MTs left for basically the same reasons. I can say that experiences will vary depending on what office you are at as will pay. An MT I know was hired by a PA office at 7.5 cents a line for acute care (15 years acute care experience). I was hired by the Dallas office at 9.25 a line for clinic (8 years clinic experience). My base was actually 8.25. I had to produce 6,000 lines in a pay period with 1600 of these lines done on the weekend to get the extra penny a line.
It's the same old story...
You can lead a horse to water.... There's planned parenthood, free clinics, and 3 dozen forms of birth control. In a time of more ways to prevent unwanted pregnancy than ever, we have rampant unplanned pregnancies. It boils down to taking responsibility, and you can only do so much. There's a whole lot of partying and "hookin up" going on out there, and when that happens, the birth control goes out the window.
SO WHAT IS THE STORY???
Is it better for us SE people or worse?
"A" story?
Royal Philips announces it will write off $753 million for MedQuist. Spokesman indicates Royal Philips may need to restate earnings.
Philips's Profit Drops 17% On Big Medquist Charge.
There's much more..do your own research!
My story!
Hello I wanted to tell you my story so you know it is not just you. I was thriving at the local hospital I had worked at for over 2 years having working my way into transcription and coding successfully. Then there was a boss that did not like me. I was finally at full time transcription and zooming along at it. The doctors were pleased, the administration was pleased, etc. The jobs were finally staying caught up. Well this woman was very very rude! A lot to tell but the basis was she told me that if I ever planned to work at home I would never make it because my 80-120 radiology jobs a day would not cut it (these were x-rays, CTs, MRIs, mammograms, CT-guidance, needle aspirations). I knew better but she still hurt my feelings by saying that. Nobody else except the combination of myself and two other girls, one old timer and one very new had ever been able to keep things caught up before and after I left either one. I got a work at home job and left there asap. Finally got my first radiology job after having worked at one national for 4 months and one a year. The second had a radiology opening and I am thriving like mad. I would love to find her and let her know a few things. Anyways, the moral is do not give up if you feel you can do it. Every company and every account is different. The first national company, account, and superviser were not for me and I strugged big time. This second company has been pretty good. My acute care was fine I just always loved radiology and am better at it. Some hate it. Keep going until you find your fit and I wish you the best of luck!! Don't let one person and/or company get you down. Keen on keeping on!!
Here's my story.
I worked in a doctor's office for many years and loved it. I would still be there except I now work at home which is better for me because I have children. There are some advertisements for Transcriptionist but like you said, not a lot. It may not hurt to start calling different offices. They have such a hard time finding transcriptionist, they may just be "making do". You could call and say you were interested in filling in when their regular transcriptionist was on vacation. That would get your foot in the door. I got my job the regular old way, I answered an ad. Good luck!
The story was (sm)
Letterman went on and on about wanting to be on Oprah's show. Well, Oprah never called or took his calls. Then she was reported as saying that she doesn't watch Dave's show and doesn't know what he is doing. So Letterman finally laid off and didn't say much more about it because she never called.
So to him it probably was the event of the decade because he has been wanting to see her for so long!
Yes, it was touching.
Let me tell you a story.......
I worked for a very small MTSO, had two great accounts, no problem. This went on for several years, right up to the day she went off, fired several people, and threatened to fire me, also. I took that as my cue to leave said MTSO. I quit.
Several days later, she "needed" certain files that I had transcribed, which had already been sent to her and to the client. I had erased them from my computer. It was then, and still is MY computer. She told me point-blank that I had "no right to erase anything from that computer". Huh?????????
I suggested she contact her attorney, as I had done.
I never heard another word.
If it is your own property (computer), no one any way, any how, any where......can tell you what to do with it. Period.
Stand your ground and leave this company if they insist upon this policy. It is simply not right and it sure as heck is not legal.
Here's another story
A friend of mine had a contract with a local group of doctors and subbed some of her work out occasionally to me and another lady. The other lady didn't have a lot of experience, but had been subbing for her for over a year when all of a sudden she told her she had too many errors in her work and was not giving her any more. The lady got so upset by this that she wrote a letter to the doctor. The doctor in turn was so upset with the MT with the contract and wanted to know why she fired her and was concerned about getting sued and was just very upset that she had not even had a discussion with her or put her on probation or something. Maybe I should contact these docs adn apologize? It's not like I'm trying to get their business, just wanting to let them know I got fired and that I'm truly sorry they were unhappy. This lady doesn't even want to talk to me either by e-mail, messenger or phone. She is taying logged off of her messenger and won't answer e-mails at all. She is just hiding and avoiding this. I am not a confrontational person and have sent a nice e-mail to her, but she will not respond. Unbelievable. Maybe her docs will respond if I send them an apology.
More to the story...
If you want to hear more to the story, there were problems with TAT in the past. The fact of the matter is that when it occurred THIS PARTICULAR TIME, I was not fired on the spot, I was allowed to continue working for another week with geting work in on time, thinking everything was okay, not hearing a word that work would be ending and then at the beginning of the day today, told via e-mail that I was not needed any longer. She probably took that time to train someone else, I'm sure. I think that is so heartless and to not even face up to me or give me the courtesy of a phone call or a warning that my job was in danger. I hope this person can sleep at night.
You know I got a different story from them about
With the owner telling me one thing and the MT supe telling me something different, on the day I was supposed to do my training I emailed and canceled and declined employment with them. There has not been a lot of positives said about them since them. I'm glad I listed to my gut!
Here is my story......sm
I have been working at home for 16 years now, since my son was born. I have dealt with the strong urge to go to work outside of the home, even went on interviews and was offered many jobs; however, in the end, I turned down all of them. Reason: I chose to be a mom first and foremost. Secondly, why should I work out of the home when I can have the best of both worlds right here at home.
Granted, everyone's situation is different. I understand that.
It was my choice to stay home. My children are in their teens now. It is most important, for me, to be home when they get home from school and know exactly what they are up to, what friends they are with, etc. to try and keep them on the straight path to success and not get caught into the "wrong" crowd, which is so easy for teens.
The whole time I have been home, 16 years now, I have not regretted it for one minute. Did I think the grass was greener on the other side - Absolutely. In reality, it is not.
It all depends on what your priorities are and what type of life you will be happy with for you and your family. Only you can answer that from within.
Best of luck to you in whatever you decide. Remember, if it does not work out, there will be other opportunities in the future for whatever it is want to do. When one door closes, another opens.
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