I've found you have to work more than 8 hours a day to
Posted By: make ends meet, even for 9cp. on 2009-05-02
In Reply to: 8 cpl 65 character in 8 hour day - Leslie
If I had to stick to an 8-hour time period, I couldn't afford to continue.
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
I've been meaing to post on this subject, but have to work too many hours now just to pay the bil
I've been at this for 16+ years and when I started, there were few big nationals, just small transcription companies that cared about their MTs and paid very well. Once I got trained on an account, I usually averaged over $30 an hour, always had work, and was proud of the living I could make in this profession. Now, pay keeps going down, down, down and I am panicked by how little money I am able to make, and even more panicked when I read the jobs for MTs and see the pay being offered is insulting and dismal. I cannot believe this is the pay being offered for those of us trained in highly technical medical terminology and responsible for the accuracy of documents that affect people's lives. I urge everyone with experience in this field not to accept this kind of pay - maybe if enough of us make a stand, something will have to change for the better. As it is, I might just have to take a job at Wal-Mart.
I've found this resource pretty useful for rehab work. Link inside.
Have this as one of my bookmarks - found this handy whilst handling rehab work. Hope this helps!
http://medicaltranscriptionwordhelp.googlepages.com/rehabmedicineterminology
But in transcription, if you are good at what you do, you can do 8 hours of work in 4 hours. So eit
you slice it, both companies will still get 8 hours worth of work out of you.
That is the problem I've been having lately being an MT. Companies want to pay us on production and they set minimum productivity standards, but want us timed in for 8 hours a day. My thinking is, if they want 8 hours of work out of me, pay me hourly with production incentive. If they want to pay me on production and tell how much I have to produce in an 8 hour period, then when I hit that mark, I should be able to call it a day even if I've only worked 4 hours.
Seems these companies want it both ways and it is simply not fair to us MTs. JMO, tho.
I must say, I work long hours, sometimes 12-14 hours a day.
I thought it was important to mention that. However many hours it takes to get the work done is what I do. Some days 12 hours, other days 6 hours and sometimes 14 hours. So, I guess there really is no easy answer.
I've been off in 5 hours - nm
xx
YOUR age. I've been typing for 9 hours now,
.
IC sets their own hours. As long as the work is done by the deadline, you decide when to work.
I've found that most physicians who
dictate at such a ridiculous pace are trying to make up for other deficiencies....you know like "male menopause" where the older guy goes out and buys an expensive sports car, etc., etc. Seems most of the speeders on my account are DOs, NOT MDs.....guess they feel inferior in some way. 
I think most recruiters are NOT MTs. They know very little about MT from what I've found. nm
x
It is in NJ, which I've always found weird. nm
x
Without a doubt the best I've found!
I searched and searched for someone who could design a small simple site with digital dictation file upload and download capability, and www.sitefever.com made me a great site and maintains it for 40 dollars every month, and for a one time fee of $150 they custom designed what I needed to upload and download my dictation files. They have been great and I have had no problems with them at all.
Hope this helps!
Dawn
I've found files sm
I have "lost" files before and found that sometimes if you click on "start" at the bottom left of your screen that you may find a temporary saved file under documents. Sometimes it doesn't save the whole document, but part is better than nothing. Probably a long shot, but thought I'd mention it.
The only way I've found to avoid this is to.....
have three part-time jobs. I used to have one full time and two part time, but just recently went to three part time.
I NEVER run out of work now, but always have in the past six years in the business. This works for me, but took almost a year to balance the three so I'm not working a ton of hours.
The only solution I've found is....
to just totally quit every so often, get totally out of it and if you find no new way to make money, go back to it. The break helps, but honestly it's happened to me half a dozen times over the 20 years I've done this. It was so challenging when I first started and I enjoyed it. The catch-22 is when you finally get to high line counts it becomes monotonous. What didn't help was when the line rates went into a freeze...kind of kills the motivation to sit there and type. For me, I would get sleep attacks transcribing and would wake up almost falling out of my chair;. More than once, I've quit and said I'm never going back. Now I just quit for awhile but knowing deep down I may be back again. All in all, if you can keep the right attitude, it's a great job that offers a lot of freedom as far as flexibility and freedom to travel around the country and keep a paycheck coming in.;
Yeah, that's where I'm at, too. I've found these
for half the money I used to make. And the work isn't easier, it's harder. I used to do about 8 docs that I knew like the back of my hand. I usually knew what they were going to say before they said it, because their thought patterns had become second nature to me. But now I do several accounts, hundreds of doctors, plus nurses, PA's, med-students, etc. The reports are longer, and it's all straight typing, no templates. Even though I'm home all day, far less gets done around here than before, because I always have to work if I'm going to buy food and pay my rent.
I've found, fortunately, that
those types of people are not the "norm" in the MT world or I would have quit a LONG time. The sad thing though is they are becoming more prevalent lately, but perhaps I'm becoming jaded. I can think of only 5 truly glaring examples in the past 23 years.
I think some of these unpleasant B's are just on power trips because they have a position of "authority" (big deal - I'm certainly not impressed). I always let management know, even if they choose to be in denial or blow it off, I've at least gotten it off my chest and had my say. When I complain to mgmt. I stick to the facts/issues/dates ONLY and there is usually silence on the other end of the line (no arguments) as they are taking it all in. Funny thing though, even after numerous complaints, they seem reluctant to eliminate the offenders. 
I've found that it's not just one website
I have found that the manufacturers' websites often show the brand names of the equipment used.
Not every employer or hospital will acknowledge a manufacturer's website as being a legitimate source, but at least the manufacturer often gives you a direction to look in and an idea of how a brand name is spelled.
Here's an example:
http://www.medtronic.com/your-health/bradycardia/device/index.htm
I've found it more lucrative to charge .... sm
... by the report, although others might disagree. $1.10 to $1.25 is average when working as an employee. If you're working as an IC you really should charge more, considering your overhead, etc... and make sure you charge for every report, not page. For instance a report that includes more than one requisition, such as a foot and ankle, would be two reports. If the radiologist is getting paid for each study(which they certainly are), then so should you.
Hope this helps !
I've found the answer and how to declutter.
Get diagnosed with cancer. Got the diagnosis yesterday and today I've been going through the house like the Tazmanian devil. I'm throwing stuff away, boxing stuff up to go to Goodwill and Freecyling some stuff. We were in serious need of a Clean Sweep (though I never would do it because I'd be too embarrassed that I let my house get like that). I know it is a bit of an overreaction, but both of my parents died and didn't have things in order and I was left to deal with it all and don't want the same for my family. I also don't want to look at the clutter anymore and want my house to be relaxing and not be afraid to open my door when the doorbell rings. It also helps keep my mind occupied. I only made a teeny, tiny dent in the clutter, but at least it was progress. I also don't want my kids growing up thinking that our house is "normal." I have boys and I don't think their future wives would appreciate a slob for a husband.
the lightest touch i've every found
was the Kinesis -- they are not cheap but man, i wish i would have found them years ago. Some have said before that the Goldtouch keyboards have a good touch too.
I've found an adapter that has the 2-prongs
and then you plug your headphones into the other end, just didn't want to buy them from TVPS.
I've found nothing has a higher pay level (sm)
all same across the board these days.
I've moved to 4 different states until I found what I want that pays what I want
The world isn't going to come to you. You have to make some effort yourself.
I've actually found Medicare very easy to deal with...
wouldn't dread the call. It will probably go better with Medicare than with the nephrologist.
I've found it helps soothe the mania and keep me
x
This is the best site I've found about treating fibromyalgia. It works for me, maybe it will for
I'm lead transcrip for small ofc, in the field since 88, and I've found (sm)
that depending on the person, it can take up to a year. You either have to be very smart and very driven to make it shorter, or you would have to have some exposure to the systems/docs etc. It takes a longer time if you are also new to the field of MT. But after about a year, if you don't find yourself relaxing when you are at work, talk to somebody. That's long enough, and you should be finding a niche for yourself by then.
In our area of NY, I've found that hot summer weekends are terrible...sm
for sales. No one wants to get out of their cars in the heat! Have done best in early spring or in Sept/Oct., here anyway. And a Fri./Sat. combo is more successful than a Sat./Sun. weekend. Have BIG signs at major intersections and showing the way into your neighborhood and right to your house. Run an ad in the Garage Sale section of your paper. Be prepared for early birds coming down your driveway or right into your yard 2 hours ahead of time. Block your driveway with a car or sawhorses until you're actually open, but be ready to say 'come back later' when people show while you're setting up. Have prices on everything or group things by price in one location. Have lots of singles and quarters for change. Bring your phone outside with you. Paper and pen if people want to call you later. Have packing material for glass and china, plastic or paper bags for purchasers. Some hard candy/mints on a table out of sun helps people stick around longer. If you have big jackets, long dresses, bedspreads, etc. put them up for display - on hangers, in trees, strung up between ladders. Try and keep all your displays up at table height - people aren't keen on getting down on the ground to paw through boxes or check out stuff spread out on a bedsheet. Use every card table, picnic table, folding table, etc that you can find for displaying stuff. If you have anything electric to sell, have an extension cord plugged in so people can see that items still work. Keep expensive small items near you at your 'check out' station to keep them from walking away. And always be ready to come down on price as everyone will ask you, "can you do any better?" Or "what's your best price on this?" Enjoy your sale and treat yourself to pizza after all your hard work! :)
I have found that honesty is always best. I've quit a job right after receiving the equipment S
because a better offer came along. I have always just been honest, tell them that I've decided to accept another position. I apologize for any inconvenience, ask them to instruct them on how they would like me to return the equipment, and then I always ask that they keep my resume on file. They are usually pretty diplomatic about it. They'd rather you tell them up front than waste their time and yours in training for a job you're not going to be happy with.
What hours do you work?
I am having a hard time setting a schedule. I would like to work early mornings, but it is hard ot get motivated.
So how many hours a day do you work? nm
xx
So-you work 13 hours a day?(sm)
I can't even get 8 in without falling asleep, most of the time between the hours of 7-9 a.m. My first 3 hours, I can do almost 200 lines an hour. After that, it's downhill. I rarely hit 1,000 lines a day let alone what you do. Thick ESL account.
We are not allowed to work more than 8 hours a day. I use an expander, but I'm slow with it. Still have a lot of words that need to go in. The worse part of this is remembering that I have a short cut for the words!
Another problem I have is that I hate leaving blanks and I will take time to research and look things up. I know I could cut the time a bit, but . . .I can't stand to do that. I freak out with an ESL if I have to leave 2 blanks.
It's the falling asleep I can't handle. Yet, we have to work our scheduled hours or suffer the consequences, so I'm stuck. I guess I'll be out the door soon.
I'm getting so-o-o depressed because of it. I left a job earning $1400 for 15 days for 1/3rd that I am getting now. Can't afford the health insurance, can't afford to save money. Heck, can't afford to pay my bills anymore.
I work about 5-1/2 hours a day, five...sm
days a week as an IC and make about $27,000/year contracting with a national at 0.0975/line. I feel like I represent the norm, but I could be wrong. Sounds like a lot of people on this board are doing a lot better, although I don't know of any personally.
I work 24 hours
and make around $22-24,000. And I am NOT glued to my computer (because of small children). I could make $30-32,000 if I really tried.
How many hours do yo work a day
to get these lines? I would think it would take you more than eight. I would hate to spend more than eight hours working, but that is me.
I only work 35 hours and anything/ sm
over 35 hours is OT. If I work before or after my scheduled shift on any day, I get OT pay. This is before I have reached my 35 hours too. Whenever I work when it is not my normally scheduled time, it is considered OT.
No & if you work the same hours SM
and same production year after year, you will actually see a DEcrease in your income over time. Isn't that nice? The only way you can maintain or increase your income in this biz is to work longer and faster.
and work more than 40 hours/week you are due
compensation. If your company requires you to work 7 days a week I'd find a new job. They may ASK you to work extra as workload dictates but by no means should you be required too. Many companies require 1 weekend/month or every other weekend, but there are off days during the week, unless you WANT to work.
If you are an IC you work what you commit to. If a company can get you to work as an IC by holding over your head you dictate the hours you work, versus working a set schedule, why not. With having to compete with companies offshoring they have to cut expenses where they can and cutting benefits, etc. is where they do it. I don't like it, but in order to stay in business they have to, but they also can't require you to work 7 days/week either.
Looking to pick up some prn work, about 10 hours per
week. I have Word 2000 and Transnet or can use FTP. Acute care or clinic. Email me for details if interested.
where do you work that you just do lines, not hours?- nm
nm
I take a 5-10 min break every 2 hours I work ...
barring that, I try to have as close as possible productive hours during my shift.
A little over 1100 - 5 hours work. nm
x
Only work 8 hours a day?? (Anon)
I honestly don't know how you do it. After 17 years of doing MT, my C-spine is a mess, i.e. DDD, bulging disk, bone spur, cord compression, disk dessication, etc. Four hours of transcribing IMHO, considering the intensity of the work (eyes on screen, hands on keyboard, foot on pedal, headphones on, glued to chair) is equivalent to the 8 to 9 hours I used to put in daily as a medical secretary with the breaks at the water cooler, and just having different tasks to break up the day. An MT can't even listen to a radio while working. Four hours is my limit. Friends and family will comment on how lucky I am to only work a 4 hour day. If they only knew how much work I do in those 4 hours...
sorry, but some ICs have specific hours to work (nm)
x
I work 8 hours a day and average anywhere
between 1700 and 2000 with 65 character line, spaces included.
I'm with you! So I work the hours people don't want
to work. Much too stressful to fight for work. Life is too short for me to take the money I already earn to spend on a physician prescribing nerve pills.
I work 40 hours a week and more
if there is work and I don't slack off and barely take a break. I do acute care and seldom leave a blank. According to my Expander stats, I am saving myself 23 hours of work and do 22% of the total in expanders. My pay has actually gone down especially this year and I am using more Expanders every day. That's my story.
I currently work 70 hours a week and three jobs...
so it is physically possible to work that many hours. I am going down to 50 hours a week in two weeks, but you do what you have to do.
No one could pay me a big enough salary to work 80 hours per week
Also, if you can switch the hours you work, get up earlier,
and work after he goes to bed. Make the time for him while he's young. In about 3-5 years he'll be less worried about you working and wanting to spend time with you, so enjoy him while he's young cuz it doesn't last long. :)
Her point is that IF she gets her work (quota) done in 6 hours - sm
does she still have to work the full 8 hours she is scheduled for. She is not "stealing" unless she is paid hourly and is being paid for 8 hours but only working 6. As for knocking off early, it depends on the company, some don't care as long as you do your daily minimum, others want the full 8 hours regardless of how many lines over you go from the daily minimum (as long as you achieve it)--this means more $$ of course. I work for PT for 2 companies with no line minimums, which I love, and no set schedule to boot. This is hard to find though. I have a very wacky schedule and need this though, very hard for me to commit to a firm schedule due too many external factors here, every week is different, some crazy, some calm. So if you have a pretty set routine you should be able to handle a schedule....just find out beforehand if it is carved in stone or not (get it in writing). Good luck.
|
