I wanted to learn it, but I fear the learning curve would be impossible. sm
Posted By: Sis on 2005-10-14
In Reply to: POLL: DOES ANYONE USE THE DVORAK KEYBOARD - out West
 since I can't take any time off from the qwerty keyboard. How did you make the conversion?
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
Some have a different learning curve than others
I had an in-house job for 3 years, hired in off the street, no experience. Three months later, another girl hired in, same situation. Paid hourly, no ESL, and we had the opportunity to talk to the doctors in person about any issue.
By the time I left, I was the highest producer in the office. She was still struggling with the simplest words and phrases, still asking the same questions she asked the week she hired in, still needing help from somebody else all day long. She would cry from frustration because she couldn't get her act together. Other people that hired in after her got the hang of it much faster and were soon helping her too. I asked management on many occasions why they just didn't show her the door, and they said I was being harsh and that some people just couldn't learn as fast as others. I wonder why she didn't just go find a different kind of job instead of hanging around driving herself and everyone else nuts.
There's a learning curve
In time it all gets better. Usually. Some people aren't cut out to be MTs, for them it never gets better. I felt the way you do when I started out in-house (no former training). But I was stubborn, and I learned, and knew I was getting better. Then I started working at home - BIG learning curve, had no idea my hospital job was so easy! But I was stubborn, and I learned and improved. Next job - more learning. New accounts with constantly changing specifics - keep learning. In this job, you learn every day - a new phrase, a new production tip, the fact that you've been spelling something wrong, etc.
Just take a deep breath and realize they are trying to help you. Thank them for every correction, because its what they need you to do. Make a lot of notes. And you can and will improve, if you're stubborn enough to make your investment pay.
Very difficult with a long learning curve.
You must have adequate resources, books, protocol lists including research drugs. It's doable but not if you expect to learn it in a week.
how long of a learning curve w/ new account?
Good morning everyone ... I'm starting at-home work this week for a new hospital, out of my area. How long should I expect of a learning curve? It's been a while since Ive done NEW accounts !
How long does it take you guys to get up to par - and that money starts really pouring in? I did a few reports this weekend - and between the strange names, accents, procedures - it's going to take me a while before I'm lucrative.
What's your experience w/ new accounts ?
Thanks everyone!
JoJo
Slow learning curve...getting a little nervous.
I recently left the job I had had for over a decade because I had grown to HATE the company I worked for. Have moved to a different company, one with a very good reputation on this board. So I'm learning a new platform, new account, new dictators including lots of new ESL docs... and I'm learning acute care after many, many years of almost entirely clinic work. Please, somebody tell me I'm going to get up to speed someday. Hopefully someday soon. Back in the day I typed an average of 250 lines an hour.... My line count seems stuck for the last week or so at 140. I've been doing this job for 2 weeks now. The switch to acute care is really shaking my confidence... I'm realizing how much I didn't know for the many years I've been an MT. Just hoping for a little encouragement -- as my daughter would say, "an encouraging shoulder squeeze."  TY!
It is relatively easy and I have a looong learning curve.
You will figure it out. MS word is user friendly. There are just a ton of options available. Hopefully someone will come by and say more.
Good luck
And I disagree. Difficult and long learning curve
Hard to get used to all the bells and whistles. You can turn them off, but then you have wasted a lot of money buying something you can't use.
Fear of change. Kinda like I am when I am faced with learning a new acct.
dd
Fear of change is worse than fear of not being able to pay your bills? nm
:)
New. Wanted to put in a better card to support a game my 17yo DD wanted to play.
x
Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000?
More about keyboards ... I don't think I would like the big MS 4000, because when I tested out large ones in the store one day, it felt too big and awkward for me; however, I did try a smaller one with just a slight curve that felt quite good. (Unfortunately, I don't remember what make/model it was as I was not really shopping for one at the time.)
When looking around the web, it looks like it might have been the MS Comfort Curve 2000. Does anyone have any experience with that one?
Thanks for any feedback. 
Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 keyboard
I read where some MTs were enjoying this keyboard, and they are quite inexpensive, so DH picked one up for me at Tiger Direct. Whoever recommended it is right; it has an quick touch for me and you can switch from a straight keyboard and it won't slow you down like most of the ergonomic keyboards. I usually like a very clicky touch, and this isn't like that. But the key action is quick and you barely have to touch them to activate the keys. The backspace is double-wide too. Since there is no space in the middle like so many ergonomic keyboards, there is no issue about reaching the 6 with your preferred hand, either.
Microsoft ergonomic 4000 with enhanced curve. Love it!
The keys are very soft to touch, keys are easy to hit and the wrist pad is a very comfortable soft, leather-like material. It only has a USB plug-in but you can get an adapter. I paid $60.00 for it at OfficeMax. It was well worth it. I will never use another keyboard!
You want the Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 keyboard. Google it. nm
x
It's nearly impossible to get by even on
This biz stinks more every single day.
Not impossible more improbable.
I didn't say it was impossible. Just not the norm and harder to prove. As in this case.
they are already impossible to reach
18,000 lines and your rate increases by half cent, whoopee. MQ is a complete joke, a bunch of greedy, phony liars. This whole business is in the toilet and i'm just sorry I didn't start school for a dif career sooner to be out of it NOW. I'm gradually having to cut down on spending because my rate of pay is not up with the times, severe hand pain day after day, condescending technicians and supervisors. I feel trapped.
hahahaha - yup, it's impossible!!!!
x
Appreciate your thoughts, but all of this is impossible.
For so many reasons. As one poster stated, these boards only reach about 10% of the MTs (very small number). I, among others, have written numerous letters. Heck, I even wrote to Obama, my congressman, major news papers, news programs, news magazines, etc. It does not do any good. I filed a complaint with the Employment Comission and Labor Board on the working requirements and procedures (that got me laid off).
Another very important thing to consider here is that not all MTs are unhappy. I was for a very long time, but I am quite happy with my working conditions and pay at this time (even though I do not expect it to last due to the industry evolvement). There are also more MTs than not who can not afford to do what you say is a good idea (strike or whatever). Some will lose their jobs as I did and even if they did not, they simply cannot afford to go without pay for any length of time. How effective would all of this be if only a couple of people from different companies did this? We all work for different companies, and again, they are not ALL bad, even though there are not many of those left. There is also the consquence of them replacing us with near-newbies at even lower wages, increasing the company profits, and further damaging the industry.
Our only hope was the AHDI and they stabbed us in the back. More offshoring is being done to cover the tax/cost implications currently in motion, again further damaging the industry. I just have to believe that it will evolve to its worst, and then swing back our way. Wishful thinking, I know but that's all I've got.
1000 lines a day, impossible? sm
this is not unrealistic. On a good day, I can easily do 16-1700 lines! A mere 1000 lines per day is NOT an unachievable goal, even for a newbie or semi-newbie. My company requires 1200 lines a day, which I believe is about average! 
I too felt like it was an impossible career
Now 8 years later, I'm glad I stuck with it. Before working at home, I worked for two years at a local hospital and that really helped me build my work experience and really helped when I went out on my own. By working at the hospital, I became familiar with the local docs and eventually got my own accounts with them. I had to let those accounts go because I moved, and now I am working for a small MTSO for the timebeing. I had no problem getting this job. I had applied to many different places and was overwhelmed with job offers. If you stick with it, it gets easier. You've invested time and money into this, have patience and see it through.
I have an idea. Let the MTSO do impossible
his business. Instead of expecting me to do him for 1/2 of what he is paying, let her do him.
Then it's impossible to comment on the QA's note. sm
There are, of course, situations where it's pretty obvious that an individual guessed at a term rather than either looking it up or leaving a blank.
For instance, when the MT uses a term that has no logical relationship to the subject being discussed, that's a pretty good clue that she did not look up the definition of the word.
I'm not saying that's what happened in your case; I don't know enough to say. What I would suggest is that you decide on one of two courses of action:
a. Let it ride. It's doubtful that the QA intended to insult you, although "please check the definition of terms that you're not sure of" might have been more diplomatic (or would you have liked that any better?).
b. Talk it over with the QA calmly. Let her know that you thought her comment was offensive and presumed something that wasn't true.
Either way, I'm sure you're already aware that it's always better to leave a blank than to use the wrong term - whether by "mistake" or by "guessing". I know that all of us take great pride in completing our work accurately and it just kills us to have to leave blanks (a wonderful attitude, by the way!), but sometimes its just unavoidable - and if you've done your reasonable best to resolve a blank without success you've done your job. Leave the blank and get a second set of ears on it. After all, the doc might have used a term that doesn't even belong there in the first place.
I hope you're able to resolve this conflict with your QA or get past it. I know how these things take approximately 63.795% out of the joy of your work! :D
Fear Factor is a like being an MT.
zz
Never fear, Sandy, because....
your little "problem" meeting TAT is quickly becoming solved with too much overstaffing, etc. among companies. This appears to be just YOUR problem. I would find it extremely hard to believe that an MT would deliberately try to undermine you by not working her committed work schedule. Goodness, all of this "craziness" because of one innocent question by Julia.
I am a single mom and have this fear every day
But, because I have to pay the bills, I cannot sit around. So I work 2 full-time jobs. I am eying my employee job carefully, b/c if it ever slows to the point where I cannot make rent, I will work 3 jobs and then let the 1 go which is faltering. Unfortuantely, I have been through what is happening to you but I was in a marriage. When I had to go out on my own, I realized how a person has to be secure in a job for all kinds of reasons, not just bills but self-esteem. I cannot tell you what to do nor is it my place to do so, I can only tell you where I have been and where I am now. Even if I had the ability to sit around and wait for work, I would not do it. I would first communicate and ask for full-time work. If no response I'd get a second or third job and do all until the time comes where I can judge which is the most consistent to pay bills. This is even if I did not have much sleep and raising a child alone. I am doing this now, and it is difficult, but I would rather lose sleep with a roof over my head and a good self-esteem, than sit and wait for work and let it eat on my bills and my confidence.
Sorry for the long note. Hope it helps. Good luck to you whatever you decide. PS: Listen to your heart.
LOL! Know just how you feel. They are near impossible to grow in SoFla.
aa
Yes its true. They seem to be setting impossible limits for everyone lately and you have to wonder
if they just want people to quit.
The best place to get experience is in a hospital. I think it is near impossible
to work from home without the valuable experience of working onsite with others around to listen and train.
The schools all hype everyone up on working at home, but it is not that easy!
had a dictator who would give me an impossible long-
unpronounceable name, like Thyvongngang Tamboyvonangouwengay - and then say "common spelling" like it was John Smith. Cracked us both up every time.
Impossible to give answer as it all depends
on voice recognition program, dictator, etc. I am working in such a lousy program lucky to get in 800 lines a day - it's the software - I spend so much time deleting what is there it is not even funny. I could type from scratch much faster.
Has anyone been following Psycho Fear Factor?
I don't think the Bates Hotel looks all that bad - in fact it looks a lot like MY house! So far I think the worst torture was having that newly divorced couple sleep in the same bed! I guess they signed up for the show B4 they knew divorce wuz pending, LOL. 
Wow, let's see, I remember when we could play outside without fear SM
and stayed outside and played from morning until night (we only came home for supper)...
When you could be a blue-collar worker and expect to make a living wage, and keep the same job all your adult life...
When going to the movies for 50 cents and sitting in the balcony was fun...
When you could say something without fear of offending someone and getting sued...
Ah, I remember...
I fear what the future holds too...
Those three beautiful souls growing up thinking this is the normal way to live. Call your family today and start planning to leave this creep. It won't be the easiest thing you've ever done, but it will be the smartest.
Not to discount your fear right now, but didn't her doc
advise her that the risks involved with surgery would include perforation of organs, and other complications, including death. Medicine is unfortunately an inexact science, and doctors are, after all, only human. May not be a clear cut case of malpractice, may "merely" be an unfortunate complication.
I've seen many people rush into a lawsuit, only to have their lives and money consumed by them, to find out they don't understand legal concept of malpractice and even if malpractice, if the insurance company has a better lawyer, you can lose anyway.
For now, I would focus my energy on praying rather than suing...
Saying you have to be "professional" to not fear about loss of a job
means all the people sending in posts about outsourcing, losing their jobs, worried about the possibility of such, are nonprofessional. I think this reaches a lot more MTs than just the "nonprofessionals." I hear their fears and know what it is, have been there before. I appreciate the post on my behalf and hope anger management is on hand for those who apparently cannot handle it. My goodness, just think about the season if nothing else...
I fear you tried the company out of Chicago?
nm
One thing I've learned in life is it's impossible to
stand up for themselves. Maybe only 1 in 100 will even try. Sad to say, but we've brought a lot of this onto ourselves.
Thank you for response. :( I figured it was nearly impossible for transcribed lines.
I think my co. wants me to quit...
Forgot to mention - kids need fear of someone or something sm
that is my job as a mom, to make them fear authority and always try to do the right thing! I don't care how big they are, and my one son is 6'3" tall and weighs 250 lbs, I will still kick his ass and he knows it!
don't cheat yourself out a really good experience just because of fear...sm
I went to Africa in January to volunteer in a medical clinic for 18 days. Talk about leaving your comfort zone. There were two nights in particular where I really, really, really wished I wasn't there. But turned out to be a profoundly life changing experience. The word is "feel the fear but do it anyway."
No, that's next week's Psycho MT Fear Factor.
With FranQ substituting 4 Joe Rogan.
Not old but........Primal Fear! Excellent movie.
x
Complacency and fear of rocking the boat is a big
I find infectious disease to be IMPOSSIBLE, with all the bacterias AND the meds.
x
At 53 working 2 jobs 80 hours a week is impossible. I tried it, it does not work!! (sm)
I have been at this business 30+ years and at one point worked 3 jobs and 2 were for hospital contracts with taxes taken out and the other IC. It gives you no life. My suggestion, if you need the extra $$ work your 40 during the week, then 1 or 2 nights 2 hours and then Sat/Sun 16 hours which would give you 20 hours. That is more than enough and will give you a chance to see if you want to make a job change. Have tried the 2 FT 80 hours and almost had a seizure over it. Remember if your not physically well you cannot do it all!
You must live in Calif - finding a good old doctor is nearly impossible here.
It amazes me. But, it is true. The stories I have heard are heartbreaking.
I blame it on the cap they placed on malpractice suits. Doctors here are complacent. In my town, we go to Stanford or UCLA for serious illnesses. It is well worth the drive.
wanted to try it but wanted to make sure
nm
Totally not MT related, but where is the new season of Fear Factor on NBC? nm
I don't watch fear factor. They abuse animals. I also have better
stuff to do with my time then watch someone eat pig intestines.
I'm with your son, although my faves are SF Rockstar and SF Sobe No Fear. VROOOM ... lol nm
|
