Long-term skilled unit?
Posted By: no msg on 2005-09-25
In Reply to: Could also be life support unit. nm - Suzi
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Good answers and becoming a skilled MT takes surprisingly long, but SM
although 5 years may be about average, there's an old saying about how some people have 20 years' experience and some have one year repeated 20 times. If you want to cut that 5 years down VERY substantially, work full time (a conscientious full time, not just slopping thru the day) and push for new work types and accounts as woon as you've milked the old ones for all you can learn from them. Plus, a reality is that availability of the Web as a resource now helps people function at a much higher level earlier than previously.
What model is the unit? I used one a long time ago..sm
However, the doctors called into it to dictate. There was a hard drive with it that was connected to phone line. I would log in on the machine and pick up the jobs to transcribe. Is it similar to that? Or is this something else? There is also a Philips call-in station that hooks to phone line, but that's only for the docs to call and dictate.
How are you using the Philips to get work from your friend, that's what I don't understand? Does the friend have the same system? Just trying to figure out the setup and how to be more helpful. I know I once tried to use the Philips call-in to re-record dictation from a microcassette and it wouldn't recognize it and just timed out. It would only accept an actual voice, and that was using landline phone, so I think they do have certain parameters set up. It might be that the Vonage isn't compatible. Maybe you could call a Philips tech support person and ask. There's a tech number in the manual and on their website.
It will be long-term, because you are SM
learning to change a whole lifetime of the way you look at situations, but it should be very helpful for you. Agree, sometimes rehashing the old stuff (if you have accepted that it was what it was and it's not still happening) can be nonproductive in a way and very traumatic. I have done all types of therapy except analysis (and analysis is an even longer process) and the cognitive therapy was the most helpful for me. Good luck.
Long-term BTS employee
I have worked for BTS for 2 years and enjoy it! It is difficult waiting for that first check, but you are being paid for the previous pay period, not the one you have just finished.
Overall, I think they are very considerate towards work load, time off, and I enjoy the people I work with on my accounts. People are always complaining on here about not having work, but we never seem to have a shortage.
There are no long-term contracts
I've rented from them several times, both paying off items and giving some items back when I got something to replace it. You can expect to pay two to three times the price (if not more) for an item then if you just went and bought the item outright which to many sounds outrageous, but some of us don't have the money to fork over for more expensive items. I had a good experience with them each time I rented from them whether I kept something for the whole time or I turned the item back in.
antibiotics long term
The dr. states the patient has been on chronic antibiotics ???pressure??? to ensure that the hip does not become infected. I know there is a term for this, but it is not coming to me. Help
Thanks!
I'm an IC for a long-term client; need advice pls SM
They have implemented a new ftp server that I cannot access through my work computer (Windows 98); however, I juggled around with newer operating systems (Windows 2000 and XP) and can access the ftp server. We are supposed to send completed files to this ftp server (which is a great idea and one we should have been doing all along).
My problem - I have been in nearly weekly contact with this MTSO about not being able to access the ftp site with my work computer. They told me to disable my firewall (which I am not about to do) and frankly the reason they haven't corrected my situation is because I am the only MT who is having this access problem (I am not - I talk to a couple other MTs with this MTSO and they are having the same exact problem). My Internet Explorer is the most current version (I have a cable modem) so that wasn't the problem either (another of their suggestions).
Today I get an e-mail from the office manager of the MTSO. They're going to start docking my paycheck (did I mention I am an IC?) if I don't start using this ftp site. What do I do? I am not making THAT much money that I can go out and spend $500 for a new work computer just to access this ftp. It really fries me that I have e-mailed, phoned, etc. and nothing is happening...it's just "my fault." So any suggestions? Great way to start the weekend, I tell ya!
does anyone know anything about long-term disability insurance?(sm)
How long is considered "long term"? If you get some sort of disability that takes you out of the work force for years, does long-term disability cover that? TIA
I love TransHealth. There are many, many long term MTs...sm
with the company who are also very happy. Benefits are great. Good platform. It's acute care work, with ESLs, but that's the name of the game today.
long and short term fixes
Keep ants from coming back by washing the area they were invading with ammonia to kill the scent they leave as a trail.
White flour (the kind you bake with) put over an ant hill (thick coat)or on the floor where they are invading, etc. will make the ants move to another place, but does not kill them, but is fast for getting rid of a big colony in your back yard.
Green Light is a commercial product that will kill the ants like Tarro does, but is not as fast as making them move somewhere else.
If you need short-term long distance...
while searching for a new long distance plan, you can try onesuite.com. 
You are too young to be worried about long term, but
xx
Will DQS work with dial-up (short-term). How long
nm
This lady is well know in the MT community and is a long term MT. I understand
your skepticism, but that is not the case with this gal. She has been straightforward from the very beginning and I have practically her entire background. I would ask that we leave skepticism out of the picture and try to help this family out.
Thank you,
Sheri
I hate the term *transcriptionIST* - too long and feminine
:/
I guess it depends on if it was a long-term affair or a one-nighter sm
Probably would try to make it work because I love him and want my daughter to have her daddy around.
I understand what you are saying, but this is a highly skilled sm
field, not "washing dishes" or even "working at Wallyworld." Yes, there is VR and other things out there making this our jobs easier and in very rare cases, null and void, but this industry STILL requires skilled MTs who will pick up what VR and computers just cannot do.
I do VR on a regular basis and there are so many gross errors it isn't even funny. I would say 50% of any given document contains error that would be a detriment to direct patient care.
I received a newsletter recently from my company that stated this industry is growing and that the industry is having a very difficult time finding experienced, good MTs to do all of the work given to any given company. That, to me, was very, very positive in the way of where our jobs will be in 10 years.
I don't see in 10 years VR or foreigners taking our jobs. In 30 to 50, maybe, but not anytime soon.
So, a company offering 7 cpl to an experienced MT is a disgrace (especially if they take it). On new grads, I think 4 cpl is just fine because I also taught MT at a local college and there was no way that any of my students (graduates) could do this from home without a mentor/QA, etc., full-time for at least a year until they could be on their own. They would make way too many mistakes.
Katie, some people are much more skilled than SM
others, some work harder than others, some work faster than others, some work longer than others.
First off, I do not because, I choose not to work a full 40-hour work week, week after week.
But by multiplying my own hourly earnings: It is very possible to make comfortably more than $50, even more than $60K/year as an employee of a national putting out good-quality work (even transcribing lots of ESLs!) IF:
You are fully skilled.
You are working on accounts you are nicely familiar with and have all your templates et cetera set up for.
The accounts do not run out of work (a biggie) so that you can get 8 hours of production within a reasonable workday (should not have to spend 12 hours a day married to the offce to get it).
You are paid somewhere in the upper 20ish percent of the rate range (note I didn't say have to have top pay).
You are either an exceptionally fast typist or use an Expander a great deal and take advantage of computer features.
You work hard.
You work smart and don't waste time where it doesn't count.
You have some talent for the work.
You WORK A FULL 40-HOUR WORK WEEK.
Reasons why some don't even approach that include:
Not fully skilled. Just think, for instance, of those who don't use an expander. And a skilled worker will produce many lines in the time it takes another to look up one term.
Not familiar with accounts.
Account frequently runs out of work--and MT accepts less income instead of walking.
Is a whizbang registered nurse/racecar driverccur et cetera, but lack talent for THIS work.
Doesn't work HARD and push for high productivity. Just working is not the same as working HARD (it is tiring).
Has enough work but doesn't put in a solid 8 hours of production per day (although might think so, maybe forgets to subtract time spent complaining here from the work day).
Katie, although average incomes have gone down significantly, a lot more people are making decent money than posts on this forum give any idea of. Those people don't spend a whole lot of time here, though. Guess why! Best wishes for your own good income.
It is a shame that it takes such a skilled..sm
person to be a MT yet the jobs are just pitiful. The companies can't provide enough work. The pay is pitiful. Why isn't this profession looked at with more prestige? I mean it is sad when you have been an MT for years and can't make a living doing this even with 2 jobs.
You're a big girl and a skilled worker. SM
If you haven't resolved this problem already, go ahead and do it this morning. You know, as a high-skilled MT you should be making at least 3 times whatever your local minimum wage is. Best wishes.
It goes both ways. Not all those with positive experiences are skilled or professional.
Some are in it for the referral bonus, some are company recruiters posting anonymously. It's really hard for anyone to tell the motives, but you can usually tell from the way a person posts who is on the up and up from those who are just spewing sour grapes and those bucking for the referral bonus. I tend to believe negative posts that don't personally insult other posters over positive posters that completely rule out any type of problem. If a person is saying that their company is perfect and there are NO problems, that should send up red flags.
FutureNet --- treating me like the highly skilled professional I am.
you can apply on their web site. they sought me out... grape vine told them i was hating MQ --
only downside... no benefits, gotta be SE... it's what MQ was going to do to me anyway, so no big loss..
What future demand is there for higher-skilled MTs? Inquiring mind wants to know. SM
Seriously--with computers taking over the keyboarding and the electronic medical record replacing much (just HOW much?) of the currently dictated verbage, what need will healthcare providers have that we can train to fill at least the same remuneration if not better? What potential is there for remote work? I confess I'm very fond of my current commute down the hall to my office, and googling MT in England, which has had the EMR for some time now, suggests it's high time I figure out how I'm going to keep it. Any thoughtful or knowledgeable answers would be greatly appreciated.
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As Economy Slumps, Firms Line Up to Hire Skilled Foreign Workers
 What the heck is going on around here? It just gets better by the day!
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/03/19/economy-slumps-firms-line-hire-skilled-foreign-workers/
IC MT to Unit Secretary - sm
Do you like to answer the phone? Do you like to file? Do you like to have people order you around? Are you neat and organized? Can you do three or four things at once? If yes, then go for it. The hours 7 pm to 7 am may not be as busy as when I worked during the day, but your hospital may well be busier, depending on what type of unit you're on. I learned a tremendous amount working as a unit secretary, one thing being I didn't want to be around people anymore, the pubic being the most obnoxious of them all. An doctors in person can be very arrogant too; a lot different than on the other end of the line. Don't know how you will do those hours with small children, but good luck to you.
IC to unit secretary
You brought up some excellent points! Since you have done both US and MT, you definitely would say that you prefer the MT over the unit secretary?
Thanks for your input!! 
Need transcriber unit
You need a transcribing unit that has a pedal that comes with it. Your digital pedal will not work. Depends on size of tape -- micro, mini or standard.
Unit Coordinator
That was my first job in a hospital, although I had worked as an insurance examiner for an ins. company and had medical terminology. It was actually a job I loved. I answered the phone at the unit desk, called for missing reports needed for the patient to go to surgery. When I did it I transferred all the doctors orders onto a cardex and filled out the necessary lab/x-ray/PT, etc. requistion slips. I filed the lab slips and x-ray reports on the chart when they came to the floor. When a patient coded I had to respond and take notes of when CPR was started, all meds given, who responded, time ended. If the nurses were all busy I often answered call lights and relayed the patient's needs to the nurse caring for that patient. I loved it because at the time my boys were little and I worked part-time 3-11. I only needed a baby sitter for two hours till DH got home and I got full benefits for my entire family at no cost. So besides the small check I was bringing in I was furnishing my family's medical coverage. Every job now wants you to be certified in ACLS (Advanced Cardia Life Support) they want you to often times be able to monitor patients if they are in CCU or ICU (that is be able to tell when something out of the norm is showing up on the monitor). I wore scrubs, so no work clothes expense. If the pay works for you go for it...it is totally different from MT and often times there are opportunities for advancement to other positions once you get your foot in the door. I loved it, it was a great job. Just be aware it is a 7-day a week position, so not every weekend off and you will work holidays, Christmas was always the worst but at least it was 3-11 so I had Christmas morning and early dinner with my family.
TENS UNIT
I have used in the past all day.
Could also be life support unit. nm
I agree with Former Unit Secretary sm
Great job, learned a hell of lot, meds,diseases, etc., but I worked days and weekends, notoriously busy,busy,busy, and saw a lot that I just didn't like. Staff personalities are really much worse behind the nursing station than they are on the floor, believe me. Got tired of getting reamed by doctors who thought I was the nurse just because I answered the phone. I never had as much problem with IBS as I did then. If anything went wrong, a med order, lab order, whatnot, it fell on my shoulders. You need a tough skin to work days, nights might be easier, who knows. My skin thinned out faster with that job than 13 years of prednisone usage did. Good luck
Anyone work with a Lanier VTI unit?
Just started today for a new service. I have plugged in the Lanier VTI unit and have checked the connections; they all seem to be correct. I can dial in to the hospital system and access a report, but the foot pedal won't work. My MTSO is calling in a technician but I hope it's not something silly I'm overlooking. Any suggestions?
Lanier is a digital unit
There is a screen on the front of the unit letting you know the job information, number of minutes, dictator, etc. The unit itself utilizes a phone line. The dictators call the server and record their dictation. You access their dictation through the Lanier.
Your still have to have software with the handheld unit
that allows upload to FTP. Without that, FTPVoyager is useless. Make sure you buy handheld units that have the software capability to upload to FTP otherwise you'll be stuck.
If you find that handheld units with the upload software is out of your price range, consider the EZ-Voice solution.
Good luck!
Whether or not to leave IC MT job for unit secretary job at hospital???
HELP, PLEASE!!! I am currently an IC, which I have been for eight years, and I recently applied for a nursing unit secretary position at the local hospital. I interviewed and who would have guessed it, they offered me the job. The position is third shift, 7pm to 7am three nights a week. I do have little kids to think of when considering this. My ultimate goal is to go to nursing school and I am thinking that working in the hospital will be good experience. I don't know if it will be easier to go to nursing school while working as an MT or as a unit secretary. I am having a hard time deciding what to do. I don't know if I would be better off staying put even though I have no motivation to sit down and type or should I take this chance to do something new. Like with any new job I am afraid that I won't like it but I don't particularly care for this current job. What do you think would be the better move? I know you can't make my decision for me but some input on what you would do in my situation would be helpful. Any advice is truly appreciated.
Thanks!! 
MT goes unit secretary ... check out my story!
Ive been an MT for 13 years. I was an IC for 10 years, and a FTE for a local hospital for the last 3 years. I came back from vacation in June to discover my lovely boss was interviewing companies to outsource the MT department. He lied to us - told us not to worry - and then a month later our union received the '60 day notice' letter and we were out on our assess. I took a job as a unit secretary - and a $5 an HOUR paycut along with it, working 3-11 and alternate weekends. Am I crazy to do this. Well yes and no. I'm keeping my awesome union benefits, building toward being vested in 2 more years, and just landed an IC MT job doing guess what: MY OLD JOB. The company that outsourced us hired me. I plan to rake in the bucks in the AM and do the b.s. job at night. 3-11 is half the work as a day job - plus you get the shift differential. Wish me luck ! Joanne
Probably medical records or unit secretary
In my area the pay is about 50 cents less an hour than MT seems like a gravy job compared to this.
There is a small microphone on the front of the unit
If you look on the front panel beneath the volume slider, below the button labeled 21, you will see a very tiny hole. It is a microphone hole. I have used the stick from a Q-tip to fill it in and it lessened the hum quite a bit. I left the swab tip hanging out as an extra buffer. Looky weird but it worked!
Try this and see if it works, but unplug and replug the unit first
Programming Dictaphone unit:
1. Press the "Program Key" key (far left button under the display screen) and you will see the word "Keys".
2. Press the "Keys" key (same far left button under the display screen).
3. Press the first button on the left vertical row of black buttons (remember this marked button as it has been programmed for the display), and put in the following: # * 1 8 (to program the display).
4. Then press the "select" key (look on the right hand side of the phone keyboard itself and press "x" where it says "Dictate" aka the multiplication sign), and the display window should clear.
5. Lift receiver to get original display back and hang the receiver back down. You are done programming.
To get a job, dial the hospital phone number, enter your ID#, and press 6. You will hear the prompt say "at start". To get the demographics, press the "programmed key" (or the button you programmed on the vertical row) twice. You should hear four rapid tones and it will start giving you the demographics. If you miss any part of the demographics, you can press the "programmed key" again twice, and it will start the demographics again. Every time, you sign off a job and get a new job, you will have to press the "programmed key" twice again for the demographics.
The code to program the display button on the Dictaphone is # * 1 8. If for some reason, your Dictaphone will not give you a dial tone or seems locked, trying reprogramming the Dictaphone as above.
Handheld unit software question. sm
Is there a software for the Olympus WS-100 and other units with USB ports that copy from the unit to FTP or designated site for file transfer, store a copy onto computer, and then delete from unit?
If so, please advise. Thanks.
Hospital Unit Coordinator/Clerk
Anyone know what this kind of job would be like? One of the local hospitals has a few of these positions open in various departments. I'm wondering if it's a high pressure/low pay kind of thing, if only because they seem to be hiring from the outside. When I worked for a bank many years ago, they hired "outsiders" only for the crap jobs. I'm tired of MT and want to explore my options.
TENS unit inquiry minds want to know:
Just wondering if anyone has a personal experience using a TENS unit they could share. How long do you use yours for, if you find relief that you forgot you could have, etc. As a chronic low back pain sufferer, I’m looking forward to getting mine on Tuesday!
Thanks
P.S. The temperamental Sony unit was a bargain at $100! Ouch!
Anybody want to sell me a bridge?
Maybe you local Cancer Society unit would have suggestions? nm
s
Which hand-held unit is simplest for doctors? sm
Need a handheld unit, but need to know of simplest one for doctors to use. Also, is there a program that uploads the dictation as soon as you connect the unit that sends it automatically? Thanks.
Also plan on getting a cooling unit to park laptop on
they run anywhere from $30 to $100 depending on features. Worth it definitely to run a laptop for 6 hours or more to keep the unit cool.
Take at home transcription job or unit secretary job at hospital?
I've been an MT for 12 years and have worked at home doing MT for 10 years. Recently got replaced by EMR so had to find work elsewhere. I took a job at a local hospital as a unit secretary working 3-11 now I have been offered a job with a national transcription company. I'm not sure if I should go back to transcribing since the line count/money making potential has me worried. I've been assured that I will never run out of work but I'm worried that I will actually be working longer than the 8 hour shift in order to make the amount of money I need. I would love to be back home with my kids typing again as I miss not seeing them as much as I used to and they want me to be home. I am just not sure if I should stay in a job at the hospital which has a guaranteed amount of money per pay period since I'm being paid by the hour and not by the line where my paycheck can vary. Any thoughts/suggestions/opinions, recommendations out there? Any and all would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks!!
I am lucky for the most part, my only hard ones are in the Trauma ER unit, where it's crazy but t
just love to dictate while on the spot there, talk about noise. But the name spellers are the worst, as suggested below that will spell "Smith" but not "Teona" (1 I had earlier). I do several divisions that are supposed to supply patient lists (but tend not too), but I guess they get their jollys seeing how bad I can butcher the names. 
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