The more references the better, but don't forget -
Posted By: BeenThereDoneThat on 2009-02-24
In Reply to: fears about on-line testing - Jeanie
the Internet is one of your fastest and easiest references, as long as you're pretty good at weeding out the incorrect information from the correct.
Earphones - yes. If you have a portable CD player or MP3 player, you should be able to plug the pin for those right into your computer. Headphones will probably have better quality than earbuds, though. Still, you can get them fairly cheaply just about anywhere. You might be able to buy the Word 2003 online for a lot less than in a store. Try Amazon.com, eBay, etc. If a friend has it, you might be able to borrow their Word '03 disk and load it onto your PC for free.
Finally, be sure to proofread your test work carefully - several times. If you have the time, play back the audio as you do it.
Familiarize yourself with the Book of Style, since so many employers seem to think it's right up there with the Bible. (Ha ha - I don't! But I still had to unlearn some of what I learned at my on-site job, and learn the ways of the Holy Book of MT, in order to make fewer 'mistakes'. Still, style is one thing, but accuracy of information is what' really the most important.
Check to see if the test software has a way to speed up or slow down the dictation. I couldn't with mine, and it was way too fast for my comfort level. I could've finished the test a lot faster if I could've slowed down the dictation.
You won't have to do any fancy word processing on a test, mainly just spell the words right, so switching from WP to Word shouldn't be an issue. I've used both at work, and actually prefer Word.
Above all, relax and pretend it's just another day at work. I find I tend to transcribe a lot better when I'm not tense - so eliminate distractions, background noise, etc. And, have some coffee and/or CHOCOLATE handy to keep you happy! ;D
Good luck with your test!
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references
None that include crepitants, because it IS NOT A WORD!! Which is why she never came back with a reference for it.
my references
Vera Pyle's Current Medical Terminology shows scapholunate all one word, no hyphen. (No H by the way). Does not list LT.
Stedman's Orthopaedic words
lists SL hyphenated ~and~ not hyphenated. (Also no H)
Lists lunate-triquetral
but word not listed as you have it spelled.
Claudia Tessier "The Surgical Word Book" lists SL without a hyphen (again, no H). LT not listed.
Hope this helps :-)
Here's my take on references.
I've seen some ads here asking. Apparently, this is the new trend. It may be a way for these companies to check you out or a way for them to get back at us here for slamming them pubicly if someone has had a bad experience.
The problem with giving your current employer is as the poster stated above. The problem with giving references if you're an IC and have your own accounts is giving that company access to your clients' information, which I would never do.
If I were you, I'd talk to some friends that know you're work ethic. References do not have to be in a supervisory position. If you worked in an office and know you could rely on the receptionist, then give her name.
I never give out my contact info for my current clients on my resume in case these online MTSOs are looking to compete with me with their flashy equipment and low prices. I am very general, and I feel safer that way. If they cannot tell from your resume that you have enough experience, then they need not hire.
No references
I am working two part-time jobs, one as an IC for hospital and one for a national. I did not need references for either job. I previously worked for MQ and I don't think they give references anyway, and all the other companies I worked for have gone out of business.
Also I did not test for either job either. Was hired after a brief phone call for both jobs.
references
You may not need any. A lot of people are in the same boat and no doubt just use personal friends. If you are good at what you do, you will be in demand. Explain your situation and they will understand.
References--who?
Just curious--I don't know if it is just me or if anyone else has this problem, but besides your employers or former employers, who do you use for professional references if you work at home all the time and don't socialize with other MTs or belong to any MT associations, etc? I have been working at home in my own cocoon for 7 years and am filling out an application for MDI. They ask for 4 professional references. Anyone else run into this dilemma? I always just give my employers' names, but I don't want to list my current one. 
I never put down references. nm
nm
References like these would help
It could be difficult for some but not as much if you have some good resources, books or online resources. You'd have OP reports and that can be tough but again you'd get the hang of it. Sites like these would help.
http://linksformts.googlepages.com
references
some that I have found on different chat rooms - did not know if you needed op report words or not, so did not put them in
http://medlineplus.gov/
http://www.onelook.com/
http://www.lopez1.com/lopez/drugs/choose.drugs.medications.by.category.htm
http://www.labtestsonline.org/
http://www.tirgan.com/chemolst.htm
http://local-nursing-homes.com/browse/
http://www.theagapecenter.com/Hospitals/
http://dir.yahoo.com/Regional/U_S__States/
Did anyone specifically ask you for references?
Do not give out references unless you are asked to. If they did ask you, did they want personal or professional references? I use my parents' friends as personal references. They've known me my entire life and would never say anything bad anyways. As for professional references, you can call old supervisors or coworkers to see if they would do it.
Get those references warmed up...sm
The most trying part of heme/onc is the specialized laboratory. Some docs get into lab mode and they can leave a newbee in the dust quite quickly. Put that same knowledge in an ESL and it is 10 times worse. I love to do the stuff just because of the challenge, but then my desk is loaded with the necessary books and software to get it done. >')
Try Ebay for MT references. nm
x
are you checking references?
nm
ortho references
Anyone know any good ortho web sites? Joints? foot orthotics?
References available upon request (sm)
References are private information and I would just state the above at the end of the resume. I've done this for years without a problem. If the employer is interested in hiring you, they'll ask for them.
References on resume sm
Our local colleges and resume critiques suggest references on resumes are not acceptable. Also, a reference should never be offered without first asking permission from the person or company one uses as a reference. It's an honor and privilege to have these people offer to serve. However, I have seen many brochures for services which list the names of clients and sometimes quotes from clients as to the greatness of their service. I think brochures are in a different category. I would caution against this without a signed okay. I have been taught never to list a reference on a resume but to show up with them on a separate sheet either at time of interview or upon request from those you are seeking employment from or perhaps an IC position. I hope this helps. It sounds harsh, but I think it is being respectful of those who would offer to serve as a reference and you don't want them being bothered by too many inquiries. Hope this helps. Good luck (although luck has nothing to do with it) and hope you do well!
What if you don't have professional references?
Hi all! I just applied for a job and the questionnaire asks for professional references. I don't have any.  Working at home, I only had contact with immediate supervisors, and all the coworkers know each other only via chat forums. How does one handle the professional references issue? TIA.
Are we allowed to use references during a test? nm
nm
RE: Are we allowed to use references during a test? nm
Yes and encouraged.
...anyway. I've only had my personal references
s
Endocrine and Ophthalmology References
What are the best endocrinology & ophthalmology reference resources? Websites, books, etc.
I'm having these added to my work pool of nephrology, gen/vasc surgery, & IM. Thanks for the help.
Help deciding CD references vs books....sm
I need to purchase new references and need opinions as I am undecided whether to eliminate books completely and go with CDs or not. There is something I really like about leafing through a book but have become more mobile lately with a laptop and carting books is a pain. Also, is a drug reference really necessary with all the drug sites on the internet? I do exclusively trauma and operative reports.
How do I list references on resume SM
when I have been working for national company for 15 years and cannot, obviously, list my immediate supervisor or any QA people I have encountered? The references I have are from several years ago. Are they still valid?
I'm really confused and upset about this. Do companies expect a list of 3-4 references with names and numbers?
Thank you.
First, check with your previous references.
See if they're still willing to be a reference for you. If so, use them. Make sure you've updated their contact information as well.
I had a past prospective employer contact my then-current employer for a reference and that got ugly. The current employer had no idea I was looking and the reference check forced my hand. I would suggest that you not supply reference contact information for your current company, even if they ask. This will make sure that they do not spring any surprises on you or your employer.
Thanks!!! Great references and sites (nm)
.
I am. Member discounts on references SM
and continuing education (I am a CMT and need it to maintain) are worth it to me. The discounts I received on those add up to more than I paid for membership.
Leaving this field and need references -sm
I am leaving MT after nearly 9 years in the field, all of them working from home. Where can I get references? I really do not want to ask my employer because I do not want them to know I will be leaving just yet. Really coming up empty on this one. Can anyone offer some ideas? Thanks bunches! 
If you can read, you will see the post by ALS gave references. nm
:
Prosthetics/orthotics - limited references available
If someone out there has a good web site for this speciality, I'd appreciate it.
It screwed up my computer. Now I use online references
x
I read the posts. Most of my references refer to
x
I would give my background and experience and offer references. I would not
mention prices. Put it on a nice letterhead with your company name. Maybe a pen or something could be included, kind of like drug reps do when they hope to talk to somebody in charge in the office. Make friends.
I also like to use online references, which by the way I invest in by paying my monthly fee
for high-speed internet service. Why knock someone's way of doing something just because it isn't your way? I personally find it much quicker to find something online than to finger through a bunch of books, which by the way are outdated quicker than you can get them delivered.
Drug references. Online fuzzy search.
I have always used rxlist but it does not do fuzzy searches anymore. What sites do you find helpful?
TIA!
yes -- I have a folder in favorites for my account specific references
and have for each that hospital's medical staff websites and frequently more
Most hospitals and MANY clinics and medical practices have their own web sites which helps a lot.
If you know the city and/or speciality, even plain Google searches can be an easier search than some of the "physician profile lists" -- just because half the time they seem to include every doctor in the state.
Also, fwiw, I keep a copy of state theagapecenter.com page (which is usually the first google hit if you ask for say "Indiana Hospitals")bookmarked as well. Very helpful in finding correct spelling of town and county names. it's worth the effort.
L-shaped desk, bookcase under the left side for my medical references
(homemade by my DH, of course), file cabinet to the left. Phone on the left side of L, mouse on the right, easy reaches for my aching elbows if I keep them in front of me. My desk faces my door to the office (sliding glass doors to the house) so I can see anyone who decides to just come in the door without knocking. If they knock, it takes me a minute or so to get to the door, but that's okay too. Even with my big L-shaped desk, I still have lots of extra clutter that I need to put away, file, throw away taking up my space, but at least I can find everything I need when I need it. :-)
hire people with solid longstanding work background with good references; like myself
nm
Updating surgical references - new Stedmans Word Book, Tessier Surgery Book or others - best one in
nm
Don't forget to ask...
What types of accounts you will have and whether you will have backups if your primary runs out of work. Do they pay for spaces and use of expansions or normals? Are hours flexible if you need it? Is there any charge for equipment? software? Is tech support available all the time? How soon do the bennies such as health insurance kick in? How often do you get paid and when can you expect your first paycheck? Do they give pay raises, incentives or anything else that can increase your income? What kind of training will you get until you are comfortable with the accounts? Are there a lot of ESLs?
Whether they answer any questions honestly or not you will find out when you get started. Probably best to run the company name on MTStars and see what you get. Good luck! 
Will never forget
nm
Yep, and don't forget 100% QA! LOL. Seriously, I
x
yes, that's what I always do, but don't forget
Frozen ham has a tendency to taste saltier, so when you use it, you probably won't need to add any salt.
and don't forget
Don't forget that before white out and all the other things, we had to use a razor blade to remove errors from ALL of the copies. I worked for a VA Hospital and everything had about 6 or 7 copies. Cut many a finger in those days, but learned how to be accurate really fast.
Forget about them and those like them and
live your life, period. I wish I could post a saying I got from Mother Theresa the other day but it does something like this:
People will hate you. Do good anyway. It was never about them, it's only about you and God. Something along those lines. And only half of these posts are nuts.
I'm sorry, but how can someone just forget...
Valentine's Day? That's like forgetting it's Christmas. It's all over the TV, in the stores, everywhere you go, there was something about Valentine's Day. I don't buy the "forgetting" thing at all...unless he lives under a rock or in a cave, he didn't forget...
Better to forget IC at 6 to 8 CPL
After you pay your taxes, it averages only 4 to 6 CPL. I would rather be an employee. Never will go IC again.
And let's not forget..............nm
Don't forget sm
you'll probably be typing headers and a bunch of junk. Not for me, but if you do it, make sure you'll get paid for it.
don't forget a
It really helps if you can have someone who is just in charge of the money. They could sit at a table and concentrate on just taking in the money. You can get really distracted when buyers want to ask you about merchandise. So much fun at the end of the day adding it all up and treating yourself to a yummy lunch!
just like me to forget something..
also must pay local tax and Soc Sec tax of 15%. Yuck!
yes, and don't forget
x
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