Typing with your keyboard in your lap

• Typing with your keyboard in your lap - JudithD
  • When I first started transcribing, - Z
  • Typing with your keyboard in your lap - Jeeperbelle
    • Try propping your pillow against your desk or - me
  • I type with my keyboard in my lap... - i_am_mtheaded
    • Keyboard trays and pedal placement - JudithD
      • My desk came with a keyboard tray, as do most of them - me
    • Pedal Placement/Ergonomics - txcatgirl
      • We aren't the only ones wanting - Me
  • I am also interested in this post. - any and all suggestions welcome.

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To those of you who type with your keyboard in your lap, are you just placing the keyboard on the pillow or using something on top of the pillow?  Also, what are you doing in regard to your mouse?  My wrists are fine, so far, but I am having severe right neck/shoulder pain and tingling, probably from mousing.  I'm using an ergonomic keyboard and like them, but am looking to replace my Belkin split with another keyboard.

Is anyone typing from a reclining position?  I've heard talk of this and am wondering how you would operate the foot pedal in this position?

Thanks for any advice.  I've already garnered a lot of information by just reading through old posts - it's fabulous that we have the opportunity to share with each other.

JudithD

That key printing never wear down because the letters are part of the key itself.  They just don't make them that way anymore because it is too expensive to make.  Some of the mechanical keyboards like Cherry have what they double shot key imprinting and the letters are part of the key itself and don't wear off. That IBM keyboard is very noisy from the type of keyswitch it has so you may not like that.  Logitech and Belkin make some membrane switch keyboards that are supposed to have longer lasting key imprints.  I have a logitech that has the longer lasting key imprints and it is pretty good.  You have to look on the specs to find out if has the longer lasting key printing.

I have experimented so much with keyboards and have done a lot of research.  Way too much info.  

Okay, any lefties use this keyboard? How long did it take to get used to? I use my left thumb for the space bar and I notice on a diagram of the keys that I would always be hitting the backspace key.

I'm really interested in getting a better keyboard. I destroyed my left hand and wrist the other week when I fell because I'm becoming a real klutz.

I bought the Soft Flex gloves, but they only help a little bit. My production is down because of it and it's driving me crazy. I can only type an hour without stopping and then have to rest the hand for some time.

I did buy a Microsoft 2000 keyboard but have yet to recieve it. Is this a good one?

Do you use a keyboard tray with it or just set it on the desk? Do you think a kayboard tray would be the least expensive item right now that would help with a straight keyboard?

Any info you can provide to help me in making any decision would be greatfully appreciated.

'Scuse me for being old school, but I've only ever used a straight keyboard.

For longtime comfort which is best - split keyboard mounted on chair arms or split keyboard to be used on the desk?

Also, why the preference over split keyboards that come totally apart versus split keyboards that are permanently connected at the top?

I want to revamp my office and there are so many different options.

A great woman crossed into the arm's of God this morning.  She was 80+ years of age and still doing medical transcription up to the day earlier this year when she was diagnosed with cancer and even then she came to the office just until recently.  She loved her job and everyone loved her.  She will be greatly missed in the world of transcription as well as among family and friends. 

Until we meet again. 

Too broad of a question --  is is a seminar, deposition, insurance statement or what.  I have done a lot and for 60 minutes per tape it has averaged out to over $100 at 10 to 11 cpl -- many years ago.  Again depends on what you are typing and the quality of the tape.  Lost my shirt one time on a planning meeting, too hard to understand, etc.   Took many hours to do and not enough pay.   More details and could answer you better.

I just moved and my new desk setup is a built-in desk which is too high for comfort for typing on the keyboard.  I can adjust my office chair up, but then it's too high to comfortably reach the pedal.  I have been typing on the keyboard on my lap for two days but my shoulders are sore and so are my calves apparently from flexing when I wasn't aware of it all day.

Awhile back I read here that some MT's type on their keyboards on their laps.  Please give me any feedback how it works for you and also do you know of any products out there or things around the house to support the keyboard and make it easier to balance on your legs.  I kind of like typing like this other than the strain on my neck and legs from trying to keep it balanced and from sliding off.

Thanks in advance! 

My kids say that is all I ever do anymore---MT work at my computer. When I am home I type! Sometimes 10 or more hours per day........

But, I tell them I could be at work someplace for 8 hours and that is what I would do there.

Just trying to get a few ideas for obtaining more work.....probably like a lot of other starving MTs!

Does anyone type strictly IME's?  If so, is the pay any better than traditional transcription?  Any info greatly appreciated.  Thanks! 

what they say so they can see it for themselves - or someone who knows the difference can see it!  Some of my faves today:

"Jackson-Pratt draining removed..."

"Muscle strength 4+ on right upper extremities..."  - Pt has more than 1?!

"There was depressed of right scalp secondary to miss of scalp."  (Patient had a laceration and underlying skull fracture)

Could go on and on - but one of my favorites is when they spell a word or a drug for you and it's TOTALLY WRONG!! 

Some though, I have to say, are very aware of how difficult it is to understand them and actually end up being better than some of my American dictators.  Those ESLs I prefer over all others.

Please tell me if I am right or not. On a recent dictation a doctor was giving current medicationa and he said "p.r.n. ibuprofen", I typed Ibuprofen p.r.n., because I was taught that this is the correct way. She informed me to type it the way he said it. I looked at another transciptionist work on this same doctor and she typed PRN Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is not capitalized unless it is in the beginning of the sentence. I do not want to compromise my work or correct transcribing, what do I do? She also informed me that the Book Of Style is not always right. Well, I was taught that it was the final authority. Help!!!!!

First of all, let me explain that I work not from dictation but a handwritten template that I fill in--typewritten "transcription" in turn.   The physician fills out the form while in the treatment room, circles correct choice from a list, etc.; sometimes the nurse does this.  I've been instructed for the third time to "type as written" when I've questioned meds or inconsistencies.  This goes against my training and principles (if that sounds sanctimonious, so be it)--when I can't reference things. I've had as much as half with questions and blanks where information was simply skipped. I don't have the patient charts to consult--just a stack of forms.  I have respect for the doctor professionally; her patients, many of whom have been coming to her for years, seem to love her.  Never had this experience before, either with transcription or as a secretary.  Most of the time my supervisors have been happy that I caught errors.  Please let me say these aren't nitpicky things--it is misspelled drugs like Demedex rather than Demadex!

The last time I said I wouldn't put my initials on the reports I questioned and was told I must put my initials "to tell who to return work to," even though I'm the only one doing transcription.  Furthermore, the office manager told me the doctor takes ultimate responsibility because it's her signature on the notes.  I'm going to comply while looking for other work, because this is one of many things we just don't see eye-to-eye on!  What do you all think?  How to deal with this?  TIA!