What I had to buy...
Posted By: Hayseed on 2007-01-21
In Reply to: Hayseed; I luv ya! - newbieneedshelp
Thankfully we had a couple of PCs in the house, so that was a major expense avoided. I did need a fax/printer/copier, and I got a deal on an all-in-one from Sam's Club. It wasn't required, but I did buy that monster-sized Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary, and that was/is a HUGE help, and of course the AAMT book, which was required. After I made a couple of paychecks, I purchased some second-hand Stedman's books from a lady at the same company in the most common specialties I was typing for. My work is downloaded in WAV files, and my current employer provided me with a WAV foot pedal--can't remember now if I paid for that or not, as it may have been taken right out the paycheck. My company also provided me with the audio software (in my case it's GearPlayer) and the electronic Stedman's. As far as office furniture, all I had was the kitchen table and chair at first, but then upgraded to a simple little office desk and task chair, which I still use today. I moved all my stuff into a little room designated the "home office" which is just perfect for me. I can shut the door and crank away.
The toughest thing was getting an ear for ESL doctors. I remember balling my eyes out for several nights (I started off 3rd shift), and getting about 300 lines in 8 hours, because I couldn't understand this lady Russian doctor. I knew I had to just keep on keepin' on, because if I couldn't make it in this job, we were totally screwed. Once my employer hooked me up with some samples of her prior reports, I could piece things together so much better. I didn't know I could even ask for samples from a particular dictator--that's how new/clueless I was!
I was born to be a speed typist, winning several Gregg Typing Test awards during high school in the 1980's. While speed helps, I don't think it's not the end-all be-all in this work. Accuracy is. With experience will come the speed.
The next toughest thing was finding the self-discipline to sit the frig down and type! I forgot for a while that this is a WORK at home job. No going out playing with the animals, visiting with neighbors, etc. during work hours. I don't have kids though--I have no idea how work-at-home moms do it.
Any time you come through the area, consider yourself invited to visit!
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