What if you don't have professional references?
Posted By: Applying for a job on 2009-05-28
In Reply to:
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.
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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!
The more references the better, but don't forget -
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!
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
Professional
You sound like a "professional" with an attitude. Maybe you had better seek some therapy or meditation. What ever happened to "judge not, lest ye be judged" and treating others like you would like to be treated? Like I said before, maybe it was just an honest mistake. Apparently he has some degree of professionalism to have been approached by two different doctors. Take a look at his work before you pass judgement.
Professional
No, this isn't religion 101, it is LIFE 101. If you treat everyone you know the way you treat most of the people on this board, I would expect that you will be losing your professional position, as well, real soon. My error rate is quite fine, thank you, but I do have the heart to forgive others "their" mistakes, too. Maybe you need to find another place to work for. MQ does not seem to be agreeing with you. You also have too much time to be responding to job boards. I wonder how much work you get done in a day. HMMMM???? The truth of your anger was in your last post...."maybe you are one of those recruiters that will hire just about anyone, including illiterate people, TO TAKE MORE OR OUR JOBS AWAY." your insecurity is showing. Don't take it out on innocent people. Deal with your own issues first. Good luck to you. Life is tough. Suck it up.
HERE'S HOW A PROFESSIONAL WOULD DO IT ..
OLD TIMEY MT eh?!! Here's how a professional would have written the ad:
Seeking a well-seasoned medical transcripitonist with a vast fund of medical knowledge, and who has experience with computers, transcription software, FTP, expanders, and reference software for the transcription industry. Seeking an individual comfortable with computer technology and willing to learn our proprietary software.
...that's it, that's all she needed to post. If that person was professional, the first rule is to state what you are looking for, NOT what you don't want. Be clear and specific, not make negative statements because it only reflects on the person writing the ad and the company. Shame, shame.
professional
This is major. Seek a professiong, I live in the South and still see Blue Hairs and Pink Hairs. How it comes out depends on the texture of your hair, your base color and many other factors. That's why its costs. I would be leary of anyone who did it under $125.00
As a professional...
I expect the same courtesy I give. The doctors want clear, easy to understand reports; I want clear, easy to understand dictation. I don't care if it is ESL or English or poor communicator in general: if you want someone to type what you say, say it clearly. I think it would be unprofessional to accept substandard quality; that's part of what has gotten this profession into the jam that we're in as it is.
non-professional?
What?! We look non-professional just because we work at home? Ridiculous! Professional depends on the person, not the location. And you mentioned doctors working at home... Most docs in the past worked at home and they were very professional. And have you not seen Cosby? ha Professional is an attitude, a person's demeanor, not a location. Who wants to work in an office with all the politics and garbage when there is a perfectly good, honest, respectable, AND PROFESSIONAL option to work at home? I have been in business over 15 years AT HOME and have never had anyone tell me I was unprofessional. I think it is very honorable and a blessing from God to be able to be with my kids, and I support anyone trying to do the same.
Not very professional to
transcribe a report on somebody you know personally. Would you want one of your family members or friends to look at your medical records, especially if there were things you wanted kept private? I am shocked that any MT would do this and call themselves a professional. There may not be a law, I don't know, but it would certainly make a valid lawsuit if it ever came out and rightfully so.
You say you are being professional
But then you are saying you will do it on the side like a hobby for extra cash. What's the difference? You are talking out of both sides of your mouth.
Yes I have kids and I am no less of a professional than you and I do a good job. No I couldn't take my kids to work, so I telecommuted for the hospital 3 days a week. My kids are school age. I've been doing this for 19 years. So don't tell me that it's not professional to work from your home.
But, there was a lady with a sick bird and the boss let her bring it in and kept in her office so she could feed it! HA! No kids, but birds were allowed. Well, there was one girl that was allowed to have her kid there while she worked, but she wasn't an MT, she was a secretary.
Now you see why I left to come home to my safe haven where I am making almost twice as much as I did at the hospital. No, this will never be my side gig. This is my main professional career and I'm darned good at it and I'm glad to help sick people and professionals in the healthcare industry document medical records. I'm not afraid to research anything and don't care how long it takes either. I'll get the answer! And no, I have no desire to be QA because I'm an MT and that's what I'll be God Willing and the creek don't rise!
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.
I think you should MYOB also. If she is a professional,
she is simply doing her job without getting personally involved in the particulars and as long as she is doing it on her own time and using her own equipment, then I do not see a problem.
dream on, Ms. Professional...sm
profession is defined as, "a
calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic
preparation." Hardly MT work.
Professional flyers
I do flyers and they are very "professional" and so what if they offer a free car wash. I found that most office managers just want to "look" to see what it offers and I feel opening a letter is sometimes takes "too much time" while at a flyer they can just turn over and read immediately what it is about. Again, I think whether letter or flyers if you are at the right place at the right time, you can nab an account. And yes, have gotten several accounts that way and one has been with me for 18 years. So probably either works, I just prefer the flyer. But remember just like selling a house, it takes time and you have to put it out there to several hundred to get a bite. And once I get a bite I then go in and talk to them taking cookies or something. Also when I am looking for a new account I do several mailings about 6 - 10 weeks apart so I stay fresh in everyone's mind. I also inform my present docs and their gals and offer a small bonus to anyone that helps me land a new account I am sure that everyone has their way of soliciting for new accounts and it has worked for them and so they feel it is "the only way to go" but whatever route you take you have to get out there, be visible and that means to a lot of people as with that also you get word of mouth between offices.
Good luck.
You are so right! So professional its totally
unbelievable. If I weren't living it, I would never believe it.
Why XP-Professional version?
Just wondering why companies require us to have XP-Pro now instead of home edition?
Very professional. Love it!
You just made my day!!! 
Why not consult with a professional on this?
You seem to have a lot of questions that would be better answered by a professional. Of course, that wouldn't be free, so maybe that's the rub.
better yet, imagine a MT who is professional!?
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