newbies beware
Posted By: screwed over mt on 2007-08-02
In Reply to: ON-POINT MTS. - screwed over mt
TO ALL NEWBIES, AND STAY AT HOME MOMS:>>DO NOT CONSIDER EVEN THINKING ABOUT THIS ON-POINT MTS.....THEY PREY ON PEOPLE OF INNOCENCE AND MORAL CHARACTER. THEY WILL NEVER PAY YOU. THERE ARE 34+ PEOPLE VICTIMIZED. THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, THE POLICE, AND VARIOUS INTERSTATE ATTORNEYS ARE ALL AWARE OF BAWNIE BARTLETT THE OWNER OF ON-POINT MTS. REMEMBER THE NAME, BAWNIE BARTLETT, ON-POINT MTS. UNLESS YOU LIKE BEING VICTIMIZED, AND TRANSCRIBING FOR FREE DO NOT THINK ABOUT WORKING FOR THIS CRAZY B----.
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Beware!
I ended up with back problems because of it. No good! I force myself not to these days.
But Beware!
I am just now taking a "desperate" client through the process of going to digital. It is very simple and easy for most offices to go digital but if they want transcription yesterday because it is piling up and don't know where the "on" button is on a computer, it can be a nightmare. Two weeks later and I still don't know if I really have a new account because she still can't figure out how to transfer the files from the recorder to the computer. Argh!
BEWARE!!
I'm not a negative MT. Most of the companies I've worked for were either great or ok. Some were fine, they just didn't work for me. I've only had really bad experiences with Medscribe, and Toth. TOTH TRANSCRIPTION IS BY FAR THE WORST COMPANY OUT THERE!!! This man threatened me when I told him I would not type any more until I received the month's wages he owed me. He threatened to sue me and physically hurt me. Whatever you do, STAY AWAY FROM THIS MAN AND THIS COMPANY!! They pay slave wages anyway, if you're lucky enough to be paid at all.
Beware of Bytescribe
Just a head ups about Bytescribe. While the program itself is great, beware that it can only be reinstalled 3 times even on the same computer. So, if you are unlucky enough to have to replace or reformat your computer, your Bytescribe program will no longer be of any use to you after your third instillation. They will be happy to send you an unlimited license for an extra 109.00 after the fact! Isn't that nice of them? This information is not given to you until after you have made the purchase during the registration process. I am now stuck with a several hundred dollar program that is useless. I hope I can spare someone from wasting so much money. I wish I would have been warned about this beforehand.
Beware Bytescribe
From register@bytescribe.com
"Our registration process is necessary because we sell foot pedals separately and because we deal with International markets.
In the registration agreement it states that the software can be installed up to 3 times.
We would like to keep you as a satisfied customer but we do have guidelines set by our company."
Beware Bytescribe
Yes, I have been trying to resolve this issue with them since yesterday. They are not budging and I refuse to pay another 109.00. I'm not sure if they just started it. My software was purchased along with a pedal and headset about a year and a half ago. I actually have the disk here at home. In any case, I've filed a complaint about them to the BBB. I'm not telling anyone not to buy it, I just want everyone to be aware of what you are really getting. Had I known I could only install it 3 times (even on the same computer) I would not have bought it.
Beware new companies
I have heard many horror stories like this one. IMHO, the reason this happens is that there are people out there who are not experienced in MT who think if they hang up a shingle they can call themselves professionals. Many enterprises even now are operating by the seat of their pants because they don't know the biz. Stick with companies who know their stuff and who don't mind giving you the names of transcriptionists who have been with them at least 5 years and are happy. Just my $.02 worth.
Beware - this is MY opinion
I would much rather NOT have my house RUINED by a pet. Either get rid of it or take it to an excellent vet.
There is nothing worse than walking into someone's home and having the smell of urine be so overwhelming it is nauseating.
My husband is in the construction business and runs into that scenario way too often. Seriously, it ruins your home!!!! You may not smell it because you breathe it all day long, every day. For an outsider, it is disgusting.
I am a pet lover, but honestly, once a pet goes so much in your home, that is their pattern and they may NEVER stop doing it.
Beware, you may not have 24/7 911 service. sm
In my area, Central FL, a little girl died because her parents had Vonage and did not read the fine print that indicated 911 service was only during normal business hours and that you have to take other action if you need emergency assistance during off hours. The parents just kept trying and trying, instead of using a neighbor's phone, etc., and so care was delayed and their daughter died. So, if you get it, read all of the fine print.
Hughesnet is NOT down but beware
their customer service STINKS big-time. But, hey, if you live in the wilds like I do, with no cable or DSL - what choice do you have? Never heard of Wildblue - it must be a small starter company.
beware of medigrafix, inc.
I see my old very temporary employer Medigrafix has posted an ad for help on here and I wanted to let all you MT's know that the person you send the email to you is not a nice person to work for from day one she was negative to me and talked down to me! Don't bother plus they expect perfection on day one. The software/platform is impossible to work with also! don't bother working for them unless you want to be treated badly from day one on. Trust me it is not the way to work and it will make you not want to work when treated badly like this!
Beware of agoraphobia
developing over time. You will start procrastinating going after groceries, leaving the house, not wanting to go places. Anxiety can set in. Make sure you get out and have a life.
BEWARE list
Fellow MTs, make note for beware list - 9555 N. Thayer Road, Columbus Grove, OH 45830
Phones: 419-659-2515, 732-917-4211, 866-659-2515
This is just way to insane. Hunters beware. sm
Our "esteemed" governor has just passed on something new for deer hunters. I am not a hunter and neither are any people on my side of the family or my husband's side. However, Maine is just plum full of avid deer hunters. The deer hunting season runs from the end of October through the weekend after Thanksgiving for firearms (bow and arrow hunting starts a month earlier).
Over a decade ago, because of the supposed "dwindling deer population" Maine adopted a "bucks only" law where hunters could only shoot male deer with an antler length of 4 inches or more, but were not allowed to shoot females.
Now wait, this gets better. . . .
A few years back, the grand old State of Maine began to hold a "lottery," so to speak, to issue "Any Deer Permits" for hunters so that they can shoot female deer or not have to determine antler length for whatever deer they happen to get within shooting range of. This "Any Deer Permit" system is only the "luck" of the draw.
Now here is the new and wonderful thing that our governor just passed, and I am NOT kidding:
Any deer hunter that reaches the age of 100 (yes 100) can shoot at any deer without possessing an "Any Deer Permit."
100 years old in the woods with a firearm? Now THAT is a comforting thought.
Beware of computer virus.
I got this email from a friend today and thought I would share it with you all.
*Emails with pictures of Osama Bin-Laden hanged are being sent, and the moment that you open these emails your computer will crash, and you will not be able to fix it!!!
This e-mail is being distributed through countries around the globe, but mainly in theUS and Israel.
Don't be inconsiderate; send this warning to whomever you know.
Confirmed at: http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/osama.asp
Origins: There are few headlines that would grab the attention of more computer users around the world than Osama bin Laden Captured, and that's exactly what whoever created this lure was counting on to snare unsuspecting victims who use Microsoft platforms.
Osama bin Laden Captured isn't a virus in itself; it's the text of a message that includes a link to a file called EXPLOIT.EXE. When a message recipient clicks on this link to view what he thinks are pictures of Osama bin Laden's capture, he can end up downloading an executable Trojan known as Backdoor-AZU, BKDR_LARSLP.A, Download. Trojan, TrojanProxy.Win32.Small.b,or Win32.Slarp.
Clicking the embedded link in the Osama bin Laden Captured message auto-executes a file called EXPLOIT.EXE, which exploits a known security hole to download the Trojan.
According to McAfee Security: The Trojan opens a random port on the victim's machine. It sends the Port information to a webpage at IP address 66.139.77.145. The Trojan listens on the open port for instructions and redirects traffic to other IP addresses.
Spammers and hackers can take advantage of compromised systems by using the infected computer as a middleman, allowing them to pass information through it and remain anonymous.*
Beware of new e-mail worm!
I just read an article regarding a new e-mail worm that is showing up. Hopefully, we can all be aware of it before it presents itself to us.
The article was at: http://forum.sitefever.com/viewtopic.php?id=38.
beware of "settling" an account
When you settle an account with a credit card company for a specified amount, i.e. you own $9,000 and they settle for half of that amount, one of two things can happen. They will sell that other $4500 to another collection agency who will attempt to get it from you even though you settled with #1. Or they will give you a 1099-C cancellation of debt and you have to include whatever amount that they cancel on your account as "income" just like you would if you were an I/C and got a 1099 and then pay income tax on it. So watch out for those two things when settling with a credit card company, search it out entirely. The only way these can be avoided is with a Chapter 13 -- and I do speak from experience, not just spouting words and it is not just something I have not personally experienced.
Patti
beware of companies who ask for money (sm)
to get or give you a job. you shouldn't have to pay anyone. they should pay you.
Beware of Antivirus 2009
While working late at night, I had something pop up that I thought was a MS product called Antivirus 2009, and thinking it was an update on their security, without checking it out, I clicked ok, then at the end, it states it costs $59...and I realized that it was not MS, so I backed out of it. I currently have AVG 8.0 and it has always done a good job for me...but now after several days and asking several different places, plus the Internet, I cannot get rid of this. It seems to be tied into my Google site, the one I use so much.
Does anyone know how you get rid of it? I removed the software (or so I thought) from my program) but it is blocking Google, and just keeps popping up constantly...driving me absolutely nuts.
Does anyone know of a solution to get rid of this? I hate to pay a techie to come out to my house to get rid of this, but I will if I have to...just thought I would ask here first.
Thank you for your help.
Beware of Antivirus 2009
AVG is great and not a resource "hog' like McAfee or Norton -- I have had computer problems in the past, and have dealt with Hiwired.com -- they are inexpensive, ALL USA-based techs and great people to work with -- they understand the MT and if you need a progam completely erased and you tell them as such, they will do it -- I had a problem a couple of weeks ago with Adobe and could NOT get files to load that were in that format -- they got it cleared up and no problems but almost every "tekkie" person including them, that I have talked to has recommended AVG
BEWARE Andrea Renner is no pay
Andrea Renner from Columbus Grove, Ohio paid me in November but not in December and January. BEWARE of her. She is a crook. I hope no one else had such a bad experience with this criminal.
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BEWARE DELL COMPUTER CORP!
 Computer under warranty and the modem went bad. Called tech support and I told them the modem was bad (I am not a computer idiot), but went through everything with them anyway. Of course, they could not help and stated that I had to go through software support before I could be sent a new modem under the warranty. The first thing you get in software support is a salesperson. I told her this was NOT a software problem but I had been told I had to go through software support before I could get a new modem. It cost me $54.23 for a one-time software support problem. Before I did this, I asked her if I would receive a refund if this was determined not to be a software problem, which I already knew it wasn't. She said,'YES, just call this phone number back and give us your case number and we will issue a refund'. So like an idiot, and because I happen to trust people, I paid. I called them right back to advise that software support determined I needed a new modem and to please issue a refund."OKAY - we will issue a refund' the girl says. Now after 2 months I still have not received a refund and the 'refund supervisor' tells me they cannot issue one because I did receive software support. She says they will 'counsel' the girl that lied to me. I told her I never would have gone through software support if I had know that, and if I had not been LIED to, because the new modem only cost $14 if I had purchased it outright so why would I pay $54 to get a free $14 part???? DELL LIES! They just lost my business. I can afford the $54, but it is the principle of the thing. I hate the way big corporations can lie to you and get away with it. My grandfather owned a small grocery store. If someone called to ask the price of ground beef and an employee told them a price that was lower than the actual price, he would have sold it to that customer for that amount. He would not have said,'Sorry but you have to pay the correct price and I will COUNSEL the employee'. WHATEVER HAPPENED TO COMMON DECENCY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE????
Yeah beware..Chronicle Transcripts pays by this method.
I worked there briefly and the platform was awful, and what was worse is that you'd do a whole page of dictation and it came to like 30 lines. Totally felt ripped off.
newbies
I applaud your attitude towards mentoring (especially since I'm a student and crave that!). To hold employees that are worth having the employer would only benefit by training the way he/she wants the employee to work.
As a baby boomer, I think the majority of us will work well past the retirement age set forth by the powers that be. I don't see that my retirement funds will pay for me to live another third of my life unemployed. Not to mention, the need to feel productive that many of us have. MT is the answer, allowing many to work at home (or in our RV's - not that I'll get one, not my thing).
As far as education goes, some schools are most likely sub-par, in it for the money only. Some are developing, some are downright outstanding. However, even a student attending one of the 'lesser' schools might be worth mentoring. Perhaps they attend that school because of fund shortages (I know that's why I am), that does not mean the student is sub-par. Yes, I agree some are looking for an easy buck, but some are looking for a CAREER, not a dollar. I know that's my goal.
ok - I'm getting off my soapbox, and hoping someone someday will give me the chance to work and help others too, when I get enough experience!
Newbies
Good luck in a field where our pay goes down each year, and our business costs soar. I received an e-mail that offered to transcribe my overflow for 3 cents a line. How can we compete with that? It seems the doctors just care about cheap labor instead of quality work....
It isn't that most of us have anything against newbies. sm
Just as in any field, when people have trained and worked hard to get where they are, they expect to be rewarded. Forlorn hope. As newer people come in, they are eager to learn, willing to take less money while they train. That means those of us that have been at it so long (18 years here) have to sometimes cut our prices to compete for the jobs. I won't even mention the off-shoring. Eighteen years experience means little to a company that only asks for two years. We do get bitter, not necessarily at the new people, but at the situation we're in.
People in all professions find this. New people come into teaching making as much as people that have been there 15 years. In other professions, a long-timer is replaced by someone new who works for much less. Do you think there isn't bitterness over this? The list goes on.
We all feel cheated, even those of us making a decent living, like me. Yes, I can make $16 an hour, but have to buy my own equipment, software, insurance, pay employment taxes, income taxes, Medicare tax, internet, long distance, etc. I'm lucky if I really make $8 an hour. Not much above working at WalMart, when you look at it like that.
Don't take it personally, most of us understand being new. But the money was easier to make then, and the competition wasn't so stiff. We're sympathetic with you, but we're also worried about our families. Ten years from now, when you're fighting to make what you make today, and utilities have tripled in that time, maybe you'll understand better. Good luck.
newbies
It's because so many newbies want to work M-F, at their own chosen hours and want to make $50K a year to begin with. They think because they took a course, they know everything and have nothing to learn. They resent established MTs who learned on the job.
I'm from the days when MTs were hired because of their good spelling and typing skills. They trained us on the job. We had very few resources, about 5 good reference books to use, but we were able to get feedback from the doctors, who actually respected us and what we did for them.
Now, too many newbies think that an online course or a couple semesters at the local community college put them on the same level as an MT with 10+ years of experience. Not true. There is no substitute for experience.
To the newbies who think they are too good to work holidays and weekends, I just say, why on earth did you take a job in healthcare, which is 24/7 365 days a year, if you want a 9-5, M-F job? Go to work for an insurance company or an accounting firm.
If you can't raise your family and hold down a job at the same time, then quit and let someone else have the opportunity.
There are so many newbies who cannot get a job and would
probably take that and not think twice. Twenty years ago I was making 6 cpl/gross line.
The newbies always do.....
d
Newbies.......
I have been in this field for 17 years and on 'another board' I was ridiculed beyond reason for posting a problem I had with a vendor who advertised on that site. Little did I know I was a site where there were cliques present, you know like high school. HEY we were all new at one time or another and how do you lean if you don't ask questions? Compassion, patience and understanding goes a long way.
we were all newbies once...
so what's with the vets vs. newbies attitude that has taken over this thread?
Sheesh people - it doesn't matter how many years we've been doing this - we're all in the same boat here. Just because some of us have more experience than others, that doesn't mean we're any better or that our opinions are more important.
I have to take back what I said earlier about having not seen any nastiness here because now I have - and it's right here in this thread.
Newbies
Like you, I had a mentor in a former R.N. who started a small transcription company. I knew some medical terms but not much. I did have the advantage, however, of being a very fast typist at that point. But I had never worked with any type of dictation equipment. I started when I was 26 and more or less retired at the age of 67. To say that this profession is on life support is probably the most accurate and honest statement I've heard in a long time. I was able to work at home with young children and it was a God-send at that time. For years I worked full-time for a large group as a salaried employee plus worked several nights a week at a local hospital because they had new computerized equipment and I wanted to learn that. I still love the medical profession and all that it entails and am truly sorry that now all the bits and pieces stored in my brain won't be used any longer for transcription. I still try to read about medicine and get on this site frequently just to "keep up" but, again, the profession as we oldies knew it is dead in the water. My own family physician has already switched to EMR. In fact, he types his own notes as he sees the patient. He said the group could not afford to hire a transcriptionist. To put it mildly, transcription "ain't" what it used to be, that's for sure. So sad, really.
Newbies
Hi! Where does a newbie get started? I am working at a large local hospital in the Transcription Dept. and have been here a year. I transcribe 2 days and I do tech work. I just finished my internship and I have my MT certificate. :) I do not know where to start to find MT work as a newbie. Anyone have any advice? I am able to get 2 days transcribing at my current job but I want a second job transcribing. Any adivce is greatly appreciated! :) 
I think 100 may be a lot for brand new newbies. nm
nm
Message for newbies
Please go to www.careerbuilder.com. On the left hand side, enter into 'keyword' box, 'transcription work from home'. Do not enter a city or state or category. Now click on 'search'. There are several jobs her for transcriptionists with little experience. Some of them require that you live in a certain area. Many of them do not. When you call to inquire about these positions, make sure that it's not some sort of school thing that requires you to pay a fee. I hope this is helpful.
I think the newbies who are just getting into the business sm
need to hear the truth about this organization before they get taken in by them.
No, why do you ask? They are very good with newbies (nm)
a
Taking on newbies.
The company I worked for took on newbies who had completed an MT course or had experience in an associated field. They were hired on at a slightly lower rate. Some were raised up in about a month when they proved to be good transcriptionists, and went on to become excellent employees. Some realized very soon that they could not cut it, and usually quit on their own. They were given only as much work as they could complete, and only were let go if their quality was awful and they did not improve over a few weeks time. It can be done and is often very much worth the money and time spent.
I know of svl newbies who get offered what I get now with 13+ yrs in!! Sad..and
s
Well, I will tell you newbies make
the same as you! That's pretty sad considering how long you have been doing it, but I made that right out of school
Why do you accept low pay for newbies?
I said it below but trascribing is a higher skill than alphabetizing.
The low pay for new MTs is unacceptable. Even after the huge discussion I do not understand the idea that putting in your time = working for low wages. I don't expect a new MT to make as much as an experienced one but they still should earn more than a file clerk or housekeeper.
Hospitals pay for *months* of training when a floor nurse goes to the OR. The floor nurse requires one on one training in the OR. They also pay for months of training for OR/"scrub" and anesthesia techs before they are considered productive. I don't understand why a new MT should work for $9/hour when a file clerk earns more than that. I understand the file clerk is productive after a few hours but the hosptial pays training time for other positions.
I am honestly asking this. I do not want a MT strike, MTs to type their initials on screwed up reports or a MT sit in at the medical director's office. Why is it accepted in the transcription community for a new MT to earn less than anyone else in the doctor's office?
Most newbies ARE screwed.
I personally know two people, one of whom I mentored through her training program, who could get jobs in the field. No one would let them get a foot in the door. So I understand that frustration from that point of view, because these people have had to count their training money as a loss and go on to other things. I was so sad for them, and angry at the penny-pinching MT profession as it is today, which has few opportunities for in-house training for new people to learn what they need to know to succeed.
I think a lot of the bitterness you sense is really toward the big companies and the direction that the profession has taken. There is no place anymore for newbies to learn and "pay their dues" the way many of us had to do it.
I also agree with the poster below who said this is something that is in EVERY profession nowadays. My own father was pretty well forced into retirement, and yet they had the nerve to call him afterwards trying to pick his brain because his successor, half his age, couldn't figure something out. (He informed them of his consultant rate, take it or leave it.) As the other poster said, you find it in teaching and other professions, as well.
What concerns me about newbies is
that often they write these excited posts and reveal how tiny their working English vocabulary is. That's a terrible place to start out from. I try to be polite, but I do remember being a newbie for hospital work and how appalled the trainer was with the other MTs who had tiny English vocabularies. She about dropped her teeth because the first time I had to spell shotty adenopathy I spelled it right. I couldn't believe anybody would think "shoddy adenopathy" would make any sense. It's not logical.
How do you train people to THINK and be logical in their transcription? Those are things the person should bring to the table if they want to go into a career in the written word. Then you can build on that logic as you interpret MD slurring.
Wow are newbies really starting at...s/m
8 cpl? I have 17+ years experience and just started a job 3 weeks ago and 8 cpl is exactly what I'm making, I must mention that it is 8 cpl, but based on a 60 (yes 60)character line and she counts spaces. Would that be enough to make either a slight to significant difference? Math is not my area. Plus it is clinic work, that never runs out, with no ESLs.
I understand why you upset over your rate. My wav player just stopped on me today so there's 2 hours wasted.
I'm just happy to be working for a super-nice lady that is extremely flexible and knows the definition of an IC and what they are and ARE NOT obligated to do by law. She doesn't live all that far away, and is always easily accessible and happy to help us out. Thank goodness she is also our sole QA person too. Very nice setup, IMO. One more bonus is that this company has less than 15 MTs.
Yup! And newbies have to pay the rent and eat, too -
.
jobs for newbies
Does any one know which companies hire new grads?
I get so frustrated with the newbies here who
took the At-Home Professions course or other equally bad and then complain they can't find a job. They didn't do any research on the front end or they would have chosen another school - you do get what you pay for and most took their courses because they were cheaper.
In every aspect of the real world there is someone trying to scam us, so you should always research.
We all started as newbies. sm.
Everyone has to start somewhere. When I started, I was scared to death, but had a really good trainer and worked for a wonderful doctor who was very patient with me. His comment on my first day has become a motto to me. "The only stupid question is the one you don't ask and just assume your answer is right." Trust me I asked some pretty dumb ones but like he said you don't learn it unless you ask. No course is going to teach you everthing. On average, I learn something new almost every day. It comes with experiences.
Lindsay good for you. Hope you do well and Good Luck.
My concern about newbies getting a job -
In response to a previous post on newbies finding a job - I've been typing for almost 15 years and was lucky enough to "learn the right way" from a great mentor, learning all specialties. Editing speech rec jobs is relatively easy when you have the background in all specialties like "us old folks".
At least for right now, I believe speech rec is only as good as the experienced Editor behind it to eyeball and correct any errors. I hate to admit it, but speech rec has made dramatic improvements in its accuracy over the last few years. It's here to stay, it's improving - and surprisingly, the people I work with really enjoy editing.
My concern though is when the old folks like me in the field retire, and many of us are getting close. Newbies need the opportunity to get in the door and gain their experience in all specialties to take over as the older folks leave the field. There needs to be mentors to continue to be available to these newbies to guide them along the way. There are good schools out there, but to "learn it all" you really need to be actively working in the field on a job that gives the opportunity to learn all specialties.
This is my concern as speech recognition becomes more and more successful. We will continue to need quality, seasoned transcriptionists to become quality, well rounded editors in the future.
I've taught completely green people transcription, and I've taken newbies in and guided them along the way. It is satisfying for me because someone took me green 15 years ago and gave me this opportunity, and for that I am eternally grateful. Putting 3 kids through college was a lot easier thanks to my full time job and another part time job I had.
Best of luck to all you newbies out there - if you can get your foot in the door at a local hospital, even working in house to start, its a good place to begin. Gain all the experience you can. I'm not sure working for these big shlock houses, the nationwide transcription companies, is the best place to start - it can be frustrating when you're given all the ESL docs and junk work and try to plug through it.
Good luck newbies - keep on pluggin.
TTS, NH - do they hire newbies
TTS, NH - do they hire newbies? I have a whole 6 weeks of experience and am looking for a good company. Not fond of the big nationals.
If you have any additional suggestions for good companies I am open.
Looking for employee position, but realize that initially this is almost impossible to find. Will definitely settle for IC status.
Becuase most of them are newbies and don't
nm
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