I was trained as an MT 14 years ago "by the seat of my pants" in a hospital setting full of humiliating demoralizing, demeaning management tactics. It was so bad, every person that left wanted to own a T-shirt that said "I survived ______". I lasted 1-1/2 years because I knew I wanted to learn this skill, and I saw value in the independence it could provide. It took me up 6 months to really start to "get it." I learned after leaving that 1st job there are many different settings in which you can find work, and all will have different QA standards and different software platforms.
The only advice I can think of is: 1) Ask whether there are any continuing education opportunities available through your employer (the hospital I was at had the full SUM curriculum in their library, for example). This will show your willingness to learn more to improve your MT skills. 2) Contact AHDI or other organizations to look for resources so you will understand you are definitely not alone. 3) If you are still unhappy after trying the above, I would consider looking into other work situations. There are still small clinics out there that rely heavily on a single MT to do work with a single doctor. That may be a better fit for you and allow you to learn one dictator proficiently before moving on. It's not as hard as people think to become an independent contractor. You don't even need an EIN, just a SS#. That could be a goal of yours--to work independently on your own.
We all come to being an MT with different skill sets and different educational backgrounds, but the biggest disservice anyone can do is to believe those fly-by-night advertisements for someone in their pajamas wanting to do a little "typing on the side." It's definitely not that easy. There are good terminology and MT courses at many community colleges around the country, as well as the more comprehensive MT training programs like Career Step that require quite an up-front investment.
I wish you luck and please know you are not alone. |
I feel for you - EM
