A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry
I started back when it was DDI. Anyone remember that? We had 2 accounts, 1 primary, 1 secondary. We rarely were without work. I absolutely loved it and we ALL KNEW our accounts inside and out. Changes came the last few years and not all good. You all know how difficult working for MM is so I won't go into that. Two summers ago I "thought" and was lead to believe, I would be able to work part-time at my local hospital. I was continuously told it all "looked like a go." For 5 months it "looked like a go" and at the last minute the bottom dropped out of that whole deal (not on my part). I was sooo disappointed and frustrated. I started sending resumes. Heard nothing from anyone. A year ago I starting working prn on my day off for a doc in his own private office where there were 2 full-time transcriptionists for 2 docs and 2 PA's. One of his transcriptionists had to quit, and I asked for that position, and got it. I will start week after next. No more working weekends, no more working holidays, no ASR (they use good old tapes..never heard a yawn or slobbering/munching food, either), uniforms provided, 8 days PTO/year, ins. is available, and the best is....$15/hour. I will be able to give up the food stamps now to someone else in need. I can stop borrowing from Peter to pay Paul!!!
Scary? Nervous? Oh yeah. Since I hadn't worked outside my home for 13 years or so, when I saw the high-tech copier in this office, I almost started to sweat bullets (damn that thing could probably mash potatoes!)...but hey, I can learn...no copier is gonna get over on me! So yes, things will be different but I know it will be fine. The door to the hospital job shut on me, but good Lord willing, another (even better) door...opened. I never thought it would take me almost 2 years to find another job but this is worth the wait. I could have taken a 3rd shift position at the hospital, but I held out for something to suit ME, and after they led me on for 5 months, I didn't trust that anymore, and, I still would have had to work weekends and holidays.
Don't give up and don't let fear get in the way earning a decent wage. You never know what's around the corner if you stop walking.
I wish you all the very best. Stay strong and keep the faith whether you stay or leave.