A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

acct going to Escription, Nuance won't upgrade company sypplied computer- sm - MT wallet

Posted: Apr 30, 2013

Nuance says they will make a $300 loan toward purchase of a personal computer to work on te account, paid in 26 installments. I know a decent computer that has their specifications will cost more than that. What to do? I'm on Dictaphone now.

I mean supplied - MT wallet

[ In Reply To ..]
also need new glasses!

Nuance no longer supplies a computer. - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
They supply a foot pedal only, I believe.

I suppose in this modern era, it is expected that everyone already has a computer so it isn't asking anyone to supply equipment that is above and beyond.

I will say the "loan" program is hilarious. You buy the computer, send them the receipt and they will send you a check for $300 and you repay it over 26 weeks. LAME.

Not lame at all. At least they offer to loan - it to you.....

[ In Reply To ..]
interest free! If you worked at an office but you didn't have a car to get to work in, would the company LOAN you the money to buy a car?? I think not. Same difference.

Sorry, I was never a cheerleader. I still think it's lame. - Ever heard of public transport, so not same

[ In Reply To ..]
xx

IMO, still not lame at all. In these days of - corporations not giving

[ In Reply To ..]
2 cents about their employees at all, I think "loaning" the money interest-free is a pretty good deal. Yeah, I've heard of public transport. You have to PAY for that too, don't you? But, I guess YOU would ask your employer to pay for THAT too, huh? Same thing.

Wow, it's really scary how much some people just sit back and take - blech

[ In Reply To ..]
x

Don't make assumptions. - try reading post entirely.

[ In Reply To ..]
I don't want anyone to pay for anything, nor did anything I said indicate that I did.

If you want to work for this company (or any other for that matter) and they ask you to supply things then either do it or move on. So get off Ye Olde High Horse with me.
I simply stated that the $300 "loan" is lame. I continue to stand by that.

I wasn't ON a high horse with you. I was - simply stating MY

[ In Reply To ..]
opinion, just as you are yours. And I still stand by MY opinion that it isn't lame at all. :) You have yourself a nice day now, ya hear?

Clearly and obviously you did not even read my post. - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
You made a HUGE assumption that I wanted someone to PAY FOR EVERYTHING.

Actually, my statement in my original post was exactly the OPPOSITE of that.

I said everyone has a computer now days, so it isn't like they are asking too much.

Now you go on and tell me how I am wanting freebies based on that?

Yeah, I didn't think so.

Bottom line. Ask them, "Am I an employee or an independent contractor?" - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
If your status is employee, then they have to supply you with the computer for the upgrade. If you are an independent contractor (which you probably are not), then I can see paying for your OWN computer. However, an IC would also make more money than Nuance would ever be willing to give anyone.

Followup: Call your state department of labor - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I'm sure it is different in every state, but you should call and find out. Generally, the following is true:

"Does the worker providing labor or services furnish the tools and supplies necessary for the performance of the contracted labor or service? Generally, an employer furnishes tools and supplies for their employees while independent contractors furnish their own.

Has the worker invested in the equipment or facilities used in performing the labor or services? A significant investment by the worker in the equipment or facilities used in performing the labor or services usually indicates independent contractor status."

My husband had to supply all of his own tools as an employee working at a factory. - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
So, I don't think a requirement to supply equipment necessarily defines whether you are employee or IC.

That's why I suggested calling DOL. It might not be legal. - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
it might be legal. You don't know until you call. I have called DOL before about how pay for vacation/sick time was calculated and it took me 3 minutes to talk to the person, who called me back with an answer within 3 hours. It wasn't that hard to make the call and at least you know if it's on the up and up or not. If you are just willing to take everything at face value with this company, then I guess that's your prerogative.

Not true. As an employee, a company - see message

[ In Reply To ..]
may require you to supply your own equipment, PCs, uniforms or supplies.

yeah, those are the facts. - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
However, when I made a similar statement, I was basically told I was naive, in a very condescending way, for my opinion on the matter.

The facts as you see them. - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
x

Well, not really, facts are pretty much just facts and - and wishing they were not so changes them not at a

[ In Reply To ..]
xx

Hey, I'm not wishing anything. I'm just suggesting - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
That the individual get their facts for THEMSELVES rather than relying on people who randomly answer on this board. What is so wrong with that? You make a call, you find out, you know for sure. I don't know you. How do I know you even know what you're talking about. How does the poster know I know what I'm talking about? They don't know until they find out the facts for themselves.

Correct and this includes your opinions, which are very forcefully made - I might add. NM

[ In Reply To ..]
xx

So are yours, I might add, opinions, forcefully made. Free country - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
x

Prove it. - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
x

Argument of "proof" aside, why would you even want to be classified as an IC? - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
You still have to sign a contract for a schedule (you do, you just do). You get no benefits, like PTO or insurance AND you pay all of your own taxes.

I just do not see the benefit of being an IC. This argument boggles my mind.

If you tell me that it sets up some beautiful lawsuit to FORCE the MTSOs to treat employees fairly, I shall merely point to MedQuist's lawsuit where the employees and former employees benefited not at all from that, even though MedQuist "lost" the lawsuit and the MT "won."

I have to say with all the complaining and threats of lawsuits and actual lawsuits, no wonder the MTSOs are sending all the work overseas.

For my reason, I am paid twice as much (as I was at Nuance). - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
I don't need the overpriced insurance, I could never actually use my vacation days for vacation because I was always running out of work and, finally, because it's easy to mail my tax payments myself quarterly.

Okay. I did IC for years and was so happy to be done with it. - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
Different people with different priorities, needs and experiences.

Funny how that works.

I don't think so - See MSG

[ In Reply To ..]
Nuance's insurance is certainly not over priced. Also in regards to being an IC you DO pay more taxes as you have to pay the "employer" part of Social Security.

Be serious. You must have missed the part - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
where I said I make TWICE as much now as when I worked at Nuance. The difference in taxes is about 6% more for me. Big deal. I'm making TWICE what I was at Nuance. And, yes, insurance at Nuance is over-priced and not that good either. I used to work there. I know. And, I stand by my statement about PTO. What good is it if you are always running out of work and you have to use it to SUPPLEMENT YOUR INCOME? Please.

I don't know what PROOF you need but.. - OHMT

[ In Reply To ..]
but I have had my own service for 3 years and I had 2 MTs try to take me in front of DOL because THEY thought I HAD to provide them with a computer to "let" them work for me. Guess what? DOL told them that I wasn't forcing them to work for me. If they wanted to work for me, and my company rules state I do NOT provide a computer, they would need to buy their own. How's that??

LOL, great post. Those are FACTS. NM - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
xx

Did you take out taxes? Did you offer PTO? - SM

[ In Reply To ..]
The reason I ask is because it sounds to me like you are talking about independent contractors, not employees. That's the point I'm trying to make. Nuance has employees.

Yes, I took out taxes, I told them how to do - things. They were

[ In Reply To ..]
EMPLOYEES. Trust me, I know the difference between ICs and employees. You don't own your own company and not know that difference.

Point taken. There is still a possibility that the OP's state does things differently. - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
x

Yeah, I guess so. Not sure though.... - OHMT

[ In Reply To ..]
Dept of Labor is a federal office and I would think that would be nation-wide. But, like you too, I'm not sure either.

Hmmm, gee, do you think Nuance has lawyers? - this post not aimed at OHMT.

[ In Reply To ..]
Well, if they do, I am sure they weren't smart enough to know the ins and outs and loopholes of labor laws.

Insert argument that Transcend and MedQuist have both been sued.

At least in MQ's case that resulted in nada for the MT. Oh yeah, I work for MModal too and guess what, you have to supply your own computer for their new platform too. Guess their lawyers are stupid too.

Oh, and I worked for 2 or 3 other services as an employee and I had to supply equipment for them too. There must be a lot of really stupid lawyers out there.

Actual quotes by dumb lawyers link - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
x

They don't have to supply you with anything - to work from home.

[ In Reply To ..]
I don't know where you got your information from, but they don't have to supply you with one thing.

I don't know the specs you have to meet but check out - NewEgg.com

[ In Reply To ..]
Their reconditioned computers are sometimes KILLER deals. The one I'm on right now cost me I think $170 a few months ago, including shipping. And they have a GREAT reputation among techie folks.

You can get a brand new Dell Desktop for $249. - Even cheaper on eBay.

[ In Reply To ..]
Ebay sells brand new in the box Dell computers, the whole package, monitor and all. The Dell computer FROM Dell is $249 but you still have to buy a monitor. Depending on what you want, there are all kinds of deals out there on monitors. Check TigerDirect.com. It boils down to this. If you work from home, you KNOW you will use a computer for more than just working. If you were to work outside in their office, THEY would supply you with a computer, where they would have control of what you use it for. The days of companies providing a computer for an "at home" employEE are gone.

thanks for the suggestions, will check them out! nm - MT wallet

[ In Reply To ..]
xx

Similar Messages:

Jul 18, 2014

Nuance not paying me enough to afford my own computer. ...

Nov 30, 2011

To those of you using MQ computers, if you had to get a different one because your current one was not going to work wtih the new upgrade in December, did they want your old one back? Why? I threw out my boxes, and the only shipping labels I have are for the center they closed down. Hey, if it won't work, will they want it back? ...

Mar 25, 2011

I was just wondering because I have worked for companies that basically encourage communication via email or IM amongst their MTs and then I have worked at companies that discourage communication with other MTs, there's only communication with your immediate supervisor and QA personnel. I was just wondering what everyone's preference is? The companies that discourage communication tend to give reasons such as one MT might become a pest and cause others to not get their work done ...

Feb 04, 2010

I read that Medmedx supplies computers but you can only have Cable or DSL connection. I live in an area where I cannot get cable or DSL. I have a wireless connection. My question is, do they allow you to use our own computers? Thanks for your time and have a great day? ...

Aug 04, 2011

I am in the process of transitioning jobs and will be going from a company-provided computer to my own. Any suggestions on what software programs are needed, virus protection, word expanders, line counting, and hardware like foot pedal? The hospital I am looking into will be using Microsoft Word. Any comments on whether this is a good program or not to transcribe on? Any tips? I have been with the same company for 15 years, so have been out of the loop and need ...

Feb 15, 2010

I need to buy a new laptop and need to be able to put my escription software on there. I know that it is required to be 32-bit but do not know if the new Windows 7 32-bit would be okay or not? Does anybody know this before I go out looking? It is getting really hard to find a 32 bit computer out there. ...

Apr 04, 2015

This happens EVERY time! For example, upgrade yesterday. Today, the VR is putting Cr for creatinine, expanding abbreviations when they weren't dictated that way, and some other things that it USED to do. Finally, it seemed that was ironed out. NOW, after this "upgrade" it's back to doing that again. So annoying. Upgrade my butt. ...

Feb 23, 2013

I am looking for a position with a company that uses Escription for VR, as I've been told it's the most productive and easy to learn. ...

Dec 21, 2014

. ...

Jun 03, 2014

I currently have a company-issued computer and when hired I think I signed the boiler plate agreement not to add any programs. I really want to load my Instant Text so I do not have to rebuild everything. I am not tech saavy so was wondering if the company can tell if I actually put anything on the computer? I know they can go into my computer if I use a program that allows them to get into my machine and make adjustments but not sure if they can monitor it in any other way? Thanks for a ...

Sep 04, 2013

Has anybody involved in the terminations from last month received pickup labels or boxes to return company computer yet? ...

Jan 15, 2014

I gave notice last week. I hate everything about this company EXCEPT I love their computer and monitor. Does anyone know if keeping it rather than returning it is an option?...and if so, if they ask a ridiculous amount of $$ to do so? ...

Dec 04, 2014

I currently have a company-provided computer that I work from (Webmedx). I think I remember somewhere a long time ago that I can have the option of buying the computer if I leave the company. Does anyone know any info on this? If I quit Nuance, can I buy this computer from them? I don't have another one. TIA! ...

Jun 08, 2012

ever tried to use Open Office with it rather than MSWord? Curious if it works because Word is sooo expensive. ...

Nov 23, 2012

When Accentus accounts are taken over by Nuance will they wll be changed to Escription or whatever software they use? Accentus uses Apex and it is not that good. If we have to learn a new platform, what will happen to our pay during that time? ...

Sep 05, 2012

Like if you were installling or deleting stuff. Do you think they have spyware in there to run a report of what all you did or did not do during your shift? I do check FB, emails, news in between jobs because VR SUCKS AND BORES ME TO DEATH. ...

Feb 21, 2012

have to wonder if Enterprise with Escription will be that much better? ...

Oct 01, 2012

Does anyone here currently work or previously worked for this company. Was notified today this company has taken over transcription for my job. They are supposed to keep us on but would like to know something, anything about this company such as how they are to work for, pay schedule, assigned shifts or not, etc. I am currently home based and pretty much work what ever hours I please as long as report types I am qualified to do are covered. Please? Thanks! ...

Nov 10, 2014

I'm not too fond of Fluency/DoQscribe. The platform itself is nice, but it doesn't seem to be as good at speech recognition as eScription. Fluency is very user friendly, but when I worked at MM it produced horrible drafts on speech recognition. I know that could in part be attributed to multiple MTs using a variety of editing styles, which could cause the platform to not learn, but all I know is it was a struggle getting a good line count with VR on Fluency. Can ...

Mar 24, 2015

I am wondering if there any Nuance employees that are on eScription accounts? What is your experience? Is it better/easier/faster than eBtxt? Are you able to make a decent line count? ...

Oct 02, 2012

Has anyone heard of Nuance escription service? Apparently the hospital I transcribe for has decided that they don't want to use the contract service I am currently with and are going to this. My current employer tells me that the pay rate will be less than what she pays which is .10 a line. I can barely make it sometimes on that. I'm not sure how I will do on less pay. It does have more benefits, but I can't pay my bills with those. If anyone has any kind of info on what they pay ...

Jan 17, 2014

...are we allowed to use it for another job? ...

Oct 07, 2012

I'm just talking about employees here, not ICs. It amazes me that as a company employee, we would not be provided the most important tool we need to work with all set up to company specs, loaded with company s/w. If we worked on site, would we be expected to bring in our own computers? I don't think so. Thanks. ...

Jan 30, 2013

I have just received the computer specifications to begin working for Nuance. I need to purchase a new computer. My husband would like to buy a MAC. Is a MAC compatible with Nuance's specifications. Does anyone have any experience using a MAC who works for Nuance? I have never used a MAC for transcription, only art programs at college, so I don't know much about it. Thank you! ...

Jan 04, 2013

Did we all see that we are available for a $300 interest-free computer loan, for new computer, peripherals, software, etc. Did you also notice they want the RECEIPT FIRST? Now, why in God's name, once you have paid for a computer or whatever you would want a loan for them after the fact? Am I the only one confused by this? ...

Jan 17, 2014

I just got a job with Nuance. My computer runs Windows 8 and I haven't heard back from them yet so I'm wondering is they send new hires a computer to borrow or do I need to go find one that will run their programs? TYIA ...

Dec 01, 2014

I hope I have posted this on the correct board. As I do not have a good feeling whatsoever about this new pay plan at Nuance, I am preparing to leave this nasty company after the first of the yearâ�� and am trying to get everything in order. The first order of business is to buy a new computer. I believe new computers come with Windows 8. Does anyone know if that is compatible with most transcription needs today, or does one have to have Windows 7 installed? If so, is that commercially availab ...

Mar 14, 2012

Help!!!! I am not able to complete the testing on Nuance mt.test site because my computer will not allow this program -- Javascript. Has anyone else had this problem? I am just wondering how you get around this. On the yellow Active X add-on site, it will not allow this. I am at my wit's end as to what to do. I have not tried going on Technical Support. I have tried that before and they never really help much. So very useless, why ...

Jan 31, 2014

xx ...

May 15, 2015

Some days are more aggravating than others with this company. ...