ellie’s foray into medical transcription

As a VERY new medical transcriptionist, I don’t have a lot of wisdom to share since I’m still learning everything.  Now that I have completed my first week of training, I have a recommendation for those who are a student.  Learn keyboard hotkeys (learn not to rely on your mouse) and learn using a word expander. 

 I really recommend the book “Saving Keystrokes” by Diana Rolland (I purchased mine used from amazon.com).  At Spheris we use Shorthand.  I wouldn’t go out and purchase the software (most companies supply the software for you), unless you’re going to be an independent contractor but you can download a free trial to practice.  During my training, I’ve been going through “Saving Keystrokes” and adding expanders.  The book doesn’t simply tell you a good combination for a word expander but how to create them in a way that works with you and your brain.  It’s one thing to have the word expander and another remember what letter combination you used to create it. 

 That’s my little piece of advice for today.  This career is based on production…your production and you want to learn everyday ways to make that production go up. 

 Do you have any advice to share about using a word expander program?  Email me and I’ll post them here in the blog.

Ellie in Minnesota

I’m in the middle of my first week of training with Spheris.  I thought I would take a few minutes and tell you how it is going. 

I’m loving it!   I really like how organized the training and the company is in regards to new MTs.  Every minute of the day is scheduled for online classes, modules and conference calls.  My trainer is so much fun and makes the day go by quickly with her humor and knowledge. 

 I completed 3 mock reports today and I was quite nervous to start with but they weren’t too bad.  When I got done I realized I didn’t use the word expander program (I’m  used to NOT using one).  So I need to get in there and start getting used to it. 

I’m just taking it one day at a time and trying not to feel overwhelmed with all the info. 

Well it’s raining cats and dogs here in the Minneapolis area so I shall go. 

Have a great week,

Ellie

I start work with Spheris on Monday.  This past week, I’ve been getting my office organized with the Spheris equipment.  I talked with my trainer and the Spheris setup team.  I’m really impressed with the company at how organized they are and how comfortable they make the new employees feel, as we transition from students to employees. 

 I will train for the next 2 weeks, Monday-Friday, during the day.  Then I will start working my normal hours.  My nerves and my excitement is at about the same level, but my nerves are calming down as I can see Spheris works hard to help you along. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend.  I’m going to celebrate my 34th birthday with my family! 

 Ellie

I have one more week until I start work at Spheris.  I can’t believe!  I’ve been working on getting my office space ready.  Spheris ships you all the equipment you need and I received all of that yesterday.  My wonderful fiance spent the warm evening last night setting up all of the equipment.  

 Now that the equipment is in place, I’m making the office space more homey since I’ll be working in here 40 hours a week.  I will take some pictures of my space once I’m all done cleaning it up. 

 I’ve worked from home before (years ago I ran an internet-based crafts business) so I know how important it is to make sure you have a comfortable space to work in but this job will be a little different in that I will be sitting down the whole time.  That I’m not used to. I have a 9-month old son who keeps me on my feet so it will probably be nice by the end of the day (I will be working at 5pm until 1am) to just sit. 

I hope everyone is staying cool.  It’s been so hot and humid here!  But then it is summer so I shouldn’t complain!  LOL