Workin' for a livin'

One of the things I hope to accomplish this year is to find some renewed satisfaction in my work. For the past eight years, I've worked from home as a medical transcriptionist, specifically radiology. For three years now, I've been on an account for a large, very busy hospital. The work never seems to end, and there never seem to be enough transcriptionists to keep the work current on the account. We have a one-hour turn around time (once the doc dictates the report, it must be transcribed and in the hospital system within the hour). This is stressful especially when there's more work than usual, and we (all the transcriptionists as a group) are constantly being barked at about how we are not keeping up or what we're screwing up. Nary a word is ever said if and when we actually do a good job.

This time last year, I was blessed to have the opportunity to reduce my work to part time hours. The company I am contracted with graciously allowed me to do this rather than put me on another account, so I took this gesture as a sign that I do a good job, that they do need me and want me to stay on the account.

Still, I'm the kind of person who thrives on praise. I don't necessarily need it to get the work done (obviously) but a pat on the back here and there or even a kind word never hurts. I would even appreciate some kind of report card, negative or positive, just to see how I'm producing overall but we are never provided with this. So, I've been wondering lately if there are better opportunities out there for me. After all, I have been doing this for a while. Since I'm such a fanatic about grammar and punctuation, I have thought that editing might be a next step up, too.

What I'm finding out in my search is that maybe being 'pigeon holed' into radiology hasn't been such a good thing.

When I was in transcription school 10 years ago, I learned all different types of transcription reports, medical terminology, English, grammar and punctuation. I was placed in radiology for my externship and just stuck with it through the years. There's a lot that I've forgotten when it comes to acute care, or general medicine.

So, rather than look for another job right now I've decided to refresh my skills and to also become registered and certified. So, I'm going to hit the books and start an online study course. I've become so complacent over the years, working from home and not having much professional interaction. I've lost confidence in myself and in my abilities to a certain extent. I love what I do for the most part and don't want to give it up. Hopefully this will revive me and renew my passion for my work.

It's exciting to have a new challenge to look forward to. Wish me luck!

Happy New Year!

"Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind". (from Jesus Calling)

It's been the most relaxing of days. I got up to feed the kitties (who both have alarm clocks in their heads for 6:30 a.m., no matter what day it is) but then, I luxuriously went back to bed. I normally will not go back to sleep when I do this, but then woke again at 9:26. How unusual for me - but then again, we didn't go to sleep until 1:30 a.m. (I was trying to be a better sport about staying up to midnight and enjoying bringing in the New Year!) I awoke to find my hub staring at me and telling me about all the funny noises I was making in my sleep, which I thought was kind of sweet that he was observing me.

It's raining, so not much was planned for today and we didn't get out of our jammies until about 1. We lounged and played Words with Friends in front of the fireplace and watched The Price is Right. A perfect morning.

I then reluctantly went out in the rain to Publix to get ingredients for a nontraditional New Years dish, a Mexican chicken stew. Along with cornbread and freshly sliced avocado, it was a delicious midday meal on this chilly day.



With my hub still lounging and watching football (go, Gamecocks!) I called my mom to check on her and thankfully, she has had a good couple of days. All is right with the world for now.

So, with a thankful heart for all we have been blessed with in 2012, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2013!