Feast and Famine

As a transcriptionist, I've always been blessed with an abundance of work. I've seen comments on the internet about other transcriptionists who were not as fortunate, so I knew I was lucky. Over the past few months it was to the point to where the hospital system couldn't accommodate the number of transcriptionists needed to finish the work, and, along with the doctors who were constantly dictating, the TAT (turn around time) was suffering. I knew changes were ahead.

A couple of weeks ago we were notified that hospital was changing to voice recognition. This means the doctors are dictating into the new system and, instead of a human (me!) transcribing the reports, a computer is transcribing them. This type of change usually leads to layoffs as transcriptionists are no longer needed, but the hospital instead chose to transition us into voice recognition editors. Editors take the computer reports and proofread and edit them as needed, and then return them to the doctors. It is a different procedure on a newer system and it doesn't require as much typing, so this was good news. After some anxiety about all the changes, I was looking forward jumping in with both feet.

Well...as it turns out, I haven't had much of a chance, as most of the doctors are now editing their own reports. I know this has come as a huge surprise to the company I contract with, and to the hospital. I'm sure they are currently at a loss as to how to proceed since they don't know if the doctors' enthusiasm for the new system will last.

So, where does this leave me? Right now, I am still working my part-time shift. Most of the time there are "no more files available". A few jobs will trickle in here and there - on the new system and the old. Right now I am still paid an hourly "downtime" when there is no work, so it's just basically staying close by and monitoring the system every 10 minutes. I know this will not last much longer. The hospital will not want to continue to pay us to sit and wait.

But right now, the silence from the powers that be is palpable.

Even before this happened, my husband and I had been praying for direction with both of our careers, and for help in seeing open windows of opportunity. I am starting to think about what I'd like to do going forward if it's not transcription or editing work. At one time I thought about going back into an office setting, and at another I considered a position at our church. But having worked independently at home for almost 13 years has left me lacking in confidence to do anything other than what I'm used to. Starting over at 53 would be daunting, but not impossible with God's help. All the more reason to stay aware of His direction for me.

Just maybe it's the start of something new and better than I could ever imagine...

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!

Right where He wants me

As a medical transciptionist I sit here for many hours each day transcribing everything from infant chest x-rays to mammograms to CT scans, but some days it can be quite monotonous.  I have always enjoyed a challenge and some days I wonder if I am not doing enough with my life.

And then, a special case comes up that catches my attention.  She's two years younger than me and this hits home...I know where she likely is in her life.  She's already fought breast cancer 16 years ago at the age of 30 and now she's being scanned for pain in her abdomen.  Could it be a recurrence after all these years?

The doctor notes enlarged lymph nodes and a nodule that is suspicious.  Immediately I stop and pray for this woman because she was being told that day that she likely, again, has cancer. 

"Please, Lord, comfort her and let her know that You are there". 

It is times like this that I know I am in the right place.

I believe that God places us in situations where we can best do His work.  With me being somewhat introverted, I've never been one to witness my beliefs outloud too much.  My silent prayers may be the only prayers some of these people receive and I believe this is one of the reasons I am here right now in my life. 

Not only can this affect these strangers, but it affects me.  It strengthens me.  It helps me to know that He is still there, especially now during this time when I am struggling with my own faith.