Jobs - on and off snow
Anyone reading who didn't already know, I've been doing
medical transcription for a private physician practive for nearly five
years now. I'm an AASI snowboard "level 1½"(gotta finish the exam - but
with what turned out to be a Colles fracture (large bone of the
forearm) and possible ligamentous injury, it was best I didn't take the
last half of that exam this year without a cast on this year. I'm also
a certified PSIA level 1 ski instructor now. I'm also finishing class
for my re-certifying my OEC(ski patrol - basically like the same
training as a wilderness EMT). I've come a long way from the days of
being a dog groomer! It's a fun personal accomplishment getting my
certs and passing test for my snowboarding and skiing hobby, but
unfortunately that just doesn't pay enough or year round to make a solo
career out of. Not that any other snowboarder in the industy wouldn't
say the same. The medical transcription job is one I enjoy. The hours
are flexible(I make my own) so that I can get 100+ days in on the snow
per season, and my bosses are way chill - especially the one that
occasionally takes me wakeboarding when I beg and he's not on call. I
like them as professional acquaintances and people even outside of the
office.
What's a Medical Transcriptionst? - and how I got there
For those who don't know, when you go to the doctor, they make a record
of what the patient was seen for, make notes of exam findings, what the
diagnosis is, how they're going to be treated, etc. Basically, what the
docs I work for do is record on a tape who they saw, etc, and I type
them right into electronic records. Some notes are under 100 words,
most are 1-2 pages long and some several pages. I never went to school
to do this - I am the exception to most rules in life. For me, I used
to be an EMT(every menial task... erh.. Emergency Medical Technician)
in the last 90's after high school and volunteered at the local
ambulance service. Life goes on, I got married, divorced and a variety
of other things since then.One job included working as a phlebotomist,
aka "needle vampire" drawing blood from donors for the Red Cross. A
devistating car accident I was a passenger and rear ended in, resulting
in a lengthy hospital stay unfortunately left me without that job and
homeless at one point. Life takes amazing turns when you least expect
them, for better and worse.
Even since the days of high school, I was always very fast at
typing.. even with this dang cast on right now as I type, I'm probably
going over 80 words a minute, and have scored well over 120 wpm without
errors on typing tests in the past. I had originally applied for my job
as a receptionist back in 2001, and part of the app process included a
typing test. I didn't get the job doing reception (I was desparate for
a job at the time, otherwise, receptionist stuff is not my mojo) but
they remembered my remarkably fast typing speed. About three months
later when at the end of my rope, depressed and near suicidal from
having no work, I got a call -- they knew I hadn't done transcription,
but had the amazing typing skills and medical background and
experience. They tried me out and loved me. There was learning process
such as terms in family practice, etc., that I had never used in the
field, but they needed a good worker, I needed a job, and I was working
part time with another girl who basically trained me(she has since
left, long story). Since then, I'm happy, and have no regrets. Working
full time, I have a full load, but as long as I get my duties done,
it's snow in the winter time. I'm not sure how those learn how and do
it from home courses advertised work out for people, so there's my
story.
Goodbye evil chair, tax write offs, etc
One thing I like about being a ski/snowboard instructor is I
can buy skis, a board, etc. and use them as a tax write off. I haven't
done it before, but I actually do use the equipment for teaching and it
does get run over and worn quickly enough. It's nice to know this year
that if I chose to upgrade my skis and get an 06/07 Atomic Tika when
they come out, that I could use and write them off. Wish I could write
off wakeboards, dirt bikes and toys I want to get, but unfortunately
hobbies not related to work don't count.
Okay, I'm rambling about snow toys - the evil chair. Ever since
I've been at my transcription job, I've sat in the worlds most
uncomfortable unergonomic chair. It's rock hard since the padding in
long wore out - my kitchen chairs have more padding and are more
comfortable. I decided my back and neck were tired of being sore and
that it was time to get another chair. Rather than ask my employer for
one and just getting whatever they find on cheapest special somewhere,
I decided to splurge today. I went to the local officeMax store and
instead of looking at price tags, simply sat in chairs on display to
test them out until I found the right one for me. The right one for me
is pretty nifty. Cost me $125 bones - but it must have been on sale or
something. Total leather executive manager type chair, with built in
massager stuff (wasn't even looking for the massage option, just worked
out that the chair which fit me well had it). I figure I'll save the
receipt and if my employer wants to reimburse me, fine, otherwise, I'm
happy just letting no one ever borrow it and use it as a tax write off
next year. At least I'll be comfortable. Couldn't quite fit a lay-z-boy
recliner in here, so this is the next best deal. ahhhhhh I'm so comfy
now as type while testing out my new chair.
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