MT Connections
Go to Source
The health care industry in general is one work environment that is slightly less susceptible to the recession in regards to layoffs … or is it? The medical transcription niche has a mix of factors influencing job stability, among which the economy and the recession play major roles. When hospitals and other medical facilities look to cut costs, the medical transcription department is an area of concern. Cost savings may play out in small adjustments such as reducing ancillary tasks (answering phones, charting, etc.) so the MTs can focus on transcribing, or larger adjustments such as moving MTs to home offices, reducing or eliminating facility office space. If cost effective, the facility may outsource transcription, either partially or totally, to a medical transcription service organization (MTSO). The facility or MTSO may, for a number of reasons, change over some of their transcription to speech recognition, having MTs edit the final document, or skip the MT editing altogether. The MTSO may in turn outsource to another country, now removing that work from the US. The facility may be transitioning to an EHR, influencing the number of health care documentation specialists needed. Each of the above is worthy of an entire discussion, but let me bring you back to CYA…
CYA at work!
The “experts” say there is a continued shortage of US medical transcriptionists. Even if this is true, the above scenario of outsourcing and/or EHT may come to be the path your facility takes. Are you prepared? If the facility has a hiring freeze, are you prepared to take on additional work of MTs who may leave the department? Are you cross-trained in multiple specialities? Have you trained on speech recognition? Even if your facility has not invested in this technology, you may want to start learning about this technology on your own. Are you skilled in editing? If you are fortunate to have a secure job in health care documentation, are you bringing to work all of your assets? Are you at the top of your game? Are you willing to go above and beyond what are the basic requirements of your job? You shouldn’t have to be threatened by a layoff to demonstrate your worth. Take stock of what value you add to the department. Acting as a team member, acting professional, working every day to your full capacity are all important assets! Keep your skills current. Read, read, read. If you find yourself reading jokes that spread through email, take an equal amount of time to read medical news! If your facility offers training, go to it whether or not it is a requirement. If your employer offers tuition reimbursement, commit to taking a course or two. Sharpen your assets!
CYA with others!
If you haven’t joined a professional organization, do it now! You may have made a decision 10 years ago not to join, but have you researched what it may offer now in 2009? AHDI has undergone major changes over the years and it continues to evolve as the health care documentation sector has evolved. You may find a local or state chapter to be an important conduit to others in your profession outside of your work environment. If you are already a member of a professional organization, step up and volunteer! In addition, consider getting certified! There is an abundance of support for MTs pursuing certification….reference books and CDs, study groups, review classes, webinars. While medical transcription is not a career that currently requires certification or licensure, it would certainly demonstrate that you value continuing education to pursue a credential. If you already have the credential, encourage others to obtain theirs, consider mentoring or leading a study group.
CYA – in writing!
How long has it been since you updated your resume? You don’t need to be job hunting to update your resume. As a matter of fact, it is probably better to update your resume before a layoff since following a layoff you may be understandably stressed and pressed for time. If you update your resume in a stress-free time, you will have the gift of time to fine tune it. Take the time to record your job duties for your current and past jobs. Note the continuing education you have acquired. Note special projects you have worked on. Update your references, or at least keep in mind who you would ask. Be sure to obtain contact information if colleagues leave your workplace if you may ask them for a reference at a later date! Take note of focus groups or committees you have worked on. Write down your successes, activities that demonstrate leadership, and specialized skills you have acquired. In other words, note your assets! If you are not interested in actually updating your resume, at least have a file or log of your accomplishments to date. This may come in handy at your annual review and/or discussions about promotions/pay raises.
CYA!
Do you bring added value to your workplace? Do you know what your assets are? Do you rest on your laurels or do you continue to challenge yourself? Are you a leader? What value do your assets contribute to your facility? If you find yourself job hunting, what assets do you bring to set yourself apart from the pool of candidates? On a forum I participate in through AHDI, one member discussed a single opening for an MT position in a desirable facility which received 200 applications! What are your assets that would set yourself apart from the other 199?
CYA, whether on the move or in your current job!
