Applying for NCLEX

This post is for those who, like me, have joined the bandwagon of MD-RNs and are already in the US, trying to see the fastest way to get licensed. I first saw the "quickest way" in a forum but that pointed out to the NY way for those who are residing abroad.

I asked about my case, because I am already a permanent resident. And the suggestion by the generous lady there was for me to inquire at Vermont instead of NY, which I did. I went to the vtprofessionals.org and clicked on the drop down menu for nursing, then clicked on application link for foreign nurses. I emailed the contact personnel.

Here was the exchange of emails:

ME:

Dear Ms. Patty Sartelle:

I am a Filipino immigrant who finished my nursing course in October 2003 in the Philippines, but did not have enough time to take the licensure examination there because of immigration processing. I now hold a permanent resident status and would like to pursue a career in nursing here.

I visited your website to see the requirements for foreign nurses, but one of them is the license from the country of origin. Kindly advise me on the next step I should take to proceed.

Appreciatively yours,

REPLY:
You have up to 5 years to take the exam. If you took you nursing courses in English than you may qualify to take the exam. The application is on the web at www.vtprofessionals.org go to drop down bar, nursing and the application that you need is foreign exam/endorsement – where it calls for licensure just put the date you graduated and that you never took the exam in the Philippines. Pat

ME:

Dear Ms. Sartelle:

I have browsed over the application instructions, and I have a question about #3 where the nursing school is to complete the" Verification of Education" form and it says to return the form along with a certified copy of the Transcript. My question is, will the school return the form to you, or will I have to ask them to return it to me first then I will include these with the other documents that I will submit to your office?

Thank you for your patience.

REPLY:

I prefer that they return it to you and you forward the complete application onto me. Pat

So I have asked my friend AJ in the PI (another MD-RN) to process my papers (the application form from Vermont BON site) and send them to me. I then submitted my Application, the fee ($150 on check), the TOR, and then later, they asked for my documents showing hours of lab and theoreticals (which was what we termed in PI as RLS - related learning subjects?). I should have included those in the first place, but it was not mentioned in the application instructions, so I did not think of it. I included other documents that would prove my identity since my name on the TOR was different from my present name.

It took them about a total of 1month to process everything (considering the delay regarding my RLS, that was fast!). When I received my approval to sit for NCLE, I was instructed to register at Pearson-Vue ($200) then to mail them back a form to tell them that I had registered. Then they would send a notice to PV about my eligiblity to sit for the NCLEX, then I could schedule my test.

So now, puspusan ako with my NCLEX review (dilly-dally kasi eh!)

I bought the following books from amazon:



More books (USMLE, Kaplan, etc.) are available at amazon. You can search for new and used ones using the below search engine.

Got the go-signal for NCLEX!

I just received a mail from the Vermont Board of Nursing, that I am eligible to take the NCLEX  (Yehey!!! No need for the CGFNS!).  So I registered at Pearson-Vue and Paid $200.  Then I will have to return a paper to the BON to notify them that I have registered.  Then they will inform Pearson-Vue that I am registered, and I have to take the NCLEX within 90 days from there.

Now I really have to seriously review for the exam!

Tags: nursing, nclex, nclex review, Pearson-Vue

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I posted in a forum about GDI as a way out of having to send money to the Philippines

This was the exchange...

Thank you for taking your time to read and respond to my post. It took me a while to weave a response to your post, because I had to suppress my initial reaction of rage, and so I hope the below post is civil enough. I apologize beforehand if it may sound condescending. My intent is to clarify my lack of desire to involve people in a "scheme."

JamboME wrote:

You sign your family up for a pyramid scheme? Nice.

I signed up my sister so she can have a job.

The job: Promote webhosting services for personal or business use.

Potential clients/market: Small business owners in PI (clinics with branches; small private hospitals; crafts-related industry; specialty stores, etc.; private use by people who want to put up their own website to feature weddings, baptismal, and other significant events in their lives. (Examples of businesses in PI which have their own websites are http://www.jumbonet.com/ and http://www.garmentsasia.com/garments.shtml)

Their options: Either continuously pay ~P 500/month to keep the website online and running, or get back the money by actively participating in the referral system (which you call pyramid scheme).

For a free start-up, I now have a business, with monthly expense of $10/month, with my own website and free use of website building tool and URL forwarding. I plan to employ my sister (since she will be jobless by the end of this month) to market the webhosting service GDI provides, instead of plainly sending her $200/month (I will lessen what I send to my mother). If she turns out to be successful, I might not have to be her "employer" (no longer need to send her money) after several months, and she might not have to do marketing while still earning. I will also task her to find a freelance website designer, who can offer his web design services to potential clients for a one-time fee (up to him how much he will charge), if clients do not know/intend to build their own website.

Now if other people there in PI will do the same thing, I might be indirectly contributing to job production in my country, with a mere investment of $10 for the business itself and my sister's salary of $200/month (which I would still give nonetheless if I have not come across this opportunity). Meaning, if more people there will sign up to market the webhosting services to business owners, and more people will see the need for web designers, I am sure it will fill in a void in the job market for these type of workers.

JamboME wrote:

I believe the secret to riches in Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) (ie pyramid schemes) is to be the one who starts the idea. Collect $1 for every new person that signs up. New members collect $1 for every new member they sign up etc etc etc.

Yeah, that is the secret to riches. But I do not want to be rich. I just want to earn a little extra, and would want my sister to do the same. If it turns out to be highly successful by virtue of this "pyramid scheme," then that would be an added bonus.

JamboME wrote:

I know it seems easy for someone outside to just dismiss the idea offhand, but thats because these are so easy to spot.

I signed up because it was a free trial, and during that period, I had a chance to observe and see the potential of the business. I myself tried to build my own website, and I liked what I saw, hence, the decision to give it a try. I can cancel anytime, anyway, but I doubt, because I have also enrolled in other affiliate programs which I will be advertising in my website.

I also think I have more imagination than most people who see such "pyramid schemes" in such a shallow manner. I always try to investigate things, and while some people have become rich concentrating on the pyramid scheme itself, I focus on the product and service and see if there is a need for such. I do not expect to make much if only based on the pyramid compensation plan.

JamboME wrote:

A company that cannot succinctly describe their product or service in one paragraph on their home page is not worth a second look.

Since I am now legally allowed to market the webhosting services, I treat myself "the company" and in one sentence, here is my product/service:
We offer webhosting services with website builder tool at no start-up cost and free trial period of 7 days.

JamboME wrote:

You seem like an intelligent, educated person with a good job.

Thank you for that observation. I am also beautiful and slim...Haha! Kidding! Modesty aside, I am a physician by profession when I was in PI, a blogger by hobby, a wannabe website builder, a work-at-home medical transcriptionist quality assurance personnel by trade here in the USA. While my income in my job is not that high, it is above average for the residents in this rural area where I live since my employer hires people from all over US, and because I work from home using the internet, I do not have expenses for gasoline, wardrobe, and make-up, unless they are non-work-related.

JamboME wrote:

I believe you have already lost your investment, and are putting more in every month. Put your cash in a proper investment, or invest in your OWN business venture (not someone elses idea).

I believe otherwise. Because of putting up my own website with my own domain, I realized there are a lot of other residual income that I can get involved with, businesses where I do not even have to be awake and will still earn, at no cost.

JamboME wrote:

If you can afford to send $300/month, you are doing pretty good! How many people in the PI will that feed?

I work and my husband work. Living in a rural area with low cost of living, living a simple life devoid of luxuries like SUVs, fancy vacations, fancy wardrobe, or a fancy home, not engaging in vices such as alcohol, drugs, or gambling, we do make enough and then some.

azcactus wrote:

Hey I have one question for you? Who was sending your family $300 a month fron the USA before you did? Just curious.

Pardon me if I am wrong, but I sense that your question is tinged with malice, and as such, initially I did not intend to answer it, but then I thought, why not?

To satisfy your curiosity, I worked as a physician then. My sister was a marketer for imported beef. I was a widow with two sons, she a separated mother with two children. Together we worked almost like husband and wife. As a physician, I was making a little bit more the $300 a month, enough to pay for monthly bills and groceries and give some to my parents, but not enough to buy myself a car.(See http://www.geocities.com/lrg1212/medprac.html)

WE DID NOT NEED ANYONE TO SEND US MONEY, although when I was in college, my aunt who lives in California, married to another Pinoy who works in the US Navy, was sending me money to pay for my tuition in University of the Philippines Diliman. When I was studying for my medical degree, she did not have to send me help, because I had an academic scholarship. (See http://www.geocities.com/lrg1212/medgrad.html)

I tried to put up my own clinic, but it was hard to start. It was then that I took a second course in nursing, to join the bandwagon of MD-RNs. (See http://www.geocities.com/lrg1212/nursing.html) During that time, I met my then fiance on the internet. My fiance was a divorcee with a daughter, is intelligent, very capable, not wordly, simple, loving, and only 5 years my senior. He was unemployed when I met him; nevertheless, I fell in love with him. We fell in love with each other and are now happy with our blended family.

Now I only have one wish that I want to fulfill: help generate jobs for Pinoys.

(At first, I thought I needed to be wealthy before I can do that, but now, maybe I can start with this webhosting service by GDI.)

One other affiliate program (which, to me, is another form of economic pyramid, whether you accept it or not) which I enrolled in recently is Speedypin.com where I purchase my phone cards online ($5 for 41 minutes to Metro Manila landline, 25 minutes for cellphone)). I buy 4 $5-denominations to get a discount. I will also put that in my website.

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Strep Throat and Vaginal Candidiasis

More than a week ago, I diagnosed myself with Strep sore throat (streptococcal pharyngitis). It started with painful swallowing, right-sided cervical (neck) lymph node tenderness, and, when viewed on the mirror, right tonsil was inflamed (red) with some tiny pinpoint exudates (white spots). I was also starting to feel muscle pains on my thighs (the kind of soreness when you have sudden physical effort exerted). The next day it got worse, and the exudates were more and larger. The right one was also getting affected. Body aches and joints pains spread quite fast, involving headache. I knew it was another bout of strep.

Of course, even without the benfits of lab, it was easy to treat -- penicillin type of medications, first in line is amoxicillin. Can be intramuscular penicillin (one shot) or other penicillin-type antibiotics like cefalexin.

But, since I am not a licensed physician here in the US, I have to seek consultation with one to get the Rx, which I did, and the throat swab confirmed my diagnosis. I spent $60 for the cosultation, inclusive of the $15 lab test, which were unnecessary but inevitable expenses for me when I only needed a valid prescription (that is what a miss in my life in PI. Then the cefalexin (Duracef) was $70 for the 10-day course of treatment (it was cheaper when I had the penicillin shot at $50 At Reddington Fairview General Hospital when I went there during emergency hours. The bill then was higher because of the "emergency" hours. (It is cheaper to go to a clinic at an appointment. Our family clinic, Skowhegan Family Medicine, could immediately accomodate us usually, if we call during office hours on weekdays. Hence, when I had my symptoms on Thursday night that progressed the next day, I did not waste time. I called them rather than go to ER during weekend/night. Strep is, anyway, cured only with antibiotics.

Now, I have finished the course of cefalexin, and I have a new problem, as a result of altered vaginal flora (the normal bacteria residing in the vaginal mucosa), the environment within my vaginal canal was also altered (mainly pH), and it was an opportunity for a yeast infection (moniliasis). Symptoms: pruritus (itchiness) at the vulva and perineum (private parts) plus white cottage-cheese like discharge that is adherent (you can't go wrong with that -- once you have these symptoms, and knowing the predisposing factors, you may not need a laboratory done. Treatment: Monistat or Clotrimazole are very good first line of treatment.

Of course, the best way to prevent is practising good feminine hygiene, but that was not my problem. I was predisposed to it because of my prior intake of the wide-spectrum antibiotic cefalexin.

More info on vaginal candidiasis here.

Tags: strep throat, penicillin, antibiotics, cefalexin, vaginal candidiasis, monistat, infection, feminine hygiene

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Online Businesses

My number #1 online business at present is offering my service as medical transcription quality assurance to MT companies as an independent contractor (self-employed).  IC is a glorified term for those who are "employed" without benefits.  The only perk in this job, aside from not having to travel and wear make up and buy a new set of wardrobe annually or every season, is that I get to set my own hours (that depends on the MT company, though).  Realistically speaking, it is still a sort of twisted employee-employer situation (twisted to benefit the employer).

# 2:  I recently signed up for an online business that revolves around promoting the GDI web hosting services by having my own domain/website  Sign up is free, and the service is free for a trial period of 7 days.

I am not really a business person -- I am not out to try to rake in as much money as I can.  But, after seeing freedom.ws and the Pinoys already involved in this business, I could see that it could be a good way for Filipinos to earn $$ without leaving the Philippines.

My sister who was a probee call center agent has found the end of her contract before this month ends.  When I talked to her about the business, she thought it might be what would save her and her children (and what would save me from feeling guilty if I would not be able to send more than I could afford to send).

And I thought it could be a good way for me to provide her a chance to be self-sufficient, instead of waiting for my monthly "padala."

For those who will be interested in this, please go to freedom.ws and enter manangkusinera in the access code field.  Watch the DVD and the Pinoys' testimonials.  If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

#3.  Another online income generator by means of blogs is joining the network of advertisers.  In my case, as evident in this post, not only am I making use of the Qumana blogging tool to make posting easier, but also to take part in their advertising scheme where I might be able to generate income by promoting websites of products related to my post.

#4. Also, I am considering of putting up an online store using my website.  I am not sure yet what to offer (suggestions would be welcome).  I just know I would not want to sell food items, as that involves a complicated set of regulations to follow (in the same way that health professions are highly regulated).  I have looked into the process of putting up an online store (filing application at the town office for "Doing Business As" and applying for a license to resell, then signing up an account with paypal to facilitate online payments).

All these are potential sources of income without me having to spend every waking moment working.

Tags: online business, GDI, blogging, blog ads, qumana, blogging tool, web hosting, PayPal, e-commerce

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Circumcision

I have just finished editing this report.

This is why I have long since decided to be anti-circumcision and pro-intactness...There are many more other untold stories.  I myself have seen some tragic outcomes, and I could only wonder how the boy would grow up to be...Tags: circumcision, Gomco, anti-circumcision, pro-intactness

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS:  Circumcision complication.

POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS:  Circumcision complication.

OPERATION:  Reconstructive penoplasty surgery complex.

INDICATIONS AND FINDINGS:  This 2-day-old baby boy underwent a Gomco-type circumcision earlier in the day.  Had persistent and intermittent bleeding and silver nitrate was applied.  We found that the inner prepucial skin was still in place on the glans penis.  Approximately half of the urethral meatus was exposed, but the remainder of the glans remained covered by the inner prepucial skin.  The outer penile shaft skin had approximately 1-cm length on the dorsum, but on the ventrum was possibly only 1 to 2 mm from penoscrotal junction.  By report, a Gomco clamp had been used with a 1.1 diameter "bell" and explanation has to be that a partial dorsal slit was performed and the bell portion of the Gomco clamp must have been inadvertently placed between the prepucial skin layers.

For a picture of Gomco clamp, go to http://www.circlist.com/instrstechs/gomco.html.  You will also learn more about the horrors of circumcision.

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Circumcision

This is why I have long since decided to be anti-circumcision and pro-intactness...There are many more other untold stories.  I myself have seen some tragic outcomes, and I could only wonder how the boy would grow up to be...Tags: circumcision, Gomco, anti-circumcision, pro-intactness

PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS:  Circumcision complication.

POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS:  Circumcision complication.

OPERATION:  Reconstructive penoplasty surgery complex.

INDICATIONS AND FINDINGS:  This 2-day-old baby boy underwent a Gomco-type circumcision earlier in the day.  Had persistent and intermittent bleeding and silver nitrate was applied.  We found that the inner prepucial skin was still in place on the glans penis.  Approximately half of the urethral meatus was exposed, but the remainder of the glans remained covered by the inner prepucial skin.  The outer penile shaft skin had approximately 1-cm length on the dorsum, but on the ventrum was possibly only 1 to 2 mm from penoscrotal junction.  By report, a Gomco clamp had been used with a 1.1 diameter "bell" and explanation has to be that a partial dorsal slit was performed and the bell portion of the Gomco clamp must have been inadvertently placed between the prepucial skin layers.

For a picture of Gomco clamp, go to http://www.circlist.com/instrstechs/gomco.html.  You will also learn more about the horrors of circumcision.

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Our Newly Bought 96 Dodge Caravan

My driver's permit will expire on 06/08/06. So we were really quite in an urgent state to get a second-hand vehicle for me to practise with. We always kept our eyes on what were for sale in Uncle Henry's booklet. Last week we called several sellers, but they were all sold. This time, we could not find one that we really liked. Gary would have wanted something newer, but then we worried about those 99 Dodge Caravan allegedly having problems with transmission. Since it was basically for me to get used to driving (so that we could predict some dents/minor accidents within the first two years of me driving), we decided to go for this one. Not bad at $1500. Looked nice save for that rusty part at the bottom, smelled nice, and well-kept. The previous woman owner was a car racer (she had four trophies in her apartment to boast) so I figured she was in the know of how to take care of cars. She was also an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) so that she did not smoke, and the car smelled nice.

Everything that should be automatic was still working -- adjustment of mirrors, auto-locking mechanism, power windows, etc. Plenty of room (7-seater) with two built-in baby seats.

Of course, Gary tried it on the road before we made the purchase. He said it handled nicely. He had had experience before with a Dodge Caravan so he somehow knew what it was behind the wheel of such, and he did not find any fault while driving it.

I had my first on-the-road practice this noontime with Gary. He was predicting a major carsickness attack, but luckily I drove it smoothly enough that he did not have that repercussion. He said I was a natural, and that I would have no problems after some time of practice.

I hope so...

We plan to spend the afternoons (when he comes home) for practice sessions on the road, about 30 minutes each time (so he won't get carsick).

A new set of Logitech speakers

Last Friday we received a package which Gary had ordered from mwave.com. I knew he did order some computer parts to complete our computer server, which will also serve as a second computer for me to work with to maximize my time doing MT (I will work on one file while on one computer while the other computer downloads another audio file; I will have to be logged in on two accounts to do that).

So when I got the package, that was what I thought it contained. I waited for Gary to come home to open it.

When he got home, he went upstairs to my office and stopped at the hallway, told me he had a surprise for me...(I felt the same way I did when he was about to give me his Valentine's Day gift, but I could not help but wonder what it was this time...I could not remember telling him or hinting at anything that I wished to have...

And so he presented me this...
I asked him how he knew I wanted that...He said he did not know I wanted it; just that he knew I needed it.

Did I mention how thoughtful my hubby is?

To prevent osteoporosis, women need both diet and exercise

This is what I like about my job. It is low-paying, but it is very mentally-stimulating. The only regret I have is not having enough time to read on the subjects discussed.

Anyway, I had posted before in another of my blogs about the importance of exercise supplementing diet.

Recently, my SIL noticed I had an exercise ball (aside from my elliptical) and she said, I did not have to exercise as I was already thin (to her). I told her, those were not to make me lose weight, but to keep my muscle toned. You see, muscles not used waste away (atrophy of disuse). If I continue to just sit here all day (as what my work requires), I will, in time, lose my legs' shape (which many have found to be quite sexy). I actually have been feeling aches in my upper limbs as they are most of the time in a typing position, and not subject to exercise as much as I would like them to be. I have been meaning to add dumbbells or resistance bands to my exercise gadget. I want to keep my muscle mass.

Now what has muscle got to do with bones and osteoporosis? Well, every time we use our muscles, the bones to which they are attached are put under stress. LIke I previously mentioned in another blog, there is a reaction to every action. The bones react to the stress by building mass as well.

I just thought about posting this here because I was editing a transcript where the doctor said the following:

"it is imperative for her bone health that she maintain weightbearing exercise including weights, not just using the elliptical trainer. I also discussed the importance in terms of maintaining muscle mass after the age of 50 or menopause. Once a woman loose their muscle mass, it is almost impossible for them to regain it, and the muscle mass is not only important for the basal metabolic rate and weight maintenance or control, it is also important for osteoporosis prevention, bone protection should one slip for fall, and it is also makes women over the age of 50 less likely to fall because they have better muscle strength and a better righting reflex and greater stability on their feet."

A lot of women in their 60's wonder why they have severe osteoporosis. I can only say, while it is still early and while we still are mentruating (we have enough estrogen), we drink milk (with calcium), expose ourselves to the sun (vit D activates dietary calcium for utilization by the body), and of course, exercise (our body reacts to the physical stress by building mass). Because even with the raw materials for building muscles and bones, we will not build them unless our body sees the need to (to be able to react to physical stress).

I also saw once in Discovery Science channel about astronauts who spent more than a year in space (weightless), who experience atrophy of muscles and weakening of bones (because of osteoporosis) simply because the gravity force was no longer there to stimulate these bodily structures. They came home having the need to be supported by several colleagues once alighting their space shuttle, as they could barely support themselves.

Benefits of exercise? Weight loss/maintenance is just one of them...

Happy Valentine's Day Indeed!

I had been trying to make my hp photosmart 7760 work (ran out of ink; we refilled; could not work now), because I wanted to make a card for my hubby. That is usually how I remind him during this special day how much I love him. I do not want to spend money on holidays as much as possible. Call me kuripot, but these special days have been so commercialized.

I tried my old hp photosmart 7350 (I gave it to Patrick once I got hold of Gary's 7760 because he got himself a new Epson photo printer recently). Ink cartridges needed to be replaced as well. Aaaargh!

I gave up. I just thought I would make myself super bango and ganda for Gary's arrival from work. So I showered while baking chicken in mushroom soup/sour cream and cooking the Rice-A-Roni.

I was still in the bathroom brushing my teeth (in preparation for torrid kissing -- hehe), when he came. He handed me this beautifully wonderful flowers which he himself picked. I, of course, kissed him and thanked him.
Then I was waiting for the heart-shaped box of Stover Russell chocolates...nothing.

Then he led me out of the room...I was already anticipating he got me something else as a gift...I was ready to throw a fit! I wanted no luxurious spending!

Then he gave me a Valentine-decorated bag with a box that contained this:
Fujifil FinePix F10 6.3 Mega Pixels, 18.5 x total zoom, 2.5 inch LCD.

He forewarned me not to give a fit. I wanted to, but how could I? I was so pleased with this gadget (I would always prefer such things over a car, if I can help not having a car.)

Gary told me I was always able to come up with a very good picture using my obsolete digicam, so he got me a newer one of the same brand.

So this photo here is the last picture I took with my old Fujifilm FinePix 1.0 Mega Pixel digicam, which I have now handed to Patrick.

And that photo of flowers is the first I took with my brand-new digicam.

I was teasing him about drooling...his is a 4 MegaPixel Sony. While it took pictures, it was not quick enough to capture snapshots due to high-resolution.

Now, mine has better resolution, and is equipped with the technology to take snapshots without much delay despite the superior quality of photos.

I really love my husband...and my new digicam.

Sample calendar pages I made from hp's activity center

For those who might want to consider giving family calendars as gifts to relatives/in-laws next Christmas, this is a good idea.

You will need photos to feature for each month, a pack of brochure n flyer paper from hp (free overnight shipping this season, $12.99, 50 sheets, double-sided), Adobe reader, a high-quality photo printer, and lots of ink (I recommend refilling instead of buying the cartridges).

Go to hp Activity Center page to start creating your calendar online (before you do this, you should have edited your photos -- cropping, effects, noise-reduction, red-eye fix, etc) using their very own software. Each month is created as one Adobe PDF file. Warning -- quite a long process, so better do one month at a time and save in your computer. Then just print near Christmas time.

Here is a sample month of my output using this method:


You may also want to consider downloading templates from Microsoft Office. One I particulaly liked was the Word photo 2006 calendar but it is so time-consuming to change the photos to use my own. (It can be done if you know how to manipulate the picture formatting and all that).

Also, if you like giving personalized birthday cards, you can buy HP photo greeting cards (which also ships overnight for free this season, $9.99 20 sheets, pre-scored, with envelopes). Either you use their software online like what I did with the calendar, or you may use the software that comes with the pack (a pleasant surprise for me! I used it to send cards to friends. It was easy to use and the photos came out nice too!).

Naku ha, dapat bayaran ako ng HP for plugging their products!

I am having fun!

Starting November, I started taking online review classes for NCLEX (Kaplan). At first I was so enthusiastic, spending hours listening to the boring, at times ridiculously wrong, lectures of the speaker (I would often fall asleep!). Then I started taking "breaks" by revamping my resume and applying to every MT company that would allow satellite users, with work either using FTP and Word, or ASP platform.

After more than 6 months of doing clinic work in various specialties and various accents, I felt more confident that I would easily breeze through any type of dictation, as long as the dictator is reasonably clear. So I revised the experience part of my MT experience, saying that I had more than two years of transcribing clinic work (2 in PI, >6 mos here). That way, even with online MT tests (service provided by mtttest.com for several MT companies), I was able to pass the screening and personal info stages, and got through to the most important part of the tests, the objective and the audio/transcription. Some of these MT companies delayed the audio testing until they have reviewed the results of the preliminary stages, then they let me go on to the audio. Some allowed med to go straight to the audio as soon as I passed the preceding portion of the exam. I must admit that the audio is always the most daunting part for me, not because of lack of knowledge on the subject, because I can easily research them on the net as long as the dictator is clear, whether American or ESL. But I have had dictators who are American mumblers/sighers whose words I could only guess at...(they always give me migraine attacks!)

Anyway, I spent the past two weeks doing mostly that and neglecting my NCLEX review (or doing half an hour at a time -- I should be guilty!).

Two small companies called me and gave me false hopes of audio testing...never materialized and never heard any more from them.

One BIG company emailed me with a job offer already. Of course, I accepted that right away. Although I was skeptic at first, as I went on with their process, the more respect I developed for the company. Theirs was really stat-of-the-art technology! I had an online training yesterday, seeing my trainor's desktop superimposed on my own as she demonstrates using her cursor how she does things on her end and how I should do things. She was talking with me on the phone while explaining the features of the software. Of course, I had to login to the web conference that we had to be granted access to her desktop. That was the most awesome online training I have experienced so far. I was thinking, other small MT companies might lose their businesses if they do not ride this wave of technology. In the meantime, I am keeping myself updated with these kind of technological advancement in health information.

Prior to that training I received an email from another company where I applied either as an MT (despite my lack of years in experience; they required min of 3 yrs), or as MT editor for which I was fully qualified (medical background). I believe I received a message on the phone from them the next day upon submission of my online application (no tests whatsoever, as far as I can remember). I had been returning their call in the subsequent days, but was answered only by an answering machine. I gave up, only to receive an email after a week asking me if I was still interested. Of course, I was interested to know if they could give a better offer than the one I have now.

This morning I received a call from the same person (if I heard him right), and he said I passed their test (I was stumped, as I do not recall testing with them at all! But then again, I have tested several times, and only later did I make a printed copy of every test I did with each company I applied to that did allow me to test.). He arranged for a 15-minute talk on Tuesday next week. I have to get ready as to what I could possibly ask him. Time to post in the forums again.

It's nice to know that I can get a job (no matter how low the pay is) while staying at home and reviewing for NCLEX (I still believe that nursing is a more stable and more financially rewarding job than MT), or reviewing for USMLE (if and when I decide to pursue the medical career).

I am predicting more phone calls next week.

Oh, BTW, they never checked my past employment in PI. In this MT job, the important thing is that you can deliver.

PRACTICE FILES FOR THE MT-WANNABEs

If you are a doctor who is considering doing MT as a sideline, below are some links from which you can download several audio files to see whether you have what it takes to do this job.

But before that, download first the Express Scribe to play the digital files. Once you have downloaded this software, then download the audio files from the below links and save them in a folder in your computer (make sure you know where you save them).

Here are the links:


http://www.qmedtranscription.com/testpage.htm


http://www.transrs.com - you must answer first the written portion to get to the audio (don't worry, that part is the easiest!).


http://www.enrightcorp.com/newtrans/enright_medical_test.wav

http://www.cnctranscription.com/OnLineTest.html

http://www.absoluteexperience.com/AudioSamples.html - these are zipped folders. Once you have downloaded the zipped files, unzip them first (rt-click then "Extract all...")

Once you have all (or even just one if you would just like to try this and not seriously considering doing this as a sideline) the audio files downloaded and unzipped as needed, open the Express Scribe and LOAD the dictations from the folder where you saved them, and type away! You can type directly onto Word while listening to the audio, and see the final outcome of your work. If you were the client, ask yourself this: "Would I want the medical records of my patients appear and filed like this?" That is your true assessment if you have done a good job or not.

Caution: Pangtawid lang ang MT for a more stable healthcare job. I'd go for either RN or MD pa rin. Truth is, either ma-offshore most of the MT work, or pag pinagbawal ng HIPAA regulations any offshoring of medical records eh wala nang mag-offshore (which I doubt will happen). So pag sinwerte kayo, you might be able to do this as a sideline directly hired by one MT company here in the US (wag na as employee ng middleman MT company in PI), as an at-home job.

the sizing and lubricating equipment

reloading die sets

another view of the die sets

mold for the lead bullets on the right, melting pot on the left

melting pot with lead bars in preparation for modling

straining off the sandy material to isolate the "cleaned" shells

This is the catcher of the reloaded bullets

Winchester and Hornady bullets

Ako yan...

Hubby and boys

Me and my first son target shooting (lipas na anag hunting season)

target with the pile of wood behind to stop bullets...we make sure either these wood pieces will stop the bullet, or that there are no houses/people in the range where the bullets can go. 

a closer look at the bullet seat

Hubby operating the reloader 

Gary's gun collection

Gary's reloading tools

melting pot for lead bullets

Some lead bullets made

This itself is the reloading tool, with the primer on the left, and the powder measure holding the gunpowder, bullet seat

tumbler to clean the shells

These are lead bullets at the center, reloading press on the right, and the powder scale on the left (Lyman)

powder scale and a reloaded bullet 

IntelliPoint 5.0 sucks!

My husband, having been so excited that I am now earning a significant amount of money even as I stay at home, surprised me with a new set of wireless keyboard and optical mouse (I had been using the Logitech wireless kb and op mouse). I was thrilled at his thoughtfulness. He installed it last weekend. I had the whole weekend off.

I started work Monday morning, and noticed the glitches with my new hardware. I thought it was just because I had not learned all the ins and outs and the troubleshooting.

I tried to check out the help section on trooubleshooting when I was finally convinced that it was not just because of unfamiliarity.

Now, I had used it for 2 whole days typing for more than 8 hrs each day. I loved the padded keyboard (protects my wrists), BUT I HATE THE MOUSE!

It has delayed response to my dragging, pauses at one point where I did not intend it to go, which would make me react in such a manner that I would be exerting more effort to drag it to make it move, and when it did move, it went flying in all directions (either that or it disappears), and I would spend several seconds locating where it went, and would finally find it. Sometimes I would want to bring it to a certain point on the screen (like a button or a link), and as I slowed down it would get stuck, usually just before that point where I wanted it to be, so that when I finally clicked, I did not hit the right point! Then I would drag violently again to make it move (again, with a delayed response)...I finally had it.

I woke my hubby up earlier today before he went to work, asked him to put back my old Logitech mouse (Of course I was apologetic, but I would not want to waste any more time in this prodcution-based job of mine! I could have typed a lot of medical reports during those wasted seconds!)

Things are getting better...

So many events have passed in my present work, but I haven't had the time to post here lately because of "addiction" with what I am doing, and the goodness of my superiors.

I had an unexpected partial raise in pay rate last week of April...I was kinda "promised" by my QA that I will be off QA at the end of April so I would get the full raise...

I had been on a QA-optional status, hence the partial raise, since that time.

When 100% QA-optional, it will be a full raise, then would follow production-based incentives.

Last week I sent an email to my QA re my status (i.e., when I would be completely QA-optional). No reply until this afternoon.

We had a brief chat. Definitely things are looking better and going faster than I anticipated.:

QA: Hi Manang- this is QA, I am logged in under Boss' IM for right now- I am at her house- I had to get away from my home very quickly as it was a violent situation. I just want to apologize for not being responsive lately and wanted to let you know I am back. I apologize if I appeared rude or unprofessional. I had a very rough few days as I had toXpXeXrXsXnXalX- but I hope to be on the mend soon!
md_mt032305: Oh...no problem! I hope things will get better for you soon...
md_mt032305: I feel like hugging you
md_mt032305: take your time...I am doing fine...
QA: you are doing better than fine!! you are one of our Superstars!!! Thank you for the hug- much needed and appreciated! I am not used to depended on other people for things. Today I would like to work just with you on your work que issues and see if we can resolve them today! I hate to ask you this again, but my mind is still not all there with me! Please let me know- you can IM or email. The first three docs and from then out- your next options to help with you productivity. Has your line count gone up? It seems that it has. Also, are you still in QA on anyone or optional only if you have a question? I am ready to get you 100% QA free
md_mt032305: you don't have to if you don't feel like it, but thanks for opting to attend to my issues..Here's the list of my most fave dictators from my highest priority: Dr1, Dr2,Dr3, Dr4, Dr5, Dr6, Dr7 and Dr8. I am not yet QA-op on the last 4. I can accomodate the other 5 doctors in my pool if you badly need help finishing them (Dr9, Dr10, Dr11, Dr12, and Dr13 in that order).
md_mt032305: I want to express my appreciation for taking good care of me.
md_mt032305: btw, I am not yet QA-op on the 3Drs from the last list.
QA: okay sweetie- I am going to have Boss take you off QA on those last four- you dont need it- or actually on all of them. I know you will send if you need to for QA. As soon as Boss gets back down here- I will get your work pool in order! You are just fantastic! After doing the transcription for a while, I really believe that you should look into moving into QA/editing- your skill and knowledge level would lend itself very nicely to this.
md_mt032305: Thanks for the praises, but I don't have the confidence yet to do that...
md_mt032305: and my past work as QA editor was quite traumatic for me...I don't feel like dealing with that kind of stress again...
QA: In time you will. There is a potential to make greater income- perhaps as we grow, that is something you will keep in mind. It is not stressful if you work for the right company.
md_mt032305: well, yes...the company does matter a lot...but I did learn a lot from you when you were doing QA on me...
md_mt032305: you knew exactly how to deliver feedback that encourages an MT
QA: just something to keep in mind! I had some TERRIBLE QA people in the past who made me feel like I needed to go work at Burger King!
md_mt032305: yes, I will keep that in mind...I just know that this is a great company, and I would be glad to be a part of/contributor to its growth!
QA: It is booming now and we have accounts lined up and ready to go with us as soon as we can staff them
md_mt032305: and that is sad...this work requires a great deal of skills and knowledge...it is not easy to find techie people with a strong medical background
QA: too bad too- it is such a great opportunity to be able to work at home
md_mt032305: I read fromBoss' last email about check crossing Canada. I have a friend who recently moved there, another doctor from PI, who is also interested in doing MT. Can I ask her to try applying?
QA: OH YES PLEASE DO!! I would be very happy to work to help her get accomodated to the system and the work! Ask her to please at her convenience send me an e-mail and we could get her on the road to working! How exciting! Can you not practice medicine when you move here?
md_mt032305: I have read enough horror stories about the medical practice
QA: The state of our health care system is shameful
md_mt032305: so many doctors get out of a state/city (ex. Chicago) or the profession itself (OB to teaching high school)
md_mt032305: disillusioned with the system
md_mt032305: insurance companies earning the big bucks
QA: no longer about the patients
md_mt032305: right...
md_mt032305: it is sad...treating patients for free gives us a different kind of high...but nowadays very few people appreciate that...can't blame them bec lots of drs also have become indifferent to make both ends meet, or just being arrogant
QA: and the frivoulous law suits and malpractice.... just terrible! So many doctors have become very callous and uncaring toward the patients beacause of the system
md_mt032305: yeah...but I am observing a trend -- online patient care...not sure if that will work fine...maybe then I will consider going back...in any case, this is a very good business on the side...Who knows? Maybe in time I wll have an income from this good enough to allow me to practice medicine without sacrificing patient care just so to earn enough to pay the insurance premium?...
QA: I had the opportunity to work for some of the large pharmeceutical companies on drug studies for Oncology (worked on the pahse three of Arimidex) and although it was very grattifying work, the amount of money the drug companies spent on nonsense and to entertain the doctors- when prices for prescriptions are so high that many cannot afford the medications needed was very alarming
md_mt032305: I am emailing my friend in Canada now...
QA: Great! Online medicine is becoming a very intriguing area of medicine-especially in rural areas.
md_mt032305: that too...I am uncomfortable knowing that a lot of pharma companies are manipulating doctors...just take a look at the latest guidelines on cholesterol and bp levels...I am not sure how much of that is honest...maybe they just want more sale for their drugs (pharm companies sponsor most of these studies anyway...). I can't help but think of doing Homeopathic Med if I will practice
md_mt032305: ok...done calling on other Filipino MDs (nonpractising like me) from Canada and US
QA: I absolutely agree- I have high cholesterol but did not want to try statins and am a big believer in vitamins and herbs and have reduced my greatly with red rice yeast and fish oil in conjunction with flax seed oil
md_mt032305: have you heard abt coconut oil (see Dr. Mercola's website and other scientific articles there written by PhD Chem...). I am a great cholesterol skeptic...recently saw a website of same people refuting the claims that cholesterol is bad for us...I still have reservations, though, but I try to eat foods as close as possible to their natural state.
QA: yes- that is what I have gone to as well- very little processed food. I try not to pay attention to a lot of the studies beacause I know how that whole system works with the drug companies manipulating the docs.
md_mt032305: well...i love chatting with you...lol...but I have to work now... Cheer up!
QA: Thank you have a wonderful day!
md_mt032305: you too! And thanks for everything that you have done for me...

Got my first paycheck!

It is not that big yet...but that is only because it was only a week instead of two weeks' pay. Also, my production then was at it's lowest, and the pay in this job is production-based.

Just $ 142.24, and that is my pay from March 25-31, which I got one month after. My next paycheck will come on the 2nd half of May, which I have computed to be $ 482.44, then followed by $ 608.91 (yeah, that's how production jumps when you are starting your career as an MT, although my acceleration exceeds that of an ordinary MT who has no medical background that I have. I rarely have to check medical spellings/terms/procedures/drugs, whereas a new MT would always need that, and a medical terminology software such as Stedman's SmartType is such a big help to these laypeople, but which I doubt would help me). I have been focusing on building my autotext database to make my job quicker and easier. YOu can very well see the sharp upward slope in my production...from 200++ lines ($ 142.24 first paycheck for 2032 lines) to 600++ lines per day (so I will be getting that $ 608.91 for 8582 lines)...

Golly, this can be so addicting! The pay is not too great compared to being a nurse or a doctor, but then I won't have to worry about wardrobe and kissing somebody else's a-- just to stay hired. No worries about the weather and slippery roads, accidents during travel (do commuters get paid driving? and what about their driving time?). Most of all, I still get to cook, do household chores during my break, garden, and I am planning this summer to use the mornings for driving lessons.

Now I have to figure out how to pay my taxes. I can use some deductions like use of home for business, also equipment.

I think I will stick with this job. Then when I am ready, I will have my own MT business, using offshore talents...from the Philippines, of course!!! People there need good-paying jobs badly.