From time to time, we find ourselves tired, empty, ready to quit. But let's face it if we all just packed up and quit there would be no opportunity to grow, strive for success and enjoy the lives we have all set out to achieve. Below are 10 easy tips to ensure that you stay motivated.

• Remind yourself of the reason why you took this path. Why did you want to become a medical transcriptionist?
• Make sure that your work environment is comfortable. Let's face it; there is no way to stay motivated if you're uncomfortable.
• Change your work environment. Move things around: pictures, plants, etc. Change it up once in a while.
• Plan a reward for yourself. Let's be honest, we all enjoy a little reward or pat on the back, from time to time. Example: Once I complete my midterm I will get a manicure, buy that shirt I have always wanted, treat myself to a night out with my friends...
• Picture the work already completed. Sometimes it can seem like the work is going on forever without an end in sight. In such instances, it can be helpful to look ahead and envision what it will be like when this is completed. Imagine the relief that you will feel knowing that it is finally done and done well. Try to picture yourself getting compliments for the final work.
• Have a regular routine. Habits can be powerful things. Habits tend to be hard to break, get set in a great routine now, and you will be ready for success.
• Take care of yourself. You are #1, take breaks, exercise, eat healthy, and get rest. The better you feel,the more work you will get done.
• Mingle.....attend chat sessions. Share your thoughts, concerns and questions with other students and graduates. There is nothing better than knowing that you are not alone.
• Take Breaks. Ensure you are getting up and away from your computer at least every 2 hours. Get up stretch, take a walk, and grab a cup of tea. Frequent breaks do improve concentration.
• Call us. CanScribe is with you every step of the way, whether you're a student or graduate we are here for you.

“When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow--

You may succeed with another blow,

Success is failure turned inside out--

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.”

~Unknown

- Sarah Kennedy
Student Services Representative

In cardiology as well as other specialties, the endings of some drugs are common to a certain class of drugs. If you become familiar with these, it will hopefully enable you to discern what the medication should be in the context of what you are transcribing.

The following drugs end in -pril and are ACE inhibitors used to treat congestive heart failure and hypertension. The brand name is listed in parentheses next to the generic form.

captopril (Capoten).

enalapril (Vasotec).

fosinopril (Monopril).

lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril).

quinapril (Accupril).

ramipril (Altace).

 Beta blockers are used to treat angina, arrhythmias, hypertension, and migraine headaches. The ending -olol is common to generic beta blockers as listed below:

atenolol (Tenormin).

bisoprolol (Zebeta).

carteolol (Cartrol).

esmolol (Brevibloc).

metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol).

nadolol (Corgard).

propranolol (Inderal).

Calcium channel blockers are used to treat angina, arrhythmias, hypertension, and also migraine headaches. The ending -ipine is common to generic calcium channel blockers as listed below:

amlodipine(Norvasc).

nicardipine (Cardene).

nifedipine(Adalat, Procardia).

Angiotensin receptor blockers are used alone or in combination with other drugs for controlling high blood pressure, treating congestive heart failure, preventing diabetes or high blood pressure-related kidney failure, and reducing the risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and an enlarged heart. ARBs also may prevent the recurrence of atrial fibrillation. The ending -artan is common in generic ARBs.

candesartan (Atacand).

eprosartan (Teveten).

irbesartan (Avapro).

losartan (Cozaar).

olmesartan (Benicar).

telmisartan (Micardis).

valsartan (Diovan).

- Robin Reynolds, CMT, AHDI-F
CanScribe Instructor

An effective study area is one that allows the student to focus with minimal interruptions and is comfortable. Whether it is a single room in the house or a single corner in a room, you must make sure that you have an effective study area. Keep in mind that when you are comfortable, you can focus more. Always keep your study area free from clutter as much as possible because this can be distracting.

When you want to decorate your study area colour and lighting are important. Change the colours of your study area with cool hues such as pastel blue or green; they stimulate a relaxed mood. You can repaint the walls or apply wallpaper of your preferred colour. Alternatively, you can decorate the area with something blue or green. Having adequate lighting is important too. While some people feel comfortable under fluorescent lights, others find them distracting. Make sure the light is adequate enough to read without straining, but dim enough to not over stimulate.

As a final note, the area should be maintained as separate as possible so that when someone enters the room, you will not be distracted. Also make your study area comfortable and relaxed as possible so you want to spend time doing your studies.

- Linda Kovacs
Student Service

You have almost made it; you completed your course, successfully passed your exam and have finished the practicum with stellar results. The big moment has come when you start looking for your first MT job! 

For many MT positions your initial contact will be by email. I cannot stress enough the importance of that first contact. It can result in securing an MT job or having a door shut in your face - with you left wondering why.

In all correspondence you are telling others something about yourself.  Think about how important this is when you are contacting MT employers who maintain at least 98 or 99% accuracy on all transcriptions. They will look at your email, attachments, application and resume very carefully.

• Email address: You should have a professional email address - one that is JUST for you. Email can be the first and only impression employers have of a prospective employee or contractor. Many employers will eliminate candidates based on their email addresses, without even looking at the content of their attachments. Employers feel that if people do not take the time to present themselves in a professional manner, they most likely will be lacking in other areas as well.
• Get a new email address with just your name, without the name of your husband, pet, children, hobby, etc.  Please ask us if you need help with this.
• Spelling: You must have everything 100% accurate. Use spell check in your email, for any attachments and especially for your transcription test. If your email is not composed correctly, that can often be the end of your chances with that company.
  
  If you have the name of the person you are contacting, make sure you spell their name correctly.
• Content: If you are responding to a job posting or if the employer has stated what they are looking for, if you cannot meet their requirements, then perhaps they are not the employer for you. Some employers look for MTs to work certain days of the week and certain hours of the day. While you might want to be honest, you don't want to sound unreliable. Here's an example:
• Employer posting: Looking for MTs to work at least 5 hours a day 5 days a week with one day being either Saturday or Sunday.
• Potential MT response: I want to work part-time about 3 hours a day on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.  I have 4 little kids and I need to spend time with my family on weekends.

If you keep these tips in mind, you have a much better chance of getting and keeping their attention in a good way and securing a position with their company.

- Jo-Ann Clarke, CMT
Senior Academic Officer

The interviewing process can be very intimidating, especially for a first-time transcriptionist. Below are a few tips to help ease your fears during this process.

• Be prepared for the interview. In the days prior to the interview, research the company and make note of the reasons why you want to work for them. Some reasons may be because they are a reputable company, you have read/heard good things about them, they seem to have an abundance of work, offer you flexibility with your schedule, etc.
• Present yourself in a calm and confident manner.
• Prepare for approximately a 60-second personal statement. Many interviewers will ask you to tell them something about yourself.
• Speak clearly and slowly. A transcriptionist must possess a firm grasp on the English language.
• Ask questions about the job and the role, but do not ask about salary. Learn what you can about the company.
• At the conclusion, thank the interviewer and determine the next steps.

Good Luck!

- Deb Albert, RMT
Instructor

You've just started school and you're on a roll - but wait! A new relationship has been introduced into your life. New relationships may come in many forms - new significant other, new baby, or even a new pet. Don't let this new relationship distract you from your study groove. Keep your eye on the prize! 

People who are entering your life should be aware of your goal of completing your studies so that you can begin your career as a Medical Transcriptionist. Make them realize how important this really is to you. If they truly deserve to be in your life, they will surely understand.

Ask yourself the following question: “have my studies suffered due to this new relationship?” If you answered yes, think about your priorities! I know it's hard to be studying when you would rather be with your loved ones, but think about what a small sacrifice you are making for a lifetime of satisfaction.

- Jacky Hughes
Admissions Advisor

Many people find studying in their own home to be distracting - housework, partners, kids, roommates and pets combine with the lure and temptation offered by books, the internet and television to try and coax students away from actually working. If you find yourself falling into this bracket, get up, go find somewhere public (an internet café, for instance) and get cracking away from distractions.

Work out when the best time for you to study falls during the day, and try and work that in to your daily schedule. If you know you don't study well at night, then make sure you're asleep and up bright and early to get a few hours in before work. Conversely, if you prefer to work at night, make sure the hours leading up to your optimum study time are relaxed, and that you approach the task with a clear, uncluttered mind.

Following on from this, get plenty of rest. It's all well and good to stay up burning the midnight oil and studying way past your bedtime, but your brain won't take in the information as efficiently if it's tired. The brain finds it easiest to process and retain information if it comes in several short bursts of 45-50 minutes than in one marathon three-hour session.

Studying online is a rewarding experience, but it also requires plenty of self-discipline and dedication on the student's part. Work it in to your daily routine, try to work on your course at least four times a week, and you'll soon find that it becomes less of a chore and more of a regular task. Well-planned study and good habits will always produce better results than procrastination and cramming, so make sure that your diary takes into account your workload, study hours and all-important downtime. Rest and play is just as important as working on your course...as long as it's done proportionately. Remember these tips on how to succeed as an online student!

- Carolyn McEwen

Imagine if you will, you are a painter. Your job is to paint 3 bedrooms in the house and the trim on the outside of the house. To accomplish this, you must ensure you have the right tools to complete the job.

Would you go to the paint store and purchase multiple items before looking at the house? No. You must first look at the house, determine what types of tools are needed to paint each different surface. You will consider the cost of each tool and how often you will use each tool. You must also consider the possibility that other tools you already have or may purchase can be used for more than one function.

There are basic tools that you may purchase that will be used for any painting job.

• Roller handle
• Extension handle
• Paint screen
• Cut in brushes
• Masking tape

The same rules apply to filling your MT Tool Chest. There are many great tools available for you to consider. Here are a few general categories.

• Books/Online Books
• Computer software

Each of these tools, and many more, may prove to be invaluable to you when you work for any employer in the transcription industry. The key is to determine which resources will be used with any and every employer.

Books

There are many books to choose from, some with general information, and others with information focusing on a special branch of medicine. You may be required to purchase certain books, but that choice is best made after you gain employment to ensure you are not purchasing material that is not needed. For example, if you work for an employer that specializes in orthopedics, there would not be a need to purchase a cardiology book at that time.

Make a short list of books that you know will be useful at all times and create your shopping list with that in mind. A good dictionary is always good to have when you begin.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Expanders

There are various word expanders available to the MT at the present time. It will become a vital tool that you will want and need to create a more productive environment in the transcription industry.

Is it necessary to purchase one right away? Not necessarily. As you research possible employers, find out what type of system they use and whether or not they supply an internal expander. Some employers use software that will only allow the use of their internal expanders while others will let you have a choice.

If you have a choice, buy an external expander so that your work in building your dictionary is yours and you may take it with you wherever you choose to go. The trick is to be sure you need to purchase this tool or if you will already have this tool in place.

Spellcheckers

Spellcheckers are available for you to purchase, but before doing so, it is wise to research and determine if the spellchecker you want is compatible with the software potential employers may use. It is very common for employers to have a spellchecker within their “platform”(software system) and purchasing a spellchecker on your own is not necessary.

THE MAGIC WORD

Patience

Be organized, get everything in place, buy everything that sounds good, start the new job off in style. Sounds awesome, but if you apply patience, research your needs, and purchase as you go, you will fill your tool chest with tools that are right for you.

Paintbrushes can do many things, but if you are not a painter, do you need it?

Go paint your way into a tool chest that is unique to YOU.

- Lori DeVaney
CanScribe Instructor

No carries weight, it's a potent word. Keep this in mind: You made a commitment to yourself to work on your training schedule for at least 20 hours per week when you started this course, maybe more. There is nothing to feel guilty about when putting yourself first. Keep your eyes on the prize. You had an idea of what you wanted to get from the training and where you wanted to go with this career. Don't forget why you wanted to do this and the agenda you had in mind when you first started.

Say no nicely, it doesn't have to be rough. Although your heart may be racing a little when you do it, achieving the results from your industrious training should be well worth it. Consider how you ask someone at the table to pass the butter.  You say in a pleasant way “Pass the butter, please.” It's a calm and natural thing to do. Put yourself in that frame of mind and use that same tone of voice when the need to say no arises.

No saves time and lets you get back to what you wanted to focus on your training. Here are some no phrases:

• I have a prior commitment, which is working on my medical transcription course right now. I may be able look at this sometime in the future when my schedule permits.
• I'm over-extended right now as I really need to work on my course. Let's look at this when I have more time later.
• I'll have to pass on that right now because I have a commitment to my training progress and if I keep at it I'll be working soon.
• I'm honoured, but I won't be able to fit it in and the reason for that is because I am studying to become a medical transcriptionist. If I stay on track with my training I'll be working from home soon and I'm really looking forward to that!

Although saying yes often appears to be the right thing to do, it can be a productivity killer. Think about that deep feeling of satisfaction for a job well done. It's like cleaning a room that really needed it - you can see the difference when it's done. Same thing when looking at your gradebook - you can see yourself getting closer to that final module. Think about that when you're feeling pressured to say yes. More food for thought when you are tempted to say yes:

• What are the benefits to saying yes? Are they long term or short term?
• Will this impact my study schedule?
• If it does impact my study schedule, how far behind will I be? Can I catch up? Is it worth it?

Everyone can use work on saying no occasionally, no one enjoys the feeling of guilt. A good question to ask yourself when you feel you may have let someone down is, how long will this have an effect?

Saying no takes practice and you can let your family and friends know that this does not mean no to everything forever, just for right now and you are open to requests in future.

- Samantha Carnegie
Director of Admissions and Student Services
CanScribe Career College

Exceptions

• Sometimes the proper plural of a word ending in -is will be formed by dropping the -is and adding -ides. For example, epididymis becomes epididymides.
• Sometimes the proper plural of a word ending in -us will be formed by dropping the -us and adding -era or -ora. For example: viscus becomes viscera; corpus becomes corpora.
• Some words ending in -ix or -ax have more than one acceptable plural form. For example: The plural of appendix can be either appendices or appendixes - although the most common plural form would utilize the -ices ending.
• The proper plural for certain words ending in -ion can be formed simply by adding an -s. For example: chorion becomes chorions.
• The plural form of the term vas is vasa.
• The plural form of pons is pontes.
• The plural form of the dual meaning word os is ora when referring to "mouths" and ossa when referring to "bones".
• The plural form of the term femur is femora.
• The plural form of cornu is cornua.
• The plural form of paries is parietes.

Every few months we create a treasure hunt on the CanScribe Forums. Want to become a part of this unique community? It is fun and easy to participate!!

All you need to do is check the forum on a regular basis. If you answer the questions correctly, you could win an awesome prize!

Feel free to post your thoughts, guesses and theories, speak your mind and have fun!

- Carolyn McEwen

We are so proud of all the CanScribe graduates and would like to congratulate you for a job well done!  Please keep in touch and share your experiences with us!