All Things Transcription

On several occasions I have come across a question on a forum I visit that has me absolutely flabbergasted. This question originates from students but I still cannot fathom the cluelessness of this question. Here it is:

“When should I start using headphones?” See the title for my reaction.

Let me reiterate that this question is being asked by students. However, I cannot imagine what these folks are thinking. Do they really think that listening to dictation when everyone can hear it is the norm in the industry?

Follow up:

Pardon me if I sound sarcastic. I have noticed that some training entities do not mention that a transcriptionist uses headphones while working in their descriptions of what a medical transcriptionist does. However, surely they mention it to new enrollees when they get their materials list. If you received a materials list that included headphones, I would think it would be pretty safe to assume that you are expected to use them from the start. I think that’s a better time than when you are preparing for your final exam.

Granted I have never heard a practice sound file that mentions any identifying information about the patient. In fact, many avoid the use of pronouns that even indicate the sex of the patient. However, I do get a pretty funny visual of some poor soul sitting down at a work station in a hospital on their first day and wondering what the heck the headphones are for. Not to mention a family listening to the health problems of someone they may possibly know. Can you say HIPAA violation?

I have serious reservations about the student who would ask this question, especially so late in the game. The nature of medical transcription requires that the transcriptionist be someone who can work in an independent fashion. A student who asks this question would probably require a great deal of hand holding. I doubt that any employer is looking for that quality in a transcriptionist.

In my personal and professional opinion, a student who asks this type of question so late in the game is not really suited to this profession.