To scribe or not to scribe?

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Hi everyone,

I got a call yesterday from ScribeAmerica offering me an ER scribe position at a local hospital. I'm having trouble deciding whether or not to accept the position. Here's my background:

-Graduated a month ago with a 3.2c/3.0s undergrad GPA
-33 MCAT, planning on retaking in May 2013
-Applying to special masters programs at BU, Tufts, Temple, Drexel, and Cincinnati and the MS Anatomy program at Ohio State to begin in 2013
-Currently working full-time in a lab researching lupus nephritis and part-time in a retail store
-Very strong ECs, shadowing, and LORs
-Lacking in clinical experience

In order to accept the scribe position I'd either have to quit my retail job or learn to operate on four hours of sleep per night. I get an unbelievable employee discount from my retail job, so the scribe experience would really have to be worthwhile in order for me to quit. So here are the questions I have for you guys:

1. Is being a scribe considered clinical experience? From what I understand, a scribe doesn't provide patients with an direct care, so I'm not sure how to categorize it.

2. Would my lack of clinical experience be better resolved by a scribe position or volunteering at a hospice/hospital?

3. Does anyone know what the hourly wages for a scribe position are like?

4. For those of you who have scribed, did you learn a lot from it? If you could go back in time, would you do it all over again? If you're in med school (especially if you've done an EM rotation), how helpful was having the scribe experience under your belt?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by derpderpderp

Graduated a month ago with a 3.2c/3.0s undergrad GPA
-33 MCAT, planning on retaking in May 2013
-Applying to special masters programs at BU, Tufts, Temple, Drexel, and Cincinnati and the MS Anatomy program at Ohio State to begin in 2013
-Currently working full-time in a lab researching lupus nephritis and part-time in a retail store
-Very strong ECs, shadowing, and LORs
-Lacking in clinical experience

In order to accept the scribe position I'd either have to quit my retail job or learn to operate on four hours of sleep per night. I get an unbelievable employee discount from my retail job, so the scribe experience would really have to be worthwhile in order for me to quit. So here are the questions I have for you guys:

1. Is being a scribe considered clinical experience? From what I understand, a scribe doesn't provide patients with an direct care, so I'm not sure how to categorize it.

2. Would my lack of clinical experience be better resolved by a scribe position or volunteering at a hospice/hospital?

3. Does anyone know what the hourly wages for a scribe position are like?

1) It would generally be considered a high-quality active clinical activity, as you are directly involved in the patient-care experience. Shadowing is embedded in the position as well, but you would categorize it under Employment-nonMilitary.

2) Either activity will satisfy the expectation for clinical experience, assuming sufficient longevity.

3) Varies by region. You should have asked the recruiter who called you.

I say take the position. Opportunity is hard to come by.

Originally Posted by derpderpderp

3. Does anyone know what the hourly wages for a scribe position are like?

4. For those of you who have scribed, did you learn a lot from it? If you could go back in time, would you do it all over again? If you're in med school (especially if you've done an EM rotation), how helpful was having the scribe experience under your belt?

3. The wages should be from $9-10 per hour.


4. I'm applying this cycle so I can't comment on how helpful it will be in med school. However, I have learned so much as a scribe I would definately do it all over again. You learn a lot about medical terminology, conditions and associated symptoms/treatments, and most importantly charting. On top of that, you get to see a bunch of procedures and even get some hands on stuff if you're lucky!

Just to give you an idea when I was working there was a 16 year old who came in because he was bit by a police k-9 (he stole a car, crashed it, and tried to run away). Anyways the doc let me wash out all of the chest wounds which were pretty deep. It may seem like something small and stupid but it was really cool to get to do all this hands on stuff!

Originally Posted by mtremblay

3. The wages should be from $9-10 per hour.


4. I'm applying this cycle so I can't comment on how helpful it will be in med school. However, I have learned so much as a scribe I would definately do it all over again. You learn a lot about medical terminology, conditions and associated symptoms/treatments, and most importantly charting. On top of that, you get to see a bunch of procedures and even get some hands on stuff if you're lucky!

Just to give you an idea when I was working there was a 16 year old who came in because he was bit by a police k-9 (he stole a car, crashed it, and tried to run away). Anyways the doc let me wash out all of the chest wounds which were pretty deep. It may seem like something small and stupid but it was really cool to get to do all this hands on stuff!

I'm surprised you got to wash out the wounds, our hospitals are sooooo touchy about us actually having patient contact. We gave a firm "no-touchie, just talkie" rule.

Anyways, I just popped in to say... Do it. I love being an ER scribe, and I am more able to discuss my passion and knowledge of medicine in interviews. Do this job because it's awesome!

1. Is being a scribe considered clinical experience? From what I understand, a scribe doesn't provide patients with an direct care, so I'm not sure how to categorize it.
"If you can smell the patient, it is clinical experience."

2. Would my lack of clinical experience be better resolved by a scribe position or volunteering at a hospice/hospital?
Scribe, as my advisor said, is more than enough for clinical experience. It will help big time. It also tests if you are willing to go into medicine. I know a couple of people who did scribes and decided that medicine isn't for them.

3. Does anyone know what the hourly wages for a scribe position are like? The last time I worked, it was 10 an hour, and 12 at night. There is a limit on how much you can work.

4. For those of you who have scribed, did you learn a lot from it? If you could go back in time, would you do it all over again? If you're in med school (especially if you've done an EM rotation), how helpful was having the scribe experience under your belt?

You learn A LOT! Basically, you're the physician's bitch. You do whatever they ask and you work your butt off. Also, they really get on you if you misspell a word. But now, most hospitals are moving to computer programs for Triage and inputing orders. Hopefully, we can use spell check

Oh, as a side of precaution. A majority of scribes have had their grades suffer. Not too bad, but it does require a lot of time and attention.

When I met with an adcom member she said the scribe position was great because it was good clinical experience. I think it's more unique than a volunteer position because you work with the doctors directly, and get to see the "behind-the-scenes" of how they work.

I worked as a scribe and I got 15/hour with benefits.

I learned a lot by being a scribe, and I also got 3 strong recommendation letters out of it. After working with the doctors for a while, I got to know them well and they told me about medical school and their own reasons for pursuing it, etc. There's an incredible amount to learn but I think it's also what you make of it. The docs won't come chasing after you to tell you stuff, but they're usually receptive to questions. They were once pre-med too, after all. I'd definitely say go for it. Sure, discount for retail sounds great. But this scribe position contributes so much more to your application.

Gratz on the scribe job - I think it's a great opportunity.

I'm still in the middle of looking for gap year opportunities. For those who have scribe positions, where are the best places to look?

Sorry if this is a little off topic. Thanks and cheers all.

Originally Posted by cest la vie

Gratz on the scribe job - I think it's a great opportunity.

I'm still in the middle of looking for gap year opportunities. For those who have scribe positions, where are the best places to look?

Sorry if this is a little off topic. Thanks and cheers all.

Where are you located?

My two cents.

Honestly, I've worked multiple full time jobs since the day I turned 16. Scribing is the first job I've had that I can actually say I love going to.

Personally. I have learned an immense amount of information. Recently, we hired some new docs that were scribes before medical school and they state it gave them a huge start. It might depend on the Scribe but I ask a lot of questions and end up Googling a ton of stuff as well . I've learned enough to at least set some sort of foundation in Med school.

Originally Posted by sbuxaddict

Where are you located?

I'm located in north Houston but can drive and work pretty much anywhere that's a reasonable drive away.

Originally Posted by cest la vie

I'm located in north Houston but can drive and work pretty much anywhere that's a reasonable drive away.

I think scribe America is in Houston, and MedChart and Proscribe are both trying to expand to Houston and worth a call...

Is there a scribe service for Boston area that anyone recommends?

Scribing is definitely awesome. Especially in an ER. You get to see lots a procedures, different cases, and the BS a lot of ER docs put up with haha

As for how I got the job, I had no idea they were hiring at my hospital; I just happened to know a guy. Have any connections? Ask around.

Originally Posted by derpderpderp

Hi everyone,


1. Is being a scribe considered clinical experience? From what I understand, a scribe doesn't provide patients with an direct care, so I'm not sure how to categorize it.

As a scribe, you're basically getting paid shadowing hours. I'm counting my scribing experience for shadowing and after only a year of doing it, I should have over 1,000 hours.

2. Would my lack of clinical experience be better resolved by a scribe position or volunteering at a hospice/hospital?

Like I said, it's basically paid shadowing so you're better off scribing.

3. Does anyone know what the hourly wages for a scribe position are like?

I get paid $8/hour but I think a lot of companies pay $9-10 and it also depends on whether you go for a promotion.

4. For those of you who have scribed, did you learn a lot from it? If you could go back in time, would you do it all over again? If you're in med school (especially if you've done an EM rotation), how helpful was having the scribe experience under your belt?

I've just recently started scribing and I have already learned so much. You get to see so many things and doctors are usually very open to answering any questions you may have in the breaks they get between patients. It's an awesome experience. I love it and I think it's a fantastic opportunity. You should go for it.

Scribing is an awesome experience. You learn so much and it really opens your eyes to what actually goes on inside the emergency department. I work two 9 hour shifts per week at $8 an hour. Pay could be better, but I'm not complaining too much. It is well worth it. I have held 4 part time positions since I was 17 with scribing being the 5th. It is the first job that I have had that I am not considering looking for other employment. I will most likely continue to do it until I get into med school. It can be stressful at times, but overall, its not a bad gig.

Scribing is great. You learn a ton and really get to test your motivation for medicine.
Proud PhysAssist Scribe.

Just curious, why do u plan on retaking a 33? Wouldn't your time studying for the MCAT be better served for filling the larger holes in your application?