Eating in the MT’s Workstation

Here was my working station in the hospital where I worked as a medical transcriptionist (MT) from 2007 to 2009. I spent most of my 8-hour work here even at break times. I just had with me some small meals to keep me working.

I don’t think there is a general rule whether a medical transcriptionist is allowed to eat in their workstation. It’s a matter of company’s policies whether or not a workstation is also a place for snacks.

I guess, I never had a below 98% accuracy due to drinking my oatmeal/milk drink in the morning or I never had a misheard due to my consistent munching a tuna sandwich with low-fat dressing and lettuce at lunch. Maybe sometimes my typing speed has been below 60 wpm due to nibbling my Skyflakes. Just a thought.

But what’s really the rule of taking your meal in your workstation? The basic rule applies to all companies and businesses including any transcription company. This is to practice office etiquette.

That is why a majority of transcription companies abide by this rule to have a harmonious work environment. If you are a medical transcriptionist, it may be annoying for your co-employees if you take your lunch in your workstation. Food with strong odors may be lingering for the whole day and no one wants it.

It may also be distracting when you are munching and slurping while your fellow MT is busy typing and having a hard time hearing with additional background noise. Another thing is hygiene. You must keep your workstation clean at all times.

Unwanted pests like ants and roaches might be attracted with small trimmings that might be dropped unknowingly on your desk. One thing, of course, is for a safety of your computers and other office equipment. An accident might happen anytime like a leak from your drink may damage your desktop computer.

Eating in the MT’s workstation is not really advisable. Even though you meet required lines per day or achieve your required TAT, still you need to follow strict company rules. Look for somewhere else to eat other than your workstation.

Most companies have a cafeteria or room designated for eating your lunch or snacks. It is not only better for you and your fellow MTs because you can get away from your routine work environment for a while, like if you're burned out from hearing the same doctor over and over again. You get also to socialize with your fellow workers while having your break together.