Learning Curve

Well, I have come to the end of my first week as a reabstractor here in Ottawa. The staff that I have interacted with, have been great to me. Have found myself in a bit of a learning curve though. Even though I have been coding for over 12 years now, I am still learning new things as well as seeing for myself that I do know what I am doing. I know sounds strange. The chart order of their documents had taken me longer to get used to as it these charts (like many charts across Canada being the techno world we live in today) - are considered hybrid - part of the chart is paper copy and the other part is on the electronic medical record. So to do one chart, I am reading a hard copy chart but I also have to refer to the computer for some of my documents. So you can see that it would take longer than normal to complete a chart.

I am in a room similar to the Foothills Swing office with another lady who took her national certificate exam last year - when I explained how long I have been coding - she was surprised. You know when I think of it - 1992 is some time ago when I graduated. Reflecting (so good at that) - here I am taking part in a study where you have to have at least 3 years of inpatient experience!! It was one of my last stumbling areas that I wanted, needed to achieve and after 10 years in Thunder Bay I realized I would never be given that opportunity. I saw my break in the job postings in Calgary - and I grab it. Here 3 years later - I have met so many of those goals I thought never possible. For me, all I can do is shake my head and smile and accept what is.

This weekend I will be meeting up with my friend Lorna (another Thunder Bayite) at her church that is up the street from my hotel and then in the afternoon meet up with my cousin Brent whom I haven't seen in years. He is finishing up his degree in journalism at Carleton University. I have one more week in Ottawa before heading westward to Orangeville, Ontario. That is within an hour's drive of Toronto. Hope to visit with a few more of my friends in that neck of the woods. After my week in Orangeville, I head to Toronto for 2 weeks - Sick Kids and North York. Until my next posting - have a good weekend. Let me know how you are all doing!