Pros
First hand experience working with providers across different specialties. Gives unparalleled access to see what being a provider is actually like (Prevents you from going to Med/PA/nursing school before you realize medicine isn’t for you). Great way to make connections if you stick with it. If you move up the chain to a salaried position it doesn’t seem as terrible as below will make it sound.
Cons
Unfortunately this section will far surpass the above positives: Pay is mediocre at best given we are trusted with medical records and cooks at McDonalds can make more starting out. Schedule has next to no consistency unless you work in an office, even then, it’s not guaranteed. Work environment seems borderline hostile. Newer scribes are often let off training too early and get torn apart by the providers (crying after your first few shifts is known to be common). Management above your chief scribe/maybe next tier manager is not your friend. They will do and ask just about anything to ensure shifts are covered to prevent escalation above them (and prevent the calls they will get at any hour of the day, in a panic when a shift is not staffed). Management above that level will not help you. They’re likely the reason you won’t like your direct supervisors (at least that’s how it seems when you manage to get on the chief’s good side and can talk to them). SOME Providers can be extremely needy and frustrating to work with - they often don’t understand maintaining 10 charts at once (sometimes more) without true medical training is exceptionally difficult when you’re pushing a large cart with a laptop through an ER. Oh and if you need benefits - keep scrolling and find another place of employment. The paycheck deduction will take your paycheck. Not to mention they are a company that will strip your 5 days of PTO a year as a full time employee is you fall below a certain average (if you take a week off, you’re pretty much guaranteed to fall below and they will not work with you)
