Monday, December 7, 2009

CODING BLITZ


I spent the weekend at what you could call a "training session" for medical coding. The woman giving the seminar called it a Coding Blitz and after the 16 hours I spent in that room, I now understand what she meant. I feel like Big Ben Rothlesburger right now! I've been blitzed and I can't get up!


In seriousness I am glad I went. I learned an awful lot that I didn't know about code selection and I also met 2 women who are going to pass my resume on to their bosses for me. I'm hoping to get an externship out of this! I'm coming around to the home stretch of my academic training and honestly I'm a little afraid!


As much as I want to get out of the restaurant industry; it is ALL I know! I've been waiting on tables since I was 13 years old and I've never held any other kind of job. Will I let this defeat me? No, of course not, but being the hyper freak that hates change I've got to spew my fears on to my fellow bloggers! I am afraid (don't let this get out, my rep as bitchy, hardass waitress will suffer) I won't find anyone willing to hire me.


I've done all the prep work: I've written the resume, the cover page, I've put together a portfolio, I've maintained a 3.98 GPA and I've gotten tons of professor's recommendations, but still...I'm being torn from my comfort zone and I don't like it! Just thinking about going on interviews and describing myself makes me throw up a little in my mouth! Just being honest.


Any suggestions out there for a hopeless nonprofessional hard-ass waitress?

8 comments:

  1. Just see the interviewer as someone sitting at a table. Which, essentially, that's what they are.

    And I know you know how to talk to people sitting at tables.

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  2. Ah..I'm the same way. I just bite the bullet and try and pretend I'm nowhere near as nervous as I really am. Most of us are halfways decent at faking for a few minutes right? Haha

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  3. Lora,
    you know I do know how to talk to people sitting at tables! Thanks for the advice!

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  4. Gavin
    boy you said it, "most of us are halfway decent at faking for a few minutes" I hope I'm able to mask my anxiety well enough to land a position! As always thanks for stopping by!

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  5. "Be yourself. Everyone else is taken."
    I dunno who said it, but it sounds like pretty good advice.

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  6. First, I want to say how happy I am for you about the possible internship.

    YAAAAAAY!!!!!

    Second, I totally know how you feel when it comes to change and fear. OMG...for as much as I welcome and enjoy change, it scares the SHIT out of me, so I know what you mean about "comfort zone."

    I'm so proud of you because I know how hard you've worked; not only at getting your degree, but also in turning your whole life around.

    And if you look at what strength and persistance it took for you to do these things, you'll see that you also have the strength and persistance to move forward.

    So, walk through the door of fear and embrace this new journey. Because you have everything it takes inside of you already there...

    ...Success.

    You GO, girl!

    You ROCK!

    X

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  7. Lora's right on the money. If you have brains, can communicate and are willing to learn, you can do anything. I work in a hospital and 3 years ago, I had NO medical background at all and I was sure no one would hire me.

    Now I'm in a supervisory position and I would rather hire someone without a medical background because they don't come with any bad habits or ideas about how things "should" be. They come willing to learn and it sounds like you are more than willing to do that. You won't have any trouble getting your foot in the door somewhere!

    Go online and look up "interview questions". Find a friend to practice with who can give you honest feedback. Make sure you are prepared to answer the standard "tell me about yourself" question.

    Keep up posted! Good luck!!

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  8. Ivan,
    "Be yourself..." I like that quote! Thanks for putting a smile on my face this morning!


    Ron,
    Wow you're gonna make me cry! Thank you for your words of encouragement, you have no idea how much they mean to me! somone told me once that if I visualize myself doing the thing I am afraid of that will make me be able to attain it, I guess that makes sense. I'll keep you posted about externships!


    Chrissy,
    No medical experience? Wow, that definately lifts my spirits, if you can do it so can I! I'm gonna take you up on the practice interview questions that sounds like a great idea!

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