Insights from Scribe Ambassadors

Kara Moran and Megan Stratman, Scribe Ambassadors with King of Prussia Hospital ​​CHOP Emergency Department, share their experiences working with ScribeAmerica and advice for future scribes:

Kara Moran

Benefits of Scribing

I would say that the benefits of working as a scribe are that we get to work directly with physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners to see what shifts and patient care really look like. I feel as though I am part of the healthcare team which is really rewarding in and of itself! Getting to see the diverse group of patients that we see at CHOP is also a great learning experience. 

Advice for Future Scribes

Advice that I would give for new scribes or those interested in scribing would be to brush up on medical terminology because this makes dictation and charting so much easier.

Megan Stratman 

Benefits of Scribing

During my time as a scribe, I have learned a lot about medical terminology, disease pathology, and medical decision making, as well as learning about workflow, communication (between staff and parents/patients), physical assessments, and overall testing. These have all helped me become exposed to medicine so I have a leg up compared to my peers. 

There are many times during class that I have been able to accurately diagnose and make medical decisions with scenario patients strictly based on my experience in the ED and outpatient cardiology. It is also helpful being able to see patients with the disease processes that I had just learned about in class. My experience at CHOP ED and OP has helped me with knowledge from the medical field that I will continue to carry with me throughout my career. 

Advice for Future Scribes

Be personable and strive for perfection. Despite finishing scribe training a while ago, I still always learn something new, whether it ranges from a therapeutic communication technique to a rare disease process. It will be difficult in the beginning, but it will come with time and you will greatly appreciate it. 

Always ask providers for feedback on notes and if you have any questions on why or what something is, they LOVE teaching. Finally, make sure to advocate for yourself. If you have concerns, bring it up with management for it to be solved. This is a life skill that can be used in any job. 

Scribing is a job that is fast paced, but educational if you are interested in working in the medical field. If you give it time, you will learn a lot regarding medical terminology as well as disease processes. This comes in handy later because you will be able to implement it in your healthcare career. 

Although the onboarding process for CHOP is very lengthy, I would recommend applying at least 6 months before your intended start date and commit to a full year. Anything less than a year might not allow you time to feel comfortable and ready to fully immerse yourself and learn.

To share your experience working with ScribeAmerica, email us at community@scribeamerica.com.