Interviewed for Chiropractor Asst. Position

[Pompal 09.]

Today I interviewed for a Chiro.Asst position. Just wondering if its a good deal or not:

I do full body massages, physiotherapy and myofascial, each one hour. They supply table, linens, oils, music. The room was amazing. Just spectacular and very large and accomodating. Already clientelle in place. Receptionist books the appts and they handle insurance claims.

The pay is 50/50. I pay my own insurance. I get free chiropractics (somthing that I would never take advaneforum.xxxe of) I also get paid the same for no shows, and $20 for any new patients I bring in for chiropractics. I would get the full paying amount for any MT patients I bring in, for the first appt.

Ok, here comes the clincher: The current therapist, who has been there a few years, is leaving the state. She currently works M, W, F's from 9am-12 BACKTOBACK with no break, then 3 hour lunch, then 3-7pm no break. I just graduated from school, so have no idea how many massages I could do, but I know 7 is not the number. I talked with my instructors, both of them said THEY couldnt even do 7 massages a day OR 21-a week. The Chiro said I could split it with another therapist, but I definetly would want the morning shift bc I have a child in school. Maybe I could do one evening shift. I didnt say anything in the interview about the hours or what time I would prefer, but I did say that 7 was ALOT of massages in one day.

The only contract like thing she said in the interview was that they wouldnt want me working on THEIR clients in my home, but that my own clients on my own time at home was not a problem.

How does it sound? Is it terrible that I am not a HUGE proponent of chiropractors, for my own body that is. Just havent had any good experiences.


The other job Im up for is an office job in a Yoga Therapy Membership office (nonprofit). It pays only $10/hr, but its only 20-30hrs flex a week AND I have a beautiful room at my disposal for MASSAGE!!!! It is right next door to the massage school I went to, which would make it convenient for referrals. I have 12yrs office experience, but I have to say I got into MT to get out of this kind of work. The office is magnificient, decorated in asian decor, and Im hoping I would keep it to 20hrs/wk tops so I could spend time doing massage.

Currently I am struggling to get my own practice out of my home off the ground, but only have about 1 client a week, if that. THough I just got licensed/grad and have to say I havent hit the pavement yet to get clients in.

thanks for the responses

 

[Hooch Monster (suspended)]

I think that the chiro position sounds great depending on what they are charging the patients. 50/50 is a great start especially if you are not having to provide anything but your expert ability. I love the fact you even get paid for no-shows....Wow!

With proper body mechanics, self care (including diet, exercise, massage, and probably a daily ritual of vascular flush on your forearms) you should be fine doing up to 7 massages a day. Not all of the massages will be an hour in length will they? I'm sure they probably schedule 30 minute massages if there are patients needing treatment 2-3 x a week??

If money isn't the issue and you don't want to work that much, your suggestion of splitting the time would probably work great too. This is just my opinion, but this opportunity sounds great for a first job out of school.

 

[|Chris]

I think 50/50 deal will depend on how much exactly they charge/bill insurance for an hour. If it's $80+ then I think It is a great deal because they provide everything including clients.

About quantity of massages and scheduling - why don't you work 3 day a week 9-12 and 2 days a week 3-7. That will make 18 massages a week doing only 3-4 sessions daily. And then you maybe could your way up to a fuller schedule.

 

[debijs]

They only charge $50, $55 (insured) for massages and they are 60 minutes. So no breaks btwn clients.

Thats a great idea about breaking up the work. She did say I could spread it out btwn tues/thurs also. BUT, I think they would like to keep the 21 clients a week......they dont want to cut back on that. I got the feeling she would rather I split it with another therapist than cut back on clients. since its been awhile since ive done that many massages in one day, i feel a little cold going in and doing 7massages in one day. think Id kill myself, and i wouldnt last long either. Plus, Id have to pay for child care....daughter in school until 3 only.

guess Ill find out more if Im offered the job.......

thanks for the input.

 

[enveem]

Are we to understand these are 50 minute sessions back to back? 3 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon would be just under 6 hours of massage a day. That is not too bad. Perhaps they would let you ease into your schedule? Working part time for a while and gradually increasing your client load? I doubt if you will start out that busy, although it could happen. The previous MT's clients may decide to try another MT somewhere else instead of going to you for a number of reasons. First of all, they do not know you, secondly you are a student fresh out of school. So, like I said, you may not be as busy as you think right off the bat.

Either way, good luck!

 

[Ana P]

60 minute massages......no breaks in between. They schedule a 9:00, 10:00, 11:00........3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00

And most if not all of the massage clients are chiro patients who are getting massage as part of their treatment. some are getting physiotherapy or myofasical therapy as well.

 

[Greta]

I hate scheduling like that. By the time you get to the last person of the shift their appointment isnt on time. You can schedule however you want, but realistically your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th appointments are never going to be able to start on time. I would ask for clarification on what they concider an 'hour,' if you havent already. They may be calling it an hour and mean a professional hour, which is typically 45 to 50 minutes.

 

[Liz S]

It sounds like you don't want to work back to back and you don't want to do that many hours per week.

If you don't, then it most likely won't be a good fit.

If you need a job and need the work, I think you'll be able to make it become a good fit.

It all depends on which priorities you have.

As far as if it sounds ok or not, I personally think for a job like that, it's worth it if they are decent people and you need something straight away. Also, you've probably worked harder somewhere else in the past, so if you've got good body mechanics, that should take care of you. Three hours on, three hours off and three hours on again is hard work, no doubt - however, you are getting a really good break mid-day. But, at the same time, if they are as busy as you say, at least you know roughly what your paycheck will be each week. And if they are not, then you'll be getting those breaks you want.

I'll tell you what I don't like is doing eight massages in one day. That really hurts when your body isn't up to par.

I've found for me - I can do 5 or 6 deep tissue massages in a day with little problem. However, when I get to the 7 mark, I do start to feel it after it being a steady thing for a month or so. So, I try to stick around a max. of 5 per day. But, I work deep and hard, so it may be a different type of work than you do.

Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.




Sorry for the extra edits - but some mornings, I can't spell and leave a few extraneous ideas out. Oops!

 

[Pompal 09.]

I think my MAIN concern is taking care of my body. Both my instructors said that working a job like this would burn me out quickly, and could do damage to my hands.

Also, I DO want to work.........right now Im not, and its a little distressing. When you find the thing that you want to do with your life, and youre not doing it, its hard.

I live in a small town, 2 massage schools.......more therapists than job opportunities.

thanks for the reponses. Guess Ill know when she offers me the job......

 

[yoman.]

I did have her clarify what an hour is.....she said 60 minutes, sometimes 55.

Thanks for the revision pueppi.......

 

[Larry W]

Shane, I think 50/50 is really good, given that they are providing everything from supplies to clientele. I'd be concerned about the way the schedule is set up currently. Personally, I wouldn't do 7 massages per day, nor would I be interested in back-to-back appointments, then a huge lunch break, and more back-to-back appointments.

Since they said you could work 5 days per week, instead of three, perhaps they'd also be open to changing the way the appointments are scheduled. For example, you could do 4 appointments per day, 5 days per week. Schedule 15 minutes between the first & 2nd appointment. Take an hour lunch. Then schedule 15 minutes between the 3rd & 4th appointments. (Appointment times would then be: 9am, 10:15am, 12:15 & 1:30. You'd be finished in time to meet your child after school, and you'd also save your hands. The chiropractic office would still get the benefit of offering 20 hours of massage per week to their clients. It could be a win-win.

 

[michael941260]

Thanks Bliss........a fine solution!

 

[rightnow]

Except......the office closes from 12-3 and everyone leaves.

 

[LeslieSexxyPants!]

Back to back massages are never a good idea.
You are not happy because you have to rush with the table changing, you'll have to cut the client off if he wants to give you his feedback and at the same time you'll have to constantly apologize for the delay in front of waiting client.
It's especially tough if clients are there for therapeutic care.

What about soap notes? Do you have time to do them? Or it was never required from previuos therapist?

I would do 50 min sessions or you'll have to stay a little bit later than 12pm ( with sessions start at 9am, 10:25, 11:30 - 12:00) and lock the building after yourself.

My experience tells me if you're not going to burn out physically you'll exaust yourself mentally trying to be on time when it's absolutely not possible, feeling guilty for poor communication with you clients due to the lack of time and trapped in absurd schedule.

Compensation wise it looks like you are able to make $180/ day maximum. Ussualy less. Not that bad for not having to spend any money out of pocket on business.

 

[chanhe25]

She did mention doing soap notes.........and showed me the forms and they were on 2 pages long. Youre right, when would I do all of that, and confer with the chiro if I needed to.

the only thing I remember her saying when I questioned the 60 minute massages was that sometimes their therapist did 55 minutes.

still not that much time.....not even enough for the client to get off the table and get dressed......much less change sheets,wash hands and make soap notes.......

well.......I know for sure if im offered the job, it will be mornings only.

maybe its not the right thing for me. Im starting to think that having my own practice, though hard to start up, still the easier with my life right now

 

[sarah lane]

the only thing I remember her saying when I questioned the 60 minute massages was that sometimes their therapist did 55 minutes.

still not that much time.....not even enough for the client to get off the table and get dressed......much less change sheets,wash hands and make soap notes.......

:roll:

Well of course you have to give a 55 minute massage! You need 30 seconds to go over the intake and consult, then clients need 60 seconds to get undressed while you are washing your hands, then 60 seconds to get dressed while you wash up after. After they are out, you need 60 seconds to change the table, 60 seconds to do the charting, and then you get 30 seconds to pee.

 

[nazchik]

No....I think at $25/hr.....we dont get to pee.

Oh....get this.....My friend, when I told her I interviewed at this office, she told me she goes to this chiro. She said it was hard for her to do the adjustments on her, and my friend said it was kinda painful afterwards bc she was so tight on her lower back area. She asked her if she could apply some heat to her back (or massage) b4 adjusting......and she said the chiro got all upset and said...."well....do you KNOW how much time that would take!!! I wouldnt have time to see as many patients as I DO!"

That is why I dont see a chiro. I dont think I ever went to one that used massage or heat prior to adjustments, and it was always painful during and esp afterwards. When I took chiro asst in massage school, the chiro said he ALWAYS does heat/massage b4 adjustments, and that I shouldnt go to someone who doesnt.

too late.


Would it be wrong of me to work for a chiro, when Im not esp Pro chiro?

 

[Annabel]

I was never pro chiro...until I got in car accident and just massage wasn't cutting it for me.
Then I went to chiro (my client) and the first treatment was absolute blessing. But when i showed up for second session as recomended (in 2 days) he literally shifted my vertebrae off the midline. I walked out of the office with even more pain. Not to mention I got some new myofascial pain due to trigger points fomed because of too frequent and vigourous adjustments.

But since chiro was my long time client and really nice guy I addressed the issue and set the boundaries of treatments myself; the frequency, the amount and intensity of adjustments.

After that It was one of the best therapeutic experiences.

My point is chiropractic care is a great tool if you set proper boundaries.

If this is not possible than you might not want to work in the enviroment you don't feel comfotrable in and can't control.

Maybe it will make sense to rent the room from chiro (mornings only for example) and pay him set amount of monthly rent plus billing perceneforum.xxxe for insurance clients?
That way you will be your own boss with the benefit of established clientele and chiro will feel the need for MT in her office and still have an ooprtuinity to make her 50/50 on the "afternoon therapist" if she wishes.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Would it be wrong of me to work for a chiro, when Im not esp Pro chiro?

No one could really answer that, but you. If you are questioning it, perhaps you have answered your own question....?...?

If it were me, I would not work in an environment that I did not believe in what was being practiced. By working at this office, I would be promoting it for my clients. If I didn't believe in I couldn't promote it.....