Starting a career in healthcare can be both exciting and overwhelming. Among the many entry-level roles, working as a medical scribe offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable clinical experience, learn medical terminology, and become familiar with electronic health records (EHRs). Whether you're a nursing scribe stationed in a busy emergency department or a virtual medical scribe working remotely, the role requires precision, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.
If you're just beginning your journey as a medical scribe, here are the best tips to help you succeed from day one.
1. Understand Your Role Clearly
A medical scribe is responsible for documenting the provider-patient interaction in real-time. This documentation includes medical history, physical exam findings, lab results, procedures, and treatment plans. Your work ensures that the provider can focus on the patient without being buried in clerical tasks.
For first-time workers, it’s essential to understand that your role is to observe, document, and remain unobtrusive. You’re not there to diagnose, advise, or treat patients—even if you have prior healthcare training or aspirations in nursing or medicine.
2. Master Medical Terminology
Having a strong grasp of medical terminology is critical to succeeding as a scribe. You’ll encounter complex terms, abbreviations, and phrases that may initially seem overwhelming. Consider studying the basics before starting the job and using flashcards or apps to reinforce your learning.
This is especially important for nursing scribes, who often work closely with nurses and doctors in fast-paced clinical environments. Knowing terms related to anatomy, pharmacology, and common diagnoses will help you document more accurately and efficiently.
3. Be an Expert in EHR Systems
Electronic Health Records are the backbone of modern healthcare documentation. Whether you're an in-person or virtual medical scribe, becoming proficient with EHR systems is essential. Take time to familiarize yourself with the specific platform your employer uses, and ask for training if it's not provided upfront.
Many scribe companies offer simulated EHR training for new hires. Don’t rush through it—practice until you're confident navigating, inputting, and editing medical notes.
4. Improve Your Typing Speed and Accuracy
Speed and accuracy go hand-in-hand when it comes to scribing. Providers move quickly through patient encounters, and it’s your job to keep up. Most employers expect typing speeds of 60–80 words per minute with minimal errors.
If you’re a virtual medical scribe, strong typing skills are even more essential because you rely solely on audio or video feeds to capture patient information. Consider using online typing tests to assess and improve your skills.
5. Stay Organized and Focused
Being organized is crucial when dealing with multiple patients, physicians, or departments in one shift. Keep a notepad or digital notes to jot down key details if needed—but make sure to maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
For nursing scribes who assist with triage documentation or emergency room visits, staying calm and focused amid chaos is a valuable trait. Multitasking is part of the job, but attention to detail must never suffer.
6. Ask Questions, But Know When to Wait
It’s natural to have questions as a new scribe, but timing is everything. Avoid interrupting patient encounters or critical care situations. Instead, jot down your questions and bring them up during a break or after your shift. Most providers appreciate inquisitive scribes who want to learn, as long as it doesn’t interfere with workflow.
7. Embrace Feedback and Adapt Quickly
You will make mistakes—it’s part of the learning process. Be open to constructive criticism from providers, nurses, or your supervising team. Use feedback to improve and don’t take it personally. A positive attitude and willingness to learn will take you far, especially in roles like virtual or nursing scribe positions, where communication with the healthcare team is key.
8. Keep Patient Privacy Top of Mind
Whether you're in a hospital or working remotely as a virtual medical scribe, patient confidentiality must be your top priority. Always follow HIPAA regulations and your organization's privacy policies. Never share patient information outside of work or store it on personal devices.
Final Thoughts
Being a first-time medical scribe is a rewarding entry into the healthcare world. It’s a role that sharpens your documentation skills, deepens your medical knowledge, and offers a front-row seat to real clinical practice. Whether you're on-site as a nursing scribe or supporting a physician virtually, following these tips can set you up for a successful and enriching experience.
