Any Advice for this competitive call BS?

[idoitforthepong]

New to the call process, any tricks or tips much appreciated.

Also, why is this call so soon before check in?! 3 days is pretty last minute to arrange travel and care at home, at least a week notice please Celerion!

[idoitforthepong]

I'll answer my owner question here: For the comp call one time I timed it just right and I was in on the first call. The 2nd time I must have been a hair too late as I had to wait about 15 minutes (with calling every minute or so) and then finally I got through, not too a person but to the automated system where I was put on hold for maybe 10 minutes were I got through and utilmitly selected and completed the study. So in short, yes it's a pain but be patient and make sure you set alarms or whatever so you don't forget to call. But if your punctual and persistent it should pay off. thats just my rookie take on it however.

As far as the FACILITY goes: It is a massive place with 7 separate clinics in the main building on Baseline rd (similar to PPD in that "mega clinic" regard). I'll say this wouldn't be my first, or even 2nd, choice for a long term (more than a week) study for a variety of reasons. 1. sleep is hard to come , at least in the main room (can't comment on the dorm rooms as I didn't stay there) which has maybe 40 beds each with a curtain for privacy but they leave a few overhead lights on for "safety reasons" so the place never really gets dark and there's always some noise of people or staff moving about. So bring good eye masks and earplugs...though they do provide bare bones versions of these if needed. There isn't a whole lot to do, at least in the clinic I was in, no board games, no pong (of course this breaks my heart lol) or billiards or anything. Covid may be a factor for some of these lack of items though. Speaking of which they are STILL very strict on mask wearing even as mandates are gone in most states and cases way down everywhere. This even after they do TWO covid tests the deep nostril antigen and the swab PCR, which is pretty unheard of at other clinics. Food is okay I guess, can repeat a lot but they aren't strict on eating all...even on bio days. Staff is pretty cool for the most part, they don't seem to be super anal, maybe even a bit lax, on time points and they don't seem to push fines on you like some places. Some studies pay pretty well (depending on sponsor and what's involved) and travel pay is sometimes provided. Also Motel 6 studio 6 is right across the street from the screening location and a short walk to the check in location. Prices arn't bad and all rooms have a small kitchenette which helps save food costs. Pay out is fast direct deposit is a option, usually you get a good chunk on check out. Overall I'd say give it a shot, if you want a clinic to travel too (a lot to see and nature to explore in and around the valley, probably best to avoid summer though) for a short or medium length study.

[flup]

Mar 15, 2022 17:06:43 GMT -5 idoitforthepong said:

I'll answer my owner question here: For the comp call one time I timed it just right and I was in on the first call. The 2nd time I must have been a hair too late as I had to wait about 15 minutes (with calling every minute or so) and then finally I got through, not too a person but to the automated system where I was put on hold for maybe 10 minutes were I got through and utilmitly selected and completed the study. So in short, yes it's a pain but be patient and make sure you set alarms or whatever so you don't forget to call. But if your punctual and persistent it should pay off. thats just my rookie take on it however.

As far as the FACILITY goes: It is a massive place with 7 separate clinics in the main building on Baseline rd (similar to PPD in that "mega clinic" regard). I'll say this wouldn't be my first, or even 2nd, choice for a long term (more than a week) study for a variety of reasons. 1. sleep is hard to come , at least in the main room (can't comment on the dorm rooms as I didn't stay there) which has maybe 40 beds each with a curtain for privacy but they leave a few overhead lights on for "safety reasons" so the place never really gets dark and there's always some noise of people or staff moving about. So bring good eye masks and earplugs...though they do provide bare bones versions of these if needed. There isn't a whole lot to do, at least in the clinic I was in, no board games, no pong (of course this breaks my heart lol) or billiards or anything. Covid may be a factor for some of these lack of items though. Speaking of which they are STILL very strict on mask wearing even as mandates are gone in most states and cases way down everywhere. This even after they do TWO covid tests the deep nostril antigen and the swab PCR, which is pretty unheard of at other clinics. Food is okay I guess, can repeat a lot but they aren't strict on eating all...even on bio days. Staff is pretty cool for the most part, they don't seem to be super anal, maybe even a bit lax, on time points and they don't seem to push fines on you like some places. Some studies pay pretty well (depending on sponsor and what's involved) and travel pay is sometimes provided. Also Motel 6 studio 6 is right across the street from the screening location and a short walk to the check in location. Prices arn't bad and all rooms have a small kitchenette which helps save food costs. Pay out is fast direct deposit is a option, usually you get a good chunk on check out. Overall I'd say give it a shot, if you want a clinic to travel too (a lot to see and nature to explore in and around the valley, probably best to avoid summer though) for a short or medium length study.

Thanks for the info! I've never experienced competitive calling. I wonder how the neighborhood is--is it easy to get around peacefully?

[vark]

it's a nice neighborhood. you can get a bus from the airport or rent a car. i would not bother going if its going to be competitive calling, because it's too far to bother with that. you could even walk from the airport if it's not during the summer with the 120 degrees.

[idoitforthepong]

They can also call you a uber/lyft if you ask nicely...they don't really advertise it. Neighborhood is just kind of bland suburbia there (some shady people on the streets etc) but hey In and out Burger and a starbucks across form the clinic!