Info about patient navigator program--and mini-rant

lucky32

Info about patient navigator program--and mini-rant

lucky32

Some of you know that I have been trying to get information from both the NBCC and the ACS about their patient navigator programs. The NBCC has never responded to my request for information.

I was finally able to get in touch with the ACS rep for my area, who didn't know anything about the program other than the fact that it exists. She told me that there was a program at one of the two major hospitals near me, but she wasn't sure which one. She said she'd find out more info and let me know, but in the meantime, I might want to contact the main ACS at their 800 number, because she was sure they'd know more than she did.

I called, but no one at the 800 number knew anything about it. They referred me back to the same woman I'd been talking to. After a week with no word from her, I left a follow-up message with her this past week. Friday she called me and said that the person she talked to also didn't have any info and she'd e-mailed somebody higher up in the organization and would have that person call me.

So, I just got a call from the higher-up. I couldn't believe it, but she was almost rude to me. She asked me if I currently worked in a hospital, and I said no, but that at this point I was just interested in information about the program and that I wanted to volunteer. All she could (or would) tell me was that they didn't have anything near me (first woman was mistaken) and that the only program they do have in my state is about 5 hours away from me.

She did say that they are negotiating with one of the nearby hospitals to start a program there. I expressed a little surprise that they only have one program in our entire state, and she didn't like that at all. She got even snippier then. So I asked when she thought they might have the program near me up and running. "I can't tell you that." I don't know whether she meant that she didn't know or whether it was confidential. Her tone indicated that she wished I'd just go away.

I then asked if it would be possible for me to do some training now so that I would be ready when they are. "We can't do that. We will get the program in place and then advertise for staff, volunteers and whatever else we need." She never thanked me for my interest or gave me a number to call to find out about volunteer opportunities later. Most places are falling all over themselves to get volunteers, but apparently not the ACS.

Okay, maybe she was having a bad day, but there are certainly nicer ways to deal with someone who calls up and basically says, I want to work for free for you! Tell me how! I have to say that I am not at all impressed with the ACS. In the first place, people who should be able to answer questions can't. Then the people they ask also can't. When you do get an answer, you wonder why you bothered. Has anyone else had a similar experience with the ACS?

Well, I won't try again with them. Sorry I wasn't able to provide any info about this program. It sounds really neat and I think it probably helps a lot of women in the places where it's available.

Thanks for letting me rant!

AnnNYC

Wow -- excuse my language, but that really sucks!!!  I have read a few similar stories on this board, too.  What a shame -- and what a waste of resources, apparently.

nash

Glad you posted your experience. I had been considering participating in this program, but it already sounds very poorly run. Sorry to hear you were treated so shabbily!

leaf

Sheesh, lucky32. Thank you for sharing your experience. As you said, you'd think they'd appreciate volunteer help. I work at a hospital, and we CERTAINLY appreciate volunteer help. How do they expect people to volunteer to help when they are treated like that? Thank you so much for trying to help.

Kimber

lucky32,

I have been out of town, so I just saw your post. Wow - I'm almost sorry I posted that article about the volunteer program. It's pretty sad when you want to offer your services for free and they treat you so badly. Thank you for doing the leg work and again, I am sorry it turned out to be such a pain!

Kimber

lucky32

Hi, Kimber, and welcome back! Don't be sorry you posted that article. Even though the ACS thing didn't work out this time, I'm glad to know that such programs exist, and I may try again sometime later (maybe with another organization, if I can find one.) It sounds like a wonderful program; thanks for bringing it to my attention.

I have since found out that a hospital about 3 hours from me has a breast cancer navigator, but I think she is on staff there and is not connected to the ACS. It's good to know that the concept seems to be catching on.

Hope everyone is having a great day!