This post has been updated for 2011. Here is the link.
As many of you have observed, “patient navigation” is a new and emerging field which has come about because of the complexity, inefficiency and cost of the current American health care system. If you visit my website (www.patientnavigator.com) you will see how I came to be a patient navigator (advocate, medical mentor, cancer coach) as a second career.
As an emerging industry, there is no clear definition or standard training. Many hospitals in the U.S. and Canada employ navigators to help patients manage their hospital stays. The National Institutes of Health is funding several patient navigator pilot projects across the U.S. in underserved and minority areas. There are a few people scattered across the United States doing navigation in their own communities. There are a couple of companies in the U.S. who sell advocacy services to large corporations as an employee benefit.
I have heard from folks around the country who want to become patient navigators, but I know only of one training program/certification under development at the University of Miami due to launch in September 2009. I believe that Sarah Lawrence College offers a Master’s degree in patient advocacy (but it is theoretical, not hands-on). The Denver hospital mentioned in the March 29 Parade article (separate post) offers some training.
Most of us who do this work come to it through our own experiences dealing with the health care or elder care system (whether as a patient, caregiver, nurse, social worker, etc.) There is no specific background or education that is required. I have found that a passion for helping others, good research, communication, interpersonal and organizational skills as well as the ability to be creative in finding resources and solving problems are what it takes.
I am currently talking with possible navigators from across the U.S. They will be trained more formally at a later date, but for now, I am evaluating each person individually on what skills and experience (professional, personal and life experience) they can offer. I think that collectively, we need to get started to define this industry moving forward.
My goal is that Patient Navigator, LLC will be the company that creates the standards and leads the way.
I am planning a “virtual meeting” with the nearly 40 people who have contacted me since the publication of the Parade magazine article March 29. To learn more, please contact us through this blog or the website.
Today is Mon. 5.04, so if you have not held your “virtual meeting” yet, I would very much like to be included. Thank you.
Emme, the meeting was held April 19. Please send a message through the website to let us know more about your interests. Thank you.
I am extremely interested in any and all information regarding becoming a Patient Navigator. I would appriciate an invitation to or a POD Cast of your upcoming and or previous virtual meetings. I have over 25 years of experience in the Healthcare Industry and am considering Patient Navigation as a new career.
Thank you,
Melessa Belcher
(909) 841-8898
I applaud your effort to increase the knowledge base concerning Patient Navigation. I would like to direct your attention to the fact that a Patient Navigation Institute was established in 2007 that has created standards based on the Harold P. Freeman (pioneer of patient navigation) model for patient navigation. The institute currently offers a three day course with certification provided under the direction of Dr. Freeman himself with his 20 year experience with patient navigation. Further information is available at http://www.hpfreemanpni.org.
Rian, thanks for commenting. We are great admirers of Dr. Freeman and familiar with his program. He has paved the way to help so many people. I would love to speak with you about training opportunities. I will contact you at the Institute! Thank you.
I am also interested in becoming a Patient Navigator. Although the Parade Article mentioned that training has begun at several American Cancer Society headquarters, I could not find one on the West Coast nor did I see jobs for that except in the mid-west and E. Coast, many of which required a nursing background (though I do have a BA in psychology, have worked in Social Services and as a Case Manager, as well as with the elderly), I am not a nurse.
However, I am not giving up and hope to contact the hpfreeman organization as well as a couple of others that I have been guided towards.
The number of hours that they said would qualify one to become a Patient Navigator though did surprise me – 6 hrs formal training and 15 hours in the field. I hope the scope of the training does broaden a bit for certification.
Thank you,
Carole.
I am interested in becoming a Patient Navigator. I have been a care giver for my husband who had cancer and navigated his health care, work and insurance through his treatment.
I work in a middle school as a Health Room Assistant and and I am a breast cancer survivor. I did extensive research on my cancer and coordinated my health care with my insurance and my work and found it quite a task and I’d like to be able to help others ease the burden of such a task. I want to work with breast cancer patients. I am someone that many of my friends and co workers turn to for resource information because I have researched it and can help them find what they need. I have been an American Cancer Society Relay for Life volunteer prior to my husbands diagnosis and read about Dr. Freeman on an email from ACS in April. I think patient navigators are a valuable asset.
Thank you.
Darcy
Hi Darcy, Please give me a call at your convenience to discuss further. Best, Elisabeth Russell
http://www.patientnavigator.com
I am interested in learning more about patient navigator training, online or otherwise. I am on the east coast. Since reading about the patient navigator position in Cure magazine several years ago it has been my dream to hold this position, please tell me more
This is all very interesting to me. I have 23 years experience as a practicing dental hygienist and 10 years teaching experience in dental hygiene at a Community College. Lately, I find myself being asked for all kinds of advice and explanations of dental treatment by my friends and other community folks. It seems there is a need for help navigating the dental health system! I would love the opportunity to get in on conversations about this topic and how to turn this into a new career path. thanks, Joanne Gold
Hi, my name is Marlene and I’m an elearning curriculum designer and a cultural competency educator. I came across your website while researching for resources for developing a Cultural Advocate Training Program. I already have an Online Medical Interpreting Program and I am wanting to expand my services.
If you are looking to save time and resources in developing an online platform for offering your program, perhaps we could work together in looking for mutually beneficial ways to improve our services.
Let me know if you would like to discuss further.
Best regards,
Marlene
Are there opportunities for foreign-trained non-practicing physicians to work as patient navigators?
I too am interested in learning more about patient Navigator training online or otherwise.
I have been a health care administrator throughout the continuum of care and so many times I have had individuals or familiies come to me asking questions.
I would like to turn this into a new career path and need direction.
thanks,
Steve
I am very interested in this field and am looking for training or certification. I worked for 33 years in management at Allstate buying hardware and software. I would like to bring my business skills – vendor management, negotiation, contract creation, invoice validation and follow through to this new field. I would love to discuss this with others.
Lindy Berggreen
To those of you who have not yet joined our Patient Navigator group on LinkedIn, I invite you to do so. We are trying to discuss many of the issues you raise and looking at how we can collectively build this profession. Visit Linkedin.com and search under groups for “patient navigator.”
I am very much interested in becoming a patient navigator. I have unfortunately had to deal with the health system for years due to a son who now lives in a group home and also recently with a 93 yr. old mother who ended up in the hospital for 2 weeks. There does’t seem to be anyone in my area that I know of who does this type of work or any local training availabe.
Thanks for any directions pertaining to Patient Navigator.
Benna
August 2009 Update: Thanks to all of you who have responded to this post. I invite you to join our Patient Navigator working group on the professional social networking site LinkedIn. Go to http://www.linkedin.com, set up an account and ask to join the group. We are having discussions about building this profession and other current topics. Welcome!
I am interested in finding out about this type of training in the Midwest. I do not have a medical background and at my age (60) I need to consider carefully the amount of time I want to invest in career re-training.
Hi Michele,
Thanks for writing. A couple of suggestions for you. Please look at the October 9 post under “Training” for a more updated and complete list of training. It should answer a lot of your questions. Many of us do not have medical backgrounds who do this kind of work. Life experience dealing with the medical system is what brings a lot of people into this field.
Also, please feel free to join our Patient Navigator group that is moderated through the LinkedIn business networking site. You’ll be able to discuss all these topics with a larger group. Hope to see you in the group.
I would like to become a navigator and would like to attend your virtual meeting. Please contact me with updates.
Hi Cynthia, you should have received a personal email from Patient Navigator as requested.
e+ CancerCare is the leading developer and operator of outpatient cancer services. As one of the fastest-growing providers of comprehensive cancer care in the nation, we are always looking for talented associates to join our team and help us deliver the science of satisfaction.
In an effort to continue to provide platinum level care we are unveiling an important new company initiative; e+CancerHome. e+CancerHome is our concierge navigation and care coordination service focused on caring for the patient while treating the disease. In addition to enhancing the patient, physician and caregiver experience, e+CancerHome opens new survivorship service lines for us including cancer rehabilitation. Cancer rehabilitation can be the bridge between “cured” and “healthy.”
The e+CancerHome Leader will work with our cancer patients to help them overcome their barriers to care, decrease the time from diagnosis to the start of treatment and provide thorough follow up and survivorship care. The e+CancerHome Leader will coordinate care so our patients and their families can focus on healing.
This position will be based out of our Nashville, TN location and will serve as the corporate link to our comprehensive cancer centers.
Desired Strengths:
-Prior experience researching, developing and implementing new programs.
-Competency in active listening and relationship building.
-Able to communicate with empathy.
-Demonstrated pursuit of continuous learning and improvement.
Performance Objectives:
This position serves as a critical member of the e+CancerHome team,
collaborating and communicating with patients, other members of the leadership team, center associates, outside vendors, as well as the community to enhance the quality and efficiency of health care delivery.
Directs and supervises the Patient Navigators; contributes to the hiring and termination decisions; develops job descriptions, competency and performance standards; ensures compliance with budgetary guidelines. Provides counseling and training, addresses disciplinary problems, and appraises performance.
Promotes the health and well being of e+CancerCare patients.
Desired Experience:
-Bachelors Degree in nursing or related field preferred.
-3+ years of experience in a hospital or clinic setting.
-3+ years of case management experience preferred.
-3+ years management experience required.
-Experience building programs such as patient relations strongly desired.
-Patient Advocate experience strongly preferred.
-Knowledge of medical terminology a plus.
-Clinical oncology experience preferred.
-Travel required up to 30%.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package that includes: Health,
Dental, Vision, Ancillary and Life Insurances, Long Term Disability, 401(k), Vacation and Sick Time.
All qualified candidates may apply via our Career Center;
http://www.epluscancercare.com
I am a breast cancer survivor. I am currently a dental hygienist, but after my experience with cancer, I feel the need to work more directly with survivors. This position seems just what I am looking for. I do have a degree in Social Work also. I am having a hard time finding such a position in Northeast Ohio. I would appreciate any information you could give. Thank you.
I am very interested in becominig a Breast Cancer Patient Navigator. I work in a cancer registry and have 25 years experience in healthcare. I am also a breast cancer survivor and am at a stage in my life where I want to do something that is meaningful to me. I want to help other women.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you
I also am a breast cancer survivor and am at the same stage as S.Ann. She entered my exact thought; that I want to do something that is meaningful to me and helpfull to other women who must go down the cancer path Please contact me with information about the next virtual meeting. Thank you so much!
Could you please let me know when you have a virtual meeting? My husband passed away a year ago from Brain Cancer. I was his advocate, and became an advocate for many families I met during the times he was hospitalized. It was therapeutic for me to help others during this time, to keep me focused.
Hi, I sent you an email, Ann, with updated information. Thanks.
I am currently working as a patient navigator through a grant in the emergency dept of a community hospital and would like to have any updated information you have. thanks
I have worked at a large hospital on the East coast for the last five years. I recently had an interview for a Patient Navigator position and am now convinced that this is something I would love to do. I love the healthcare industry but am looking for something that is all about helping patients. I’ve noticed that it doesn’t seem to be a priority, but I want to make it mine. Could you give me some information on Patient Navigating and how I could become involved?
Hi Erin, please read the post of February 24, 2010 for an update on patient navigator training and jobs. Thanks!
Hello,
I am extremely interested in patient navigation as a new career. I have worked in health care in various roles from disease prevention and health promotion/education, to program development and chronic disease management. I live in Vancouver, BC, Canada and would love to participate in your virtual meeting.
Please provide me with details. Thank you!
Hi Jennifer, there is an update to the article you read. Here is the link: http://patientnavigator.com/blog/2010/02/24/becoming-a-patient-navigator-2/ It includes more training options and information about the navigator landscape.
I have worked in health education and social work and patient navigation is an excellent fit for my skills. I’d love to learn more about training options and if a formal training program is needed to start a practice. I have very limited finances to go back to school as chronic illness has touched my life as well and affected my finances. Thanks for any help!
I would love to become a part-time patient navigator on a as needed basis in the hospitals in SF. I will need to still work full time as a Cancer Register, but as a two time cancer survivor, and current ACTIVE volunteer for the ACS, I would appreciate resources to contact for training. Thanks, janafrankel7@yahoo.com
Hi Jana, in this article I’ve included a list of training opportunities of which I am aware.
Greetings. I am a patient navigator in Alaska. I has a passion for people of colon cancer and their first degree relatives. I agree if you care for those patients that I feel that has fallen between the cracks or peatients that need navigating in the health care system a navigator makes a difference. I have receied formal training though Colorado University Hospital of their Patient Navigator Services.
Here in Alaska there is a comprehensive program surrounding colorectal cancer and patient navigators doing outreach and local service. The Patient Navigator is a new concept in Alaska as well as all over the United States. Its very exciting.
I had to read your post twice to get the full meaning of it. I enjoy reading what you have to say. It’s unfortunate that more people do not comprehend the benefits of coaching. Keep up the good work.
I would like to get into this field and would like to know what degree I should persue. Thank you for any help.
My Company, Revealty, is based on the premisis that homebuying should be free of all selling. I consider this due to the high level of financial importance being made and the lack of knowledge the public has in the process. We bagan only representing buyers…becoming homebuying advocates.
In my personal life, I was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, one of two children then diagnosed in North America (1971). After being a human guinea pig for ten years, and to this date still not known what the problem is/was, I was my own patient navigator at a young age. My parents left all decisions to me as I was very educated and at the time the Doctor’s were learning with me. I ended up having an ileostomy at age 17 which at the time was irreversible. I am a trained visitor and have been told my visits have fundamentally changed people’s lives as the only other people who could guide these people were non-ostomates, and at that age, much of life seems insurmountable. Having visited many young males either deciding to have ostomy surgery, as your physical appearance is changed forever. Ranging from the sheer fear of the unknown and the issues any ostomate deals with, to those of intimacy and relationships, to all of the do’s and dont’s a n ostomate must learn through trial and error and never come up the correct solutions, to what foods to eat and what not, and when, it sure would be nice to have such a mavigator who can answer these questions prior to the questions even arising for the patient.
As it exists, there is no person to help. It also would be exceptional to have a person guide the patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease as there is so much more information on Crohn’s disease vs. Ulcerative Colitis, vs. IBS, all of which we hear about now on the news. As a chronic illness, and the nature of blood in the digestive tract, it is simply not a glamerous, high profile problem.. I just know how much I would heve benefitted from a young age, and as a visitor to both Ostomates and IBD patients, I find it therapeutic to all parties involved. The issue is the treapists don’t know what happens when these people go home, the issues with skin care, and all kinds of problems that only a person who has been there, and is still there, can provide. Instead, they develop into bigger issues, even mental health issues, which could have been provided proactively.
This could go on, but I’d love the opportunity to help this larges, under-served group of people. I have been urged to write a book educating these petients, and include my visitation practices within it. It is the closest to helping these people I can, with the help with a female’s perspective as a 17 year old with the same decision is impossible for me to advise or relate to.
Living in and out of the hospital, fending for myself from age 8-17 about a disease nobody understood at that time, has long motivated me to a patient advocate in every situation. I wonder how a person like myself can impart this information, saving the patients, doctors, and health care industry money, time, and effort in the the short and long term. Who should I present this to?
I have a RHIA in HIM and am interested in new ways that I can put this knowledge into play. I enjoy working with people, and feel that this would be a rewarding career.
I would like to reenter the world of work after 16 years of full-time parenting, and have my sights set on health care. My employment & volunteer history is broad and includes small business problem-solving, marketing (eg. customer outreach/education, employee training/development), & new product start-up. I’ve recently completed a series of college course work that includes human anatomy & physiology & medical terminology. I’m considering enrolling in a patient navigator certification program offered at a local university through its continuing ed dept, and would like more opportunities to speak with others who know more about this emerging field than I have been able to discover. What skills/experience might someone like me, who is not coming from a previous position in health care, add to my skill set to give me a leg up between now and when the program I hope to enter begins in about 6-7 mos?
I am interested in learning more about becoming a patient navigator.
[...] I first wrote on this topic in April 2009 and February 2010, things have moved quickly on multiple fronts. I receive frequent inquiries [...]
I read the recent article in Parade and was swept away with Patient Navigator and its goals. I have over 16 years experience as a fundraiser in higher education but spent time working for the American Cancer Society (which is where I first heard the term Patient Navigator). I have also had the opportunity to work for an oncology practice where I helped research new treatments options and sought approvals for treatment or drug. The more we are educated about our options the better decisions we make and are then in a better position to pass it on and help others. I would welcome the chance to learn more and see if my personal interests and experience can bring me to a new career opportunity. Please let me know when and how I can join the virtual meeting. Sincerely, Jean
Hello,
I am extremely interested in patient advocacy as a new career. I have been working in the IT industry for 25+ years. I did work as a programmer analyst for HIP Rutgers Health plan and have a basic understanding of how the claims system operates. I did this in 1997 -1999, so my experience is not recent.
I would like to learn more about becoming certified in the patient advocate field and would like to be part of a new and growing group.
I have a mother who is recently disabled and I have been assisting her with claims, billing, etc. This is truly something I have been considering for awhile.
Please any information that you can provide regarding training would be wonderful.
Thank You for You Time,
Teri Dacosta
Hi,
I own a home care agency in New Jersey and am also a Certified Senior Advisor. Helping patients navigate through the system is something we will do whether they end up in our care or not. I think the function you are describing is very important and I would like to learn more about your efforts and how I can collaborate in any way possible.
Herb Ronde
Hi,
I have been extremely frustrated with the health care system. My mother was in the hospital , very ill. I live in a separate town and getting to talk to a doctor was almost impossible. How are patients, who sometimes are very sick, supposed to be involved with their own healing? I felt like I was being intrusive when I asked questions. I have been saying for the last few years that these patients needs someone to advocate for them. I have been very passionate about this. I would love to find out more about this.
Julie Velazquez
I am interested in doing this work. As a nurse, I have seen many enter the healthcare system at the wrong entry point and end up at the wrong end of care.
Prevention as well as a method of navigating a complex healthcare system (that is getting worse) would be of interest to me. Also, as a mother of a child with a chronic illness, I too have had to navigate the system in her behalf.
Rose
Hello, I have recently read about nurse navigators in Canada and I have gained so much interest in becoming one. I was an licensed practical nurse for 4 years and worked in long term care as well as medical units in hospitals. Now I am a registered nurse working in L&D. But just recently, my dad was diagnosed with lung Ca and it had been a challenge for him and our family. i think if my sister and i did not have any healthcare background, it would have taken us much more time and stress trying to find information and services. i appreciate the type of work you do in providing guidance and support to people experiencing various health challenges. i went into nursing because i truly enjoy helping people, but what nurse navigators do allows people to go through their experiences smoothly and with less running around. if you could provide me with some information, i will greatly appreciated. thanks.
I would like to join the call on March 29, please let me know how I can part-take. Many thanks.
Hi, that post was from 2009. I will send you a separate email with new information.
I am interested in becoming a Patient Navigator. I have several years healthcare experience, however, I am not an RN or MD.
How do I find information on training programs for the non-licensed individual? So far, I have only been able to find programs that cater to licensed personnel. Can you help me with this?
Thank you
Audrey Liggins
I am interested in becoming a Patient Advocate/Navigator especially as a career after I retire. I have helped by brother navigate the health care system due to disability. I am an H.R. Director with an extensive background in benefits and I think this would be an excellent career for the 2nd part of my worklife. Please call me at (317)691-9490. Thank you.
I would love information on patient advocacy also.
I am so lucky to have read your article , i do want to become part of the industry. I am a registered nurse in california, and have worked for 15 years as director of Human Resources for a large aerospace corporation. this field has come to my attention as i am now navigating my client and family through the health care , disability, and medicare system . My current family is living with ALS commonly known as Lou Gherig’s disease. Please respond to me . thank you
Hello, I am interested in becoming a Patient Navigator. I have been practicing Internal Medicine for over 29 years. I was in the Air Force for 20 years and am now a contract physician. My last child will be attending college in August and after reading the article in More Magazine I am excited that this exists.
I live in New York City and have had my own marketing and communcicaitons business for the past 20 years and would like to make a business of patient navigation. My interest stems from personal experience with family as Yours(elisabeth russels) has. I am willing to take some classes, but am also well connected with drs and social workers who can probably be part of my business. My phone is 917 685 8661.
I would like to get some direction/advise on how to move forward and/or join up with someone with similar interests in nyc. Look forward to hearing from you soon
thanks–Sherri Harnick
I am a Certified Social Worker working on a Masters degree. I have over 25 years in healthcare. Starting as a Nursing Unit Assistant and moving to my current rold as a Physcian Network Executive at a large Health Insurance Company, I have bottom up experience in navigating through the health care system. I read an article in MORE Magazine about a woman that started this business and was truly fascinated as health care is so complex and difficult to navigate. I would be very, very interested in this career as it would combine all my talents and passions. I can be contacted at 732-780-3135 or by e-mail. Thanks very much!!!! Dawn Burke
I am a physician in the Boston area interested in starting a patient navigation company. I would appreciate hearing from anyone with information about how to go about this, or interest in working with me. You can write me at lisavstone@gmail.com.
Hello. I am interested in becoming a patient advocate and love working with benefits. I would be very interested in starting this service in NE Ohio. I am already helping family and friends. Thank you.
I am currently living on the west coast of southern Florida and am a Registered Respiratory Therapist. I work in a local hospital and am very interested in starting a patient navigator, or advocacy business. I am passionate about patient care and am seeing the need for patient advocacy in this area. We have many elderly people here who have no family in the area to help them untangle the problems involved in their medical care.I give advice daily about a myriad of isssues and have decided to make this a new career at some point in the near future. I see the Univ of Miami has a course on this but would like any other input that I can find. Thank you for your blog.
I am a Registered Nurse with 26 years of nursing experience. I live in South Florida and would like more information on the steps I need to take to become a Patient Navigator. I encounter many people in the community that express frustration and need assistance navigating theHealth care system. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
I am a RN with 33 years experience, the last 5 1/2 being in home health. This sounds very much like something I would be interested in. I’ve seen so many people who have no idea where to turn for assistance and/or what’s available. Truly an advocate/navigator would be a blessing to many.
ditto to all of the above – is there any updated information of education/training for this as a career?
I am interested in becoming a Patient Navigator- I have a business degree and have had my own design business for 15 years. I have recently completed a certification at Denver University in ADR. I have also had cancer myself and experienced the overwhelming information, decisions, and dealing with the insurance company at a very hard time. I am now in Portland, OR.
Amy, I suggest you get in touch with Trisha Torrey of AdvoConnection (www.advoconnection.com). AdvoConnection offers a program to help people start their businesses.
I have just finished my studies and certification for
Medical assisting. I will be starting a job shortly with a medical oncology practice and think additional training/certification in patient navigation would be a next logical step. Is there any new developments regarding further education? Specifically in the Lehigh valley, PA area? Thank you and good luck to all of us
Erin, Trisha Torrey, founder of AdvoConnection, has put together a list of programs that are available. I can’t really comment on any of them personally. This may help. http://healthadvocateprograms.com/
I am the mother of twins – one with special needs. We are often thrown into situations that we no nothing about but the well being of a loved one requires we become specialists and advocates with no time to transition. People are forced to make decisions that effect the entire family’s future at a time they do not have the luxury of evaluating all options. I live in Chicago area; where do you recommend obtaining training in this field? Do you have upcoming seminars? My background is in the insurance industry and I have a business degree.
Hello,
I’m been working as an LVN for 7 years in a critical care facitlity. I love what I do and at times I get an inkling at wantint to return to school. My age, money, etc sometimes causes doubt for me. I feel theres something else I’m suppose to do with the education and experience I have. I’ve never heart of “Patient Navigation” until I read the Oct. 2011 Essence Magazine in the article “The Black Womans Guide to Breast Cancer”. After reading the article, I thought this sounds like something I need to check out. I sounds like this fix who I am. In reality, nurses are truly not able to be advocates for our patients. We’re taught that in nursing school, but the doctors, insurance companies, administrators and all the top dogs make it impossible. It can be frustrating at times. I feel the need to do more and patient navagation seems to be calling me out. Unfortunately, I do live in a very small town pop. under 30,000. I doubt VERY seriously we if such a position assist here. But, I would like to learn more about this, get the necessary training needed to venture into this new field. I can still do floor nursing possibly and yet be in an arena to truly make a difference for the patients. I live in Paris, TX. If you know a way I can make this happen from here, do let me know. Meanwhile, I will continue to do some research on this. Afterall, a Patient Navigator needs to know what and where to search and obtain information. Thank you and look forward to hearing from you.
I am a breast cancer survivor with twenty eight years of teaching behind me. I am very interested in becoming a patient navigator after having a wonderful navigator myself. I also faced many challenges with insurance that I could see many just giving in and not wanting to fight for what is right during the illness/treatments. I want to be the voice for people not only to insurance companies but for their journey and for all that will taking the journey with the patient. I was given a notebook which was like my Cancer Bible. I have had the opportunity to pay it forward to my principal and his family recently when he was diagnosed by making him a notebook. His wife tells me weekly she just doesn’t know what they would have done without it. Please advise me in what direction to go to become a patient navigator. I have heard there are “lay” navigators now. I live in South Carolina and look forward to hearing from you.
I am a 2 time breast cancer survivor and have over 20 yrs working in HIV/Cancer education & counseling. I currently work in a cancer registry & as a volunteer Reach to Recovery & Leg. Ambassador for the ACS. I would like to network with Patient Navigators to find out how they got into this field. My goal is to do this part time and cont with it after I retire from my current job.
janafrankel7@yahoo.com