Comments on: Becoming a Patient Navigator

By: Jana Frankel

Jana Frankel — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 04:41:21 +0000

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

By: Debbie Blackmon, South Carolina

Debbie Blackmon, South Carolina — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 02:08:46 +0000

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.

By: Annie Jordan LVN

Annie Jordan LVN — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 02:45:29 +0000

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.

By: Melanie Gavanes

Melanie Gavanes — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 03:02:06 +0000

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.

By: blog

blog — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:59:55 +0000

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/

By: Erin Frazier

Erin Frazier — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:23:06 +0000

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

By: blog

blog — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:04:44 +0000

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.

By: Amy LaGro

Amy LaGro — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:40:35 +0000

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.

By: Jackie Titus

Jackie Titus — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:58:25 +0000

ditto to all of the above – is there any updated information of education/training for this as a career?

By: Roseann Hill

Roseann Hill — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 01:19:43 +0000

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.