PATIENT COORDNATER

[HILINE]

does your Center have a PATIENT COORDNATOR ? if so  what do they do? any pros or cons ?



EDITED: MOVED TO CORRECT SECTION - Rerun, Moderator

[HILINE]

this post is in the wrong place, sorry 

[Rerun]

We don't have a "Patient Coordinator" at our center. 

[kitkatz]

We have a social worker at our center who coordinates things. 

[HILINE]

the Patient Coordinator I am referring to is a actual patient who helps solves issues for patients

[HILINE]

the Patient Coordinator I am referring to is a actual patient who helps solves issues for patients

I am the ''patient coordinator'' at my Center, a hard job as no one know about the program,


EDITED:  FIXED QUOTE  Rerun, Moderator

[Meinuk]

HILINE,

In New York state, there is a program called the Patient Advisory Committee.  They are volunteers in the unit who are nominated by the facility to work with the ESRD Network in the State to support, educate and help their peers to their units.  I know that the Network goal is to have one PAC Rep on every shift in every unit.

There is also a regional PAC Chair Program in NY State, that involves a lot more of a commitment and they work with PAC Reps in each region.

Program details are here:  http://www.ipro.org/index/pac

[Rerun]

I feel my time is more valuable on this site.  So, I don't volunteer at the unit.

               

[Meinuk]

When I talk to people about volunteerism/advocacy, it really is about finding where you are happiest to give.  Rerun, I couldn't imagine IHD without you.  (and I never want to - you got me through some pretty intense struggles, just by being there, being supportive (and critical when needed) and reminding me to give 'em Heck.)

A few years ago, I was wondering if/what I actually had to "give" to the community. I never really volunteered at all - I saw some great examples here on this site on how to make things better (and some bad ones too). It is all a learning experience.  Had I not found IHD, I may have just simply kept to myself, never bothered to reach out to anyone (Susie taught me that a hug and a kind word can sometimes make all the difference) and my life would have been poorer for it (and my stress levels through the roof). 

Thanks to IHD,  I chatted with people, wrote a little bit and did some lobbying.  There are many others that give so much more time than I ever did.  All of the behind the scenes here at IHD, what Karol, Sluff, Rerun, KitKatz, Paris, Richard, Bjanne and JBeany all do is amazing.  (If I forgot a MOD, sorry I really do read everything that I can, but my memory just isn't what it used to be.).

We all advocate as we can and have the energy for to some extent.  A few go pro, a few retire or take a break, and others keep plugging away.  Any and all effort is appreciated.