Budget Bending Blues for Cancer Registrars

Not all that long ago I was sitting in the department head’s office discussing the cancer registry budget for the coming calendar year.  Now, if you’re like me, the mere mention of the “B” word causes anxiety!  I knew this particular day was coming, it came around every year.  But, why it has to coincide with the holidays is still a huge mystery!  But, on this day here the two of sat, much like two cats squaring off for the big event in the back alley.  

My wish list was in my hand and the department head’s eyes were on this massive Excel spreadsheet that resembled something out of a power grid for a metropolitan city.  “Let’s get this over with quickly,” she said.  “Tell me what equipment you need, if anything.”  I checked my list and named the two items I needed, both of which amounted to less than $2,500.  “Nope,” she said.  “Can’t do that, no room in the budget.  What else do you have?”  Hmmm.  Skipping down on my list I looked at our plans for education and travel.  Taking a deep breath I relayed the information she needed about the state and national cancer registry meetings and the importance of our attending.  “Well,” she replied.  “I don’t get to travel and neither do any of the other managers or supervisors, so why should we send anyone from the cancer registry?”  Ah ha!  I knew this coming too and had a very brief, yet powerful reply (or so I thought).  I carefully explained, in bullet points, the necessity of travel based on our accreditation status, CTR credential needs, and so forth.  After a few moments of silence she said, “Can’t you get any of that online for free?  Why should the hospital have to pay for this?”

Sound familiar?  After my “special moment” with my department head, our cancer registry spent the next year dealing with antiquated equipment failures and scrambling for information on the new program standards and changes so that we could correctly and accurately collect, code and classify data.  At some point along the way, she did offer to pay for my registration fee to the national association meeting.  I, of course, had to ante up for the rest of the expense, much like many of you have had to do.  That’s the cost of being a healthcare professional for which I have had to adjust my attitude, mindset and, of course, pocketbook. 

This time of year we face incredible challenge.  Perhaps you are struggling to get all of your cancer program accreditation requirements completed or you are working overtime to publish that annual report before the stroke of midnight on December 31^st.  You, too, may be facing the budget blues and challenges just like I had to do.  Or, you may be dealing with emotional and physical challenges from caring for your family or an elderly parent.  Or, maybe you have suffered the loss of a loved one or friend recently.  What is a cancer registrar to do?

The first thing you can do is to set aside time to regroup, enjoy time with family and the holiday season.  No one will get a hero’s welcome or special recognition for being a workaholic, it just does not happen that way.  So, be kind to yourself, eat, sleep, rest and be merry.  Then come back to work, refreshed and ready to tackle that “elephant in the room.”

Second, be realistic about what your organization can, or will, give you for educational and travel benefits.  If you are fortunate to not have to worry about this, then rejoice in that fact.  If you are not so fortunate, then accept that this is more common than not and make a decision, and commitment, to continually maintain your professional status, grow your skill sets and knowledge base, and to creatively network with your peers.  To simply stagnate or stubbornly refuse to update your skills will only lead to frustration and isolation.    

Third, be kind to yourself and explore alternative and effective ways in which to learn and grow as a cancer registrar.  For example, Registry Mindset  is the best online continuing education resource that offers budget-friendly CE courses developed by, and for, today’s cancer registrar.  No travel is required and the payment methods will not break the bank.  Corporate plans are also available (upon request) and you just might be able to sell the idea to your department head as a budget-friendly option for your organization!

Fourth, work on the mindset and behaviors.  Be wholly present and accountable for your career and the service your cancer registry provides.  All of healthcare is struggling to bend the budget and provide the best state-of-the-art services and care.  How you support the organization, in your behavior and attitudes, will be a large determinant of your success and longevity.  Stop whining or complaining and, instead, enhance and develop new methods and processes that will help your organization effectively use the cancer registry data to provide better patient care services.  

So, to bend the budget and holiday blues, try these four steps to dramatically increase your value, improve your mindset and attitude and give you options and alternatives on how to grow and maintain your cancer registry professionalism.  That’s the best holiday gift you can give yourself! 

If you have ideas or suggestions that are not mentioned in this article, please Leave a Reply in the box below or on the “Contact Us” page.  We would like to know how we can serve your needs and help you to become everything you are capable of becoming.  

Michele Webb creator of  http://www.RegistryMindset.com, the cancer registrar’s best online continuing education resource, is a nationally recognized, certified cancer registrar, committed to Cancer Registry leadership and professional education as a coach, mentor, motivational speaker and author.  You have permission to repost this article as long as do not alter it in any way and give a link back and credit to the author and this URL.