Vitalant reviews

Training is unorganized, management doesn’t know enough to train properly. Job is to call donors to setup appointments, software is outdated & could be simpler.

As a volunteer for nearly ten years prior to employment I was lead to believe that the organization and the people running it had the good of the "fellowman" most firmly fixed as a mantra. Our blood drives were extremely successful. After becoming an employee I became aware of the dark underbelly of the system. It is highly profit motivated, they put on a good compassionate face for the public, but are really in the business of "herding cattle" down a chute to be milked dry. I saw decades long donors completely forgotten and their generosity ignored when they became no longer able to donate. I also listened to "behind the curtain" statements that were very condescending and inappropriate, the the extent that the company would be mortified if they were ever made public. They use the phase, "patient needs" (which, of course never ends) as a justification to practically demand donors rebook multiple appointments in order to insure "needs" are met. As an employee and a donor, I was well aware of the constant shaming and guilt-tripping, with sugar and a cherry on top, used to "make goals". It worked on some people, others became weary of the constant imposition and began to donate less. Employees are worked to the bone with little or no acknowledgement, always told more about what they are doing wrong than right, and often made scapegoats for management mistakes and summarily terminated. Many of my co-workers had to take extended stress or mental health leaves on numerous occasions, or had their health deteriorate to such an extent that it became necessary to leave the environment. Some eventually recovered and were able to find other lines of work, others became permanently disabled. Blood donation IS a very serious and needed service. My belief is that it is deeply personal to each donor when and why they donate. I also believe that people will rise to the occasion, but not when harassed to the point of distraction. After six years on the inside, I would not encourage anyone to work for Vitalant. The above statement have been my lived experience and observations. I understand Glassdoor may contact the company to confirm or deny my statements here are true. If that occurs I am certain they will provide an already legally approved response making the above statements look unfounded and irrational. We former employees are used to this tactic. The best advice I can give is, "Let the buyer beware."