Until recently, I really haven’t worked with social workers much in a clinical setting. The very first community hospital I worked in had one social worker for the entire 250+ bed hospital. Yes, one. (Their model included nurse case managers.) So, I never quite had the opportunity to work alongside social workers or even learn exactly what their scope of work includes.
However, social workers are a major part of my current team, and I am proud to say my healthcare system utilizes social workers routinely throughout the network of hospitals and clinics. I am learning so much about social workers and what a vital role they have within the multidisciplinary healthcare team. This might sound ridiculous to many of you, but…What a wealth of information! I am really glad I have the chance to learn a different perspective on health care via social workers.
How does your organization function? Do you work alongside social workers?