Social workers do a variety of jobs. Many people assume social workers investigate
child abuse, which is certainly true, but there are many more roles they take
on.
Social Worker & Suspected Abuse
Most states now have a law in place that when an adult
is admitted to the emergency room, the attending nurse will ask the patient if
they feel they are in danger, if they have been hurt, or feel that they are
going to be hurt. If the patient answers
yes to any of the questions, then social services are called in. It is a very big responsibility, as the
social worker must determine the needs of the patient. If it is suspected that they are in danger,
in most cases they will be admitted until proper and safe placement plans can
be made. Some areas have emergency
shelters, and they could be sent there after treatment. The main thing is, they are kept from harm,
or danger, and can feel safe.
Social Worker & Rehabilitation
Social workers spend a great deal of time on phones and
computers, trying to arrange rehab therapy for patients. There are a number of reasons a patient may
require rehab therapy-
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Brain injuries often require extensive
rehab therapy, many times to re-learn how to walk and talk again.This requires a facility that specializes in
intense rehab therapy, and it’s up to the social worker to locate, arrange, and
secure a spot for the patient.They then
must follow through to ensure the transfer goes smoothly. The social worker often has to undertake the
responsibility of ensuring proper funding such as SSI is in place for the rehab
facility.
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Strokes are similar to brain injuries, and
often involve needing to re-learn walking and talking. Patients are often left with paralysis, which
can include one side of the face. This
can affect talking and even swallowing, so intense rehabilitation therapy is
essential.
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Patients that have undergone an extensive
surgical procedure may need rehab therapy, which the social worker will
coordinate. In most cases, there are
multiple team meetings prior to placing the patient in a rehab center. The patient’s primary nurse would be included
in these meetings prior to discharge.
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Patients that are admitted following a drug
overdose may also require the assistance of a social worker in order to gain
placement in a drug rehab facility.
Social Worker & End of Life Care
As a patient approaches the point that it is determined
they will not improve, they are usually considered in the end of life
stage. Arrangements may be made to place
the patient in a hospice care facility which will see to the patients comfort
level, and provide care 24/7. The social
worker is the key coordinator in implementing the patients move to
hospice. The social worker may also work
to help the family coordinate plans and arrangements such as services after
their loved ones passing. In many cases
the social worker assumes the role of console to the family, as they help them
come to terms with the loss of their family member.
Administrative Responsibilities
Hospital social workers also take on a number of
administrative responsibilities. They
are generally the person that determines what financial means the patient has,
and what services they may qualify for. Social workers are well educated on available assistance for patients
with limited means, or patients that will require continuing care once
released.
A hospital social worker wears a variety of hats. As a nurse, you would want to consult with
the social worker on staff in the following circumstances:
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The patient appears to be suffering from
abuse, signs may be visible or not, abuse can be mental
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The patient has informed you they are
homeless and have no place to go upon discharge. The social worker will help to find housing
and services for the patient.
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A patient that appears to be unable to care
for themselves, and does not have active family members involved. A social worker will determine the patient’s
ability to care for themselves, and help secure placement with assistance if
needed.
Hospital social workers generally work close with
nursing staff to ensure the safety of the patients. A social worker can be very beneficial to
nursing staff. Nurses can express any concerns and let
the social service department take over. Obviously nursing and social services work hand in hand to care for and
ensure the safety of the patients they care for.
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