Social Service Roles in Patient Care 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. Related: Reasons Why You Should be Proud to be a Nurse 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 relearn 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. Strokes are similar to brain injuries, and often involve needing to relearn 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. 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 consoler 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. Related: Understanding and Preventing Hospital-Acquired Infections 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 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. 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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