Is it me or are Social Workers running the show?

Published

Specializes in Corrections, Cardiac, Hospice.

Our social worker has a lot of say over who stays GIP, respite and who goes home. Yes, the theory in hospice is one of a team approach and the Medical Director has the final say, but honestly he usually does what she says. On another thread I see that a social worker was insisting a patient be medicated when the nurse felt it wasn't necessary. Is anyone else seeing a trend where the social workers are having more and more control in the inpatient settings? Is it about money? What is going on? (I should also say I do like the social worker at my place, just think that those on the front lines that are clinical people are better able to judge who is too sick to go home.)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

Before i left my old job I noticed that the social workers were having a larger input into discharge, but I didnt neccesarily see this as a bad thing because I was so busy. They were always open to discussion

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

I could understand your comments if your social workers are functioning as case managers. I have seen increased importance and authority given to case management. Though I'm sure case management can step on many toes also, they are generally RN's w/clinical background (in my unit anyway).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych.

Oh yes, our setting is different. We are acute psych; however, much of the same type of things happenig with our SW.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.
Our social worker has a lot of say over who stays GIP, respite and who goes home. Yes, the theory in hospice is one of a team approach and the Medical Director has the final say, but honestly he usually does what she says. On another thread I see that a social worker was insisting a patient be medicated when the nurse felt it wasn't necessary. Is anyone else seeing a trend where the social workers are having more and more control in the inpatient settings? Is it about money? What is going on? (I should also say I do like the social worker at my place, just think that those on the front lines that are clinical people are better able to judge who is too sick to go home.)

This is not an issue in our hospice, however, there is an expectation that the MSW will work to insure that the patient is SAFELY returning to their home. I really appreciate having an engaged and effective MSW component to our team.

I hope you find a comfortable practice model...good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in trauma, ortho, burns, plastic surgery.

Let me to tell you somenthing, social workers are part of managerial team so they will fallow up with internal politics. Social workers are the key beetwen what you know, what you see, and what is happen REALLY. I seen, I belive, couple of social workers and ALL of them with a very strong SPINE.

You don't run ANYTHING, NADA! Everything is politics, stay away of it and do your nursing job and that is...more than it you need to accept the reality exactly how it is.... you can't fight with all!

Let's the social service to do them job and run them politics, you do your job NURSING!

In a ideal world all mangerial team members work togheter but even then.... the politics run all of them decisions... stay away... be just a nurse, act just like a nurse!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Step-Down.

all I know is that the MSW assigned full time to the ER I work in is more than welcome to run the show, lol. She is absolutely AMAZING and I would never, EVER want to deal with the things she has to deal with. I will bow down and kiss the ground she walks on if she were to ask, lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am currently a Case Manager and I WAS in Social Work MSW program but decided to go back for Nursing. Let it be known, the MSW's I have encountered know a lot less than they try to put off. I dont know if their involvement in medical decisions should be as important as they are. I once had an MSW try to diagnose a Schizoaffective patient with Autism becuase he was quiet. WOW

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Our social worker has a lot of say over who stays GIP, respite and who goes home. Yes, the theory in hospice is one of a team approach and the Medical Director has the final say, but honestly he usually does what she says. On another thread I see that a social worker was insisting a patient be medicated when the nurse felt it wasn't necessary. Is anyone else seeing a trend where the social workers are having more and more control in the inpatient settings? Is it about money? What is going on? (I should also say I do like the social worker at my place, just think that those on the front lines that are clinical people are better able to judge who is too sick to go home.)

I think Hospice is unique regarding your question - maybe this would be better in the Hospice forum.

I have noticed a blending or overlapping in the team approach of hospice - that can stick in one's craw if you will. ;)

The idea of a comfortable practice model is great - part of that is the way the manager manages the team.

Our former hospice physician was actually better at this - folks were less apt to cross lines and get feelings hurt.

If one person is allowed to cross lines and run the show - it can be a mess.

One thing I notice is that some social workers forget that nurses have a role in the psych/social welfare of patients and it is part of our nursing practice. However, they don't have a role in the medical side of patient care. That can get sticky.

I'm interested in hearing others thoughts on this.

steph

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Moved to Hospice Nursing forum.:redpinkhe

Up Vote Up Vote ×

social workers have a critical role in hospice, and are educated in assessing all sorts of pain.

NASW Standards for Social Work Practice in Palliative and End of Life Care

http://www.socialworkers.org/practice/bereavement/standards/default.asp

click on "Standards for Professional Practice" then scroll down to #2.

this standard alone, will neatly summarize all a licsw is trained in.

leslie

Up Vote Up Vote ×
social workers have a critical role in hospice, and are educated in assessing all sorts of pain.

NASW Standards for Social Work Practice in Palliative and End of Life Care

www.socialworkers.org/practice/bereavement/standards/default.asp

click on "Standards for Professional Practice" then scroll down to #2.

this standard alone, will neatly summarize all a licsw is trained in.

leslie

Very good! :up: Thank you.

steph

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion