Nurses be social workers?

[wish_me_luck, BSN, RN]

Hi,

So, I have been scouting around to see what's out there and since I am the type that enjoys not only med-surg, but psych and community and public health, I thought I would look for other less thought of jobs. I tried looking for nursing in a orphanage/group home/foster care setting without luck. I did, however, come across social work jobs.

Has anyone heard of a nurse getting a job as a social worker? Any suggestions on how to find something like nursing in the foster care system? Thanks.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Social worker is a protected title in many states (just like nurse) and requires a BSW or MSW degree and certification or licensure as a certified social worker (CSW), licensed social worker (LSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). There is cross over but most nurses that I've encountered in a social worker type role have the title of case manager, care coordinator or clinical case manager if not titled as registered/licensed practical nurse.

In my area group home nurse jobs are often LPN jobs and titled as such. Or the homes contract out with home health agencies or the public health department for nursing services.

[wish_me_luck, BSN, RN]

Okay, cool. Thanks for the info. :)

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

If you have your BSN, you could go back to school and get your master's in social work. You also can see about a case managment position, which could be an awesome experiece. I have also heard of nurses running group homes or day programs. Cool idea, best of luck, and let us know what path you choose!!

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

Nurses can work as case managers. In the hospital setting they function like a social worker in many ways. They help get patients placed in inpatinet psych, long term care facilities, LTAC facilities, home care, hospice, etc. Both nurses and social workers work to do this. Was this what you were thinking of? I hope this helped.

[wish_me_luck, BSN, RN]

Yes. At least I know what direction to go in (and yes, jade, I have my BSN). I am wanting an MPH, but maybe I can find something like dual MPH/MSW. I have just absolutely fallen in love with the community setting as a whole (any field, just about). When I did Community and Public Health, every clinical day, I loved it. I didn't have any dreads about clinical, but really looked for to it.

I could really see myself doing a little of this and a little of that, but all in the community setting. Maybe get some experience and then, move to perdiem case management. But, yes, all of your responses helped.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

OH OH OH and what about NP--and then you could do some community nursing????? It is awesome to see a nurse who is excited about community nursing!! Gosh, best of luck, and really do catch us up when you decide!!