Patient Placement Coordination

Nephrology social work is a specialty practice within medical social work. Nephrology social workers are multidisciplinary team members in dialysis units and transplant centers across the country and, indeed, around the world. The primary goal of the nephrology social worker is to assist the patient and their family in making the social and psychological adjustments necessary to cope with both a chronic illness and its treatment regimen. In service to this goal, the social worker provides supportive counseling and education about the psychological impact of the illness and its various treatment options. Along with the family and patient, the social worker explores strengths and weaknesses and develops resources as needed. In addition to providing counseling and education to the patient and family, the social worker may also serve as an advocate for them to the medical staff or to community agencies. Due to the chronic nature of the illness, social workers often work with patients and families over extended periods of time. Even for those patients who are doing well, ongoing contact serves to develop a strong social work/family relationship and builds a base of trust when psychosocial intervention is needed. The social worker also works with various members of the treatment team to discuss issues and concerns related to patient care and/or the functioning of the unit.   Within Greenfield Health Systems (GHS), the social workers are well respected for their skills and for their contribution to patient well being. The social worker may also work with a social work technician to provide concrete services under their supervision. Because of the availability of other staff to handle the paper work and insurance issues often delegated to social workers, GHS social workers are free to focus on their primary role, i.e. providing psychosocial services to patients and families. In addition to providing direct patient care, GHS social workers are encouraged to develop professionally by attending professional conferences, sitting on committees, and participating in professional councils.