New to Dialysis Social Work

[BJBerhorst]

I have been a social worker for 4 years working in the acute care side of the hospital. I recently took a position (6 months ago) as a Dialysis Social Worker for a hospital with 3 units. I knew nothing of Dialysis coming in and have been very fortunate that patients have taken the time to educate me. I enjoy the relationships and bond that can be formed in the dialysis setting as opposed to the acute care setting. I have an excellent coworker with 4.5 yrs of Dialysis Social Work and she is very helpful and seems to understand the diverse needs and wishes of most dialysis patients. I am looking for ways to help support the dialysis patient and their families/caretakers and my leaders suggested i join this chat.

Thanks to everyone here i am sure i will find great information and ideas. 

[kitkatz]

Welcome to the site.  It is good to see someone who works with patients looking for informaiton.


kitkatz,moderator

[goofynina]

Hello there BJBerhorst,  Welcome to ihatedialysis.com.  Seek and you shall find    There is alot of info here mostly all from patients, some from dialysis employess, caregivers, family members, you name it, they are here.  We have become one close family who are always willing to give encouragement, advice, or even a hug if its needed    I look forward to hearing more from you soon.   


Goofynina/Admin.

[donnia]

   I am glad you are taking the time and steps to learn!

[Rerun]

Welcome to the site BJ.  I think the best skill of a social worker is to listen.  Don't try and fix everything because you can't.  You can help with financial and transportation, but our emotions have to be worked through.  Just send your clients here for an emotional boost.

Welcome and I hope we can help.

Rerun                     

[Bajanne]

Welcome to our community!  You have come to the right place if you want to get a glimpse of the renal patient's perspective.  We applaud your caring enough to come.  One thing you have to be prepared for, though, is the biting honesty that can be expressed on this site.  Our founder started it with the idea of a place where people can tell it like it is without fear of being censored (excluding vulgarity, of course).  So have a look around our site.  There is loads to read.  When necessary, please feel free to ask questions (and to answer some as well).  I am from the Caribbean and in our system renal patients don't even see the Social Worker unless there is a particular social problem.  The Social Worker only came into play for me recently because I might be remigrating to my homeland and the exchange of documentation has to be done Social Worker to Social Worker.
So take advantage of this site.  We even have Off-Topics where we discuss ANYTHING!  And there is a special place for workers (like yourself) to vent when they want to.


Bajanne, Moderator

[Joe Paul]

Welcome BJBerhorst,  good to have you aboard.

[paddbear0000]

 

[Sluff]

Welcome to ihatedialysis.com BJBerhorst,

Jumped right in with both feet, you are a mighty brave soul... Truly appreciate the interest you have in the dialysis field. It is amazing some of the stories you will read here and I hope you keep am open mind that we speak openly here both the positives and the negatives, but your posts will be welcome.  Share what you learn and we will help you through. It takes a special person to do what you do.

Sluff/ Admin

[Romona]

 

[Hawkeye]

Hello and 

[pinkrose]

It's nice to see people reach out beyond their job! Welcome! 

[cmpgelen]

   BJ uses his good looks and charms to win over the patients.  That and he shows pictures of his puppies.     Love ya BJ 

[keefer51]