We work for our patients and families and we believe children come first. That goes for all the positions open at Children’s Minnesota. Our doctors, nurses, support staff, custodial staff, cooks and more are all important to the mission of Children’s.
Social workers understand that the diagnosis of a chronic or acute medical condition often disrupts one’s quality of life and causes family life to be stressful. They help patients and families navigate complex medical systems while providing a wide range of clinical services including crisis intervention, mental health assessments, short-term therapeutic interventions and referrals. They also advocate for their patients and offer emotional support.
Working as a social worker
We asked one of our social workers, Betsy Boegeman to tell us more about her work as a social worker in Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Program.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
As a social worker the “typical” day can so often feel atypical. My days involves commitment to meeting the psychosocial needs of my patients, their families and the multidisciplinary teams that I am a part of, and reacting to whatever those needs are on any given day. I routinely spend time with patients and families, whether that be in the Cancer and Blood Disorders Clinic, on the 7th floor of the hospital, or over the phone; collaborate with the multidisciplinary team regarding patient care; program development; meet with different committees throughout Children’s; and collaborate with community partners, such as schools, county workers, and financial assistance programs, to provide resources for our patients and families.
What roles have you held at Children’s?
My time at Children’s began as a social work intern on the Medical/Surgical Unit for nine months. I was later hired as a social worker in the Cancer and Blood Disorders Program, where I have been happily employed for nearly two years.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the people who I get to share my days with: patients, families, coworkers. Every day, someone or something inspires me and challenges me. As a social worker, I often ask patients and families to be vulnerable with me and allow me into their world, to put their guard down and let me help. It is truly a privilege when patients and families allow me to walk alongside them on their journey. And through my coworkers, I find wisdom, friendship, joy, commitment, laughter, support, acceptance and happiness.
What do you want families and staff at Children’s to know about social work?
Social workers strive to be accessible, supportive, and helpful in solving problems or offering another perspective. I hope to advocate; empower; facilitate connection; address barriers; aid in communication; give language to experiences and emotions; and provide a calm, supportive, non-judgmental presence for patients, families, and staff alike. Some might ask, “Why do I need a social worker?” The real question is, “Who doesn’t need a social worker?”
