Question- any social workers here who work in Long Term Care? I just graduated with my MSW like 6 months ago and got a job in a nursing facility in NJ. I dont hate the job, its just A LOT to learn and really stressful. Like insane paperwork, learning all the residents (I have 150 that I'm in charge of), annuals, quarterlys, family meetings, charting/documenting everything. I REALLY want to stay and like the job but I am just not sure how I feel about it. I know I'm lucky to have a job with a decent salary, especially in my field so I am really going to give it a fair chance. One of the other social workers said it took him a good 6 months to really learn most of the job. Anyone in the same boat that can give me advice? TIA!
BklynBabe1624
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Re: Any Social Workers who work in Long Term Care?
I am social work student and worked in a LTC facility. There is so much to learn between each patient and other responsibilities. Since you are a new social worker in the field and the work is limited because of massive amount of budget cuts, I'd suggest you stick it out. Like anything else that you haven't learned, it takes time, patience and trial and error.
My first day on the job in the LTC facility, I came home crying after meeting with a nasty patient. When I returned the next day, I ended up loving it. There is so much to learn in the field and any experience you take from this will be a learning experience for yourself and career.
My advice is to give it some time, and develop your skills. You aren't expected to know how to do it all in one day, so take your time and become familiar with it all. You chosen a field that requires creativity and use that to the best of your ability.
I wish you the best of luck and continue to keep me udpated on this!
