Hospitals show support for their social workers

Although social work careers can be extremely rewarding, professionals in this field who hold jobs in hospitals must witness difficult things, such as trauma cases and child deaths, the Indy Star reports. In order to reward their social workers for everything they do, Indiana's Riley Hospital for Children holds a "Code Lavender."

During these events, social workers are given coffee, fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls and the message that they are appreciated. Heather Kingdon, a social worker in the heart transplant unit, told the news outlet that these small meetings give the staff renewed energy for their work.

Bridget Duffy, chief executive officer of ExperiaHealth, told the news outlet that about 15 hospitals use the Code Lavender program. Each facility has its own way of reaching out to social workers, with some offering massages and others giving out lavender-colored bracelets. However, all programs strive to show support to those who work with sick and terminally ill children.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that social workers who are employed in hospitals may perform such tasks as finding at-home care for patients, giving support to family members and counseling patients.

POSTED BY: ec_admin - June 16th, 2011 at 03:51pm ( 0 )