Publisher's Thoughts
Dear Reader,
I would like to dedicate this issue to the memory of Lisa Gebo, who was a true colleague and friend. We featured Lisa’s story in our Spring 2009 article on CaringBridge.org. Sadly, Lisa died on June 14 after a 4-year struggle with breast cancer. She will be missed by many in the social work profession.
I want to extend congratulations on behalf of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER to all new social work graduates! This is an exciting time—you have accomplished so much already, and now you are ready for that next step...being a professional social worker.
I am very excited about this issue, because it addresses some very important ideas for all of us in social work, and especially for new graduates.
As social workers, we often help clients with their anxiety. We know that some anxiety can be detrimental to one’s health, but that sometimes anxiety can serve a useful purpose in people’s lives. And that includes our own!
We all have doubts and fears as we enter anything new, and entering a career as a new social worker is no different. Jonathan Singer and Claudia Dewane have developed a DSM-type guide to what they call “New Social Worker Anxiety Syndrome” (NSWAS). This is must-see material for all social workers, and, in my opinion, is one of the most important articles we have ever published. READ IT, and pass it along to colleagues, classmates, fellow graduates, and students.
If you are a new grad, the social work licensing exam is probably on your mind, too. Steve Marson’s interview with ASWB executive director Donna DeAngelis may help to answer some of your burning questions and set your mind at ease as you prepare for the exam.
Terminating with clients can produce another kind of stress for social workers or graduating students. How will the client take the news that I am leaving, you may ask yourself. And how will I feel about it myself? Rachel Meneghini looks at these questions in her article on the importance of closure.
Another issue we all may have to face someday is that of unethical behavior within our agencies and among our colleagues. Allan Barsky says that “as advocates for social justice and the welfare of clients, social workers should be among the forefront of whistle blowers.”
I hope this issue eases some of your anxiety as you embark on the exciting journey as a social worker!
Until next time—happy reading! Linda M. Grobman, MSW, LSW, ACSW
Publisher/Editor
Table of Contents Summer 2010 Student Role Model:
Nanci Woodson
In this issue, Barbara Trainin Blank provides a close-up look at Nanci Woodson, MSW student at Delaware State University.
by Barbara Trainin Blank
page 3
Ethics: Social Workers as Whistle Blowers
As advocates for social justice and the welfare of clients, social workers should be on the forefront of whistle blowers. So, what type of guidance does the NASW Code of Ethics provide in regard to whistle blowing?
by Allan Edward Barsky
page 4
Field Placement: Exploring the Uncharted: Creating a New Social Work Field Placement
You find a social work agency that you believe would be the perfect place for your field practicum, only to discover that it is not on the list of agencies sanctioned by your school of social work. Can it happen? How do you make it happen?
by Denice Goodrich Liley
page 6
FEATURED ARTICLE
Treating New Social Worker Anxiety Syndrome (NSWAS)
After years of school, you’ve finally graduated with your master’s degree in social work. You are relieved, ecstatic, and...petrified! You might have “New Social Worker Anxiety Syndrome.” The authors identify and address possible causes of anxiety and ways to reduce such anxiety, so you can focus more of your energy on your clients.
by Jonathan B. Singer and Claudia Dewane
page 8
An MSW’s Life
T.J.’s final column looks back and ahead, as she graduates and starts her first professional social work job. Her closing message: If you are a new student, hang in there! You can do it, and it will be worth it. If you are in the middle of your education, I wish you well, and remember to take care of yourself. If you are nearing the end of your degree, this may be the most challenging time of all. Stay the course. You will be glad you did.
by T. J. Rutherford
page 14
The Importance of Closure
Termination begins at the beginning. Rachel Meneghini explores issues of terminating with trauma survivors.
by Rachel Meneghini
page 17
Rewards and Challenges in Dialysis Social Work
Nephrology social work is unique. The work is both highly rewarding and very challenging. Chronic illness of any kind is a tough burden on patients and their families. As with most social work jobs, no two days are the same, and it is very important work.
by Devon Rocha
page 20
10 Questions About the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Exams
Are you preparing to take the social work licensing exam? Read this interview with ASWB Executive Director Donna DeAngelis.
by Stephen M. Marson
page 24
SW 2.0: Profiles in Social Work Technology: John McNutt, Ph.D.
Karen interviewed John McNutt, one of the leaders on the social work technology scene. See what he had to say.
by Karen Zgoda
page 28
The Visit
Reflections on a social work student’s visit with a nursing home resident.
by Bonnie Lee Camp
page 30
Paying Attention to the Small Things
It is the small things that seem to make a big difference to kids.
by Patricia Berendsen
page 32 Letter to the Editor page 13
Poetry page 22
On Campus page 26
Reviews page 34
Classified Ads page 36
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