The Hospital Social Work Self-Efficacy Scale (based on Bandura's social cognitive theory) was designed as an outcome measure of social workers'confidence regarding their ability to perform specific hospital social work tasks. The scale was developed during an evaluation of two types of social work field expenence (full-year placements vs. three sequential placements). Data supporting the reliability and validity of the scale are presented. Given continued support of its reliability and validity, the scale may have a variety of uses in studies of hospital social work. In addition, similar assessments of self-efficacy as an outcome may have utility in other fields of practice.

The Hospital Social Work Self-Efficacy Scale (HSWSE) was developed to assess social workers' confidence about their ability to perform hospital social work. The scale was originally tested with master's-level social work students. This partial replication and extension included both students and professional social workers. In addition, we used a new scale to assess construct validity and added another hospital to assess external validity. In general, findings continue to support the use of the HSWSE. In addition, anecdotal evidence suggests that this is an outcome measure that practitioners see as easy to use, specific, and highly relevant.

A comparison of two types of fieldwork was undertaken with 26 social work students in a large urban hospital. The first group was assigned to a traditional, year long placement. The second group was assigned to three successive placements of approximately 10 weeks each. The impact of these two types of placement on students' general sense of self-efficacy, self-efficacy regarding specific hospital social work activities and perceptions of the work environment, was assessed. Initial results suggest that both groups produce virtually no change in students' general sense of selfefficacy, yet produce positive changes in students' self-efficacy regarding hospital social work. In addition, results suggest that the fieldwork rotation used in the second group may produce somewhat more positive views of the work environment.

A replication of a previously reported fieldwork evaluation study is presented. The study involved a comparison of a typical, year-long fieldwork placement composed of three distinct rotations, each approximately 10 weeks in length. The sample included 23 social work students in a large, urban, public hospital. Changes in students' general sense of self-efficacy, self-efficacy regarding specific professional activities, and perceptions of both their ideal and actual work environment were assessed. In general, results very similar to the original study were observed. There were ho significant intergroup differences and virtually no changes in students' general sense of self-efficacy. There were no significant intergroup differences in student's self-efficacy regarding hospital social work, but for the group as a whole, there were significant increases over the course of the academic year. The trend was for rotation students to view the work environment more positively.

Decision making is a core practice activity for all social workers. They make decisions about career and professional relationships, about clients and interventions and they must react to the decisions of others. This article provides an overview of decision making theory and research, beginning with the wider realm of decision making literature taken from other disciplines and moving on to specific applications within the field of social work. Areas for continued research on decision making in social work are noted.