What Field Instructors of Social Work Students Need from Hospital Field Work Programs

Abstract

Hospital field instructors of graduate social work students can experience considerable stress in managing their dual roles as practitioners and teachers. This paper looks at the kinds of supports that field instructors need from hospital social work departments to help them experience field instruction positively. Annual program evaluations completed by field instructors at one hospital over a five year period were analyzed. Findings suggest that ongoing departmental seminars for field instructors can be critical in supporting them in this role well beyond the first year. Implications for retaining field instructors and directions for further research are highlighted.

Social Work Field Instructors in New York City After 9/11/01

“…Altogether, this research confirms that in addition to their regular clinical and administrative duties within the agencies, field instructors have other roles when working with interns: as a supervisor, educator, and mentor (Showers & Cuzzi, 1991). Each of these duties and roles is impacted greatly in times of local or national disasters when students, clients, coworkers, and family members compete for the field instructors' divided attention.…”

“…Similarly, the academic institution is responsible for selecting, educating, and retaining the social workers who are specifically trained in this field instructor role. This multifaceted role has been investigated from the dual role of field instructors as educator and social work practitioner (Showers & Cuzzi, 1991) whereas another study focused on their responsibility as evaluator of student skill and performance (Bogo, Regehr, & Power, 2004).…”

A Pilot Study of Fieldwork Rotations vs. Year Long Placements for Social Work Students in a Public Hospital

“…A large proportion of this population is comprised of undocumented immigrants. (Showers & Cuzzi, 1991). The standard fieldwork group (SFW) was trained using this model during their year long placement.…”