Dignity, Comfort, and Hope: My Fieldwork with Hospice Alliance

I decided social work was my path in the second semester of my sophomore year. I wanted to work with pediatrics as a medical social worker. While I was focused on working with kids, I also didn’t let that deter me from the agencies I interviewed with. When going through the process of deciding who I wanted to interview with, Hospice Alliance stood out to me. They are a non-profit community-based organization that cares for their patients and empowers those who care for them. They are committed to supporting patients daily with dignity, comfort, and hope.

I interviewed and eventually got the honor of having my field placement at Hospice Alliance. I wasn’t sure what to expect or how I would feel having patients who could be any age, but who were mainly elderly. Every day, I get the privilege of visiting with patients. Patients and I discuss life, possible goals, and any resources that may be helpful, and I provide emotional support and companionship.  I also work with an interdisciplinary team to ensure that our patients are getting the right care all across the board. 

Working in the medical field as a social worker can be very complex.

While at my field placement, I have learned how to work with different disciplines (nurses, music therapists, doctors, and chaplins), families, and patients during a difficult time in their lives.

My patients have impacted me and will stick with me as I continue to pursue a career as a medical social worker.

I have learned how to chart and create care plans specific to each patient, and I’ve practiced communicating with empathy. However, one of the biggest lessons I have learned from my field placement is how important self-care is. End-of-life care is hard to discuss amongst patients and families, and hospice social workers play an important role. It can take a toll on you, so checking in with yourself is a must. 

It has been interesting for me to see the connections I have made with patients and how much I enjoy working with the elderly population. While I could still see myself working with kids, I now know I really enjoy working with the elderly.

Some advice that I want to leave for other social work students is to embrace your field placement,

take on challenges with open arms, and for juniors, cherish the time you have left in undergrad, because before you know it, you will be graduating. 

BY EMMA NEWCOMB