Thursday, November 19, 2009

Social Work to Nursing?

I'm a 37 y/o, single mom. I have my Bachelors and Masters in Social Work, working for 10 years in the field, and $60,000 in student loans, I was fired from my last position b/c it "wasn't a good fit." I am considering getting my RN, I have a GI Bill and could probably work for a hospital to offset the rest of the cost of school and any living expenses.





I have never really liked Social Work, not the job, not coworkers, and sometimes no clients (yes, i realize this influenced the termination). I'm afraid that if i spend the time and money to get a nursing degree I'll be in the same boat. I





'm very creative and social. Blood doesn't bother me. So... my question is: has anyone experienced this conundrum?


If so what was your decision and how did it work out?





Time with my son and the ability to provide for him are my priorities, as well as, job satisfaction. Thanks!

Social Work to Nursing?
Social work to nursing = good fit. You have experience in client advocacy which is a HUGE part of nursing. In fact, that is something that takes longer to develop than the good sense to pass meds correctly. You will incur some more education debt, BUT....what with the current nursing shortage hospitals are offering big money in bonuses, loan forgiveness money and all types of incentives for new nurses.


I say, DO IT!
Reply:I live in the UK and although our education systems will be different, being a Social Worker will not.


I too trained as a SW and hated every minute of it from the petty rules, political correctness, lazy co-workers who took a day off if they broke their nail, to the ungrateful clients who know their "rights", but none of their responsibilities.


Here in the UK, you could do voluntary work in a hospital to see if it is the career you want, or even work as a, we call them "auxiliary nurses" ( the unqualified nurse who does all the work!).


Try it. I'm sure with your qualifications they will bite your hand off. You will be able to bring valuable experience to the role. And if they can't appreciate you in the US, move to Blighty, the weather ain't brilliant in the winter, but you'll never see a finer view than an English meadow on a summers day.
Reply:If the hospital setting appeals to you, have you tried seeking a position in the hospital as a social worker? a nursing home? Consider other possibilities with your current degree before giving up!





Nursing is a wonderful profession for those who are hard workers, dedicated, and who are patient enough to help others. If you are having trouble getting along with co-workers and caring about your clients, this may not be a good "fit" for you either.





Try seeking out a career counselor to help you with your decision. You could possibly talk to friends, or even your previous employer to see if they have suggestions for you, as well.
Reply:I have totally been in your place...although while I was going to psych tech school, then transferred nursing, I DISCOVERED I was not enjoying the politics, protocol, or health risks. I know what it's like to want more out of life, and to love getting up in the morning, and justifying putting my son in daycare.





Consider becoming a hairstylist. SOCIALIZE all day, express yourself creatively, and lastly a can have a flexible schedule to be a mother to your son. You can work as much as you want and earn a TON or just do it for kicks in the evening after you've been a dron all day as a social worker.





The education is fast (1600 hrs) 12 months usually, cost about $400.00 a semester.





Best wishes, check out local community colleges if they offer Cosmetology.
Reply:If I were you - serious debt, single mom, etc., I think I would look for something where I could use the degrees I have. If you didn't like your social work clients, you will probably like sick people even less.





You could look into the administrative part of social work. You could look at federal or state agencies where a social work degree would be very beneficial (the federal Department of Health and Human Services, for example, hires many social workers.) Since you have practical experience, you would probably qualify for a program or management analyst positions. Some of these positions pay $60,000 - 90,000 yearly.


Also, one benefit of working for some federal agencies is if you agree to work for at least three years, they will pay off your student loans, up to about $10,000 per year. You would have to check with the particular agency for more details.





You may just be suited more to more administrative-type functions. Going into more debt doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Good luck.


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Social anxiety??

can anti-social lead to social anxiety?


when i went to a place that is unfamiliar or my church.i will feel abit anxious becos i fear of being judged and critise by others...when i was a sec 2,alot of my classmates hate because they judged my looks and my expression..slowly,i felt anxious when i talk to those unfamiliar people and my church friend and start perspiring non-stop..was it a social anxiety

Social anxiety??
Well, being anti-social is actually not what you are describing. It's a disorder that most people mistake for being afraid of social situations. It actually means being against society and having animosity towards authority, lack of compassion, etc.





Anyway, you probably do have a social phobia and a lot of anxiety. It's a pretty common thing; I'm that way too. We all care about what others think, and it's a lot worse when you have very little self-esteem.





Maybe you can look into counseling; therapists can help you learn to better handle social situations and also teach you skills to communicate more effectively. There are also books and websites. Try looking them up.





Good luck:)
Reply:Social anxiety can cause these feelings.


http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/ds...





Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cognitive_b... worked best for me. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I've tried meds, individual therapy, and group therapy and studied psychology for 10 years, as a profession, but also with the hope to cure myself.





Depending on your comfort level, you could go to a psychologist that practices CBT and specializes in anxiety disorders, seek a group therapy, or create one. Usually those that do attend the group therapy are a bit more high functioning because as you know, it can be difficult to speak in a group.





Another idea is to see if there are any local research studies being conducted that you could participate in.





The program that finally worked the best for me is this one: http://www.socialanxiety.us/findinghelp.... and I was lucky enough to have a structured behavioral group to go along with it. Sometimes the people that actually attend this program come back home and form groups.





Any questions, let me know ... I can't tell you how much this has improved my life!
Reply:I suffer from social anxiety, and was diagnosed with it by a psychiatrist after taking some simple fill in the blank type assessments.





Turns out that I have suffered from this since I was a child, and everyone thought that I was shy. One of the differences in being shy and having a social phobia, is that being shy...you just have a problem warming up to strangers.





People that suffer from social phobias actually suffer from physical symptoms, such as sweating, racing heart, nervousness or tremors, even ringing of the ears. In the past, I have almost passed out from the anticipation of having to get up in class to make a presentation.





If you suffer from the physical symptoms, you may have it. However, the only way to know is to see a mental health professional, that will have you to take some simple assessments that will help make the determination.





Good luck to ya!
Reply:I think you have social anxiety.


You are very self conscious when people look at you, you think they are judging you - some may be but thats thier problem- not yours.


Darl please get help whilst you still can. Don't let it go unresolved.


When I first recognised it, I was 11yo. it has in the past effected every part of my life. .....to being a prisoner in my own room at 28y/o.


I sought medical help from a good doctor %26amp; a church of non-denominational. Please know that not every one will understand your anxiety, please choose those whom you tell very wisely as not everyone will understand.


From one recovering sufferer to another, God bless %26amp; help you!


Please contact me if you wish %26amp; we can talk in more detail..
Reply:Sounds like you are just shy. Try talking to just one person at a time or confiding in someone about this. I'm sure you will be feeling better and more confident soon, especially as you grow up. Take care and be happy for who you are, everyone is special in their own way.


What's the best social worker qualification?

i live in australia and plan to study to obtain a degree in social work. there are many different degree to choose from. They are:





Bachelor of Social Work


Bachelor of Social Work and Social Planning


Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)


Bachelor of Social Science





which one will give me greater recognition, pay and job opportunity?





-thanks

What's the best social worker qualification?
Well the best social worker qualification is really the Master of social work (MSW)





Now the BSS is NOT a social work qualification. Only the BSW and the BSW/SP are social work qualifications.





Both are equally respectable. However two is usually better than one in giving you more options. The social planning will open up more jobs in the area of policy, so if this is an interest of yours then I would go for that optoin. DA
Reply:Just as a layperson, I would think that the Bachelor of Social Work and Social Planning would allow one to be more marketable. The 'bachelor of social science' is not as specific and specialized, if you will. In the US, however, to have the most opportunities and increased pay, one typically would obtain a master's degree in social work and then take the licensing and certification exam for the credentials of LCSW (licensed clinical social worker), MSW (master's in social work). The LCSW may have their own practice and is eligible for reimbursement from certain types of health insurance. Wish you the best!

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Social Security and going back to work question?

I now receive Social Security. I am 64. I will need to return to work next summer. I am very confused here.





I understand that I can work part-time and make only so much money a year. I cannot support myself on part-time money. If I want to work full time and make more than I am allowed to work - what happens? Am I allowed to do this. Do I have to pay a penalty fine for making too much money.





Someone said if I make more than I am allowed - all I have to do at that point in pay in to Social Security. Not sure that is correct.





Can I keep my Social Security check and go back to work or do they cut me off. I cannot find these answers and hope someone can help me.





Thank you

Social Security and going back to work question?
Earnings Limits





Under federal law, people who are receiving Social Security benefits who have not reached full retirement age are entitled to receive all of their benefits as long as their earnings are under the limits indicated below. For people born in 1943, the full retirement age is 66. The full retirement age will increase gradually each year until it reaches age 67 for people born in 1960 or later.





At full retirement age or older


2007 - No limit on earnings


2008 - No limit on earnings





Under full retirement age


2007 - $12,960 / For every $2 over the limit, $1 is withheld from benefits.


2008 - $13,560 / For every $2 over the limit, $1 is withheld from benefits.





In the year you reach full retirement age


2007 - $34,440 / For every $3 over the limit, $1 is withheld from benefits until the month you reach full retirement age.


2008 - $36,120 / For every $3 over the limit, $1 is withheld from benefits until the month you reach full retirement age.
Reply:after you become 65, there is no penalty to working and drawing Social Security.





before you are 65, there is.





for specific details, get an appointment with a live person at your local SSA office. appointments are made online through their website at ssa.gov


Social Services?

Should we disband the social services? It seems like a waste of taxpayers funding to me. I would love to hear from somebody NOT related to the social services, who has actually benefited from the social services "provided".

Social Services?
My family and I have. Only a pittance of course but some help. We all paid in when we were able to work, and got back when we needed it.
Reply:Ah, Grasshopper. The true answer to your question can be found in any third world country. Each day, in many of these countries, people, no different from yourself, become blind, crippled or mentally defective. There are no social services to deal with these people. Children, no different from your own, root through garbage piles for something to eat or sell themselves for sex. There are no social services to deal with these people either. Many are deprived of even simple education. The water is unfit to drink, food supplies often unfit to eat. Housing unfit to live in. Sewage flows in the 'streets' and the smoke of buring trash hangs in the air. Now compare that to the USA, a society that in spite of folks such as yourself, has made a decision to reduce the above problems as much as possible. The social and physical infrastructure of a country determines the kind of country it is. Somehow, in spite of all the false 'religion' that gets tossed around, Americans do have a core value that insists the the 'hungry be fed, we give drink to those that thirst, we clothe the naked, take care of the sick and raise up the widow and the orphan'. While all this may have some financial cost, the social cost of not doing these things would be a slap in the face to what we claim to be. I hope that answered your question!
Reply:I know what you mean, my son has been diagnosed with sugar diabetes. He hasnt worked since May. I have carried his bills and mine since May. My savings are gone, I work 40 hrs a week, and am 73 yrs old. Do you think I can get help from anyone... *^%%26amp;( no. He also has no medical insurance. so i pay all office visits and all medication. What worries me sick is what happens when we use up the last bit of money. Help?? i think if we were illegal aliens sure. But not just plain old American Citizens.
Reply:Does it occur to you that if no one was benefitting from the program but the social service workers themselves, it wouldn't have lasted this long? Drive past one of their buildings. The parking lot isn't empty. Until there are no longer people who need them, the only people who consider them a waste are those who have never needed them. Could they be organized better? Sure, but what government branch couldn't?





Edit: Welfare began forcing people into work during the Clinton administration when Republicans passed a bill they thought would "wipe out" welfare. Since it did not address the real causes of welfare, it failed. But the way welfare was set up originally was a guarantee that a large number of people would remain on it for generations. But "welfare reform" was not set up to guarantee jobs for social service workers. It was set up to continue to oppress people who with the proper help could actually eventually be able to support themselves!
Reply:Nope but all ive heard is about they're screw jobs and standards higher than a god dam slut.
Reply:I have benefited from social services- I became disabled and unable to work while I waited for Canada pension-disability to start social services was there to assist me. Since then they top up my pension to meet my living needs-they cover all my medical from prescriptions to equipment to eye-glasses and dental.


Social services is an agency that like all bureaucratic offices has it's flaws and of course there are many people abusing the system but for those who need it it is a Godsend.


What is needed is a system that can weed out the abusers and hold them accountable and the staff to do the same.
Reply:we should not disband it rather improve it


Social workers took my girlfriend need help!!?

they took my girlfriend and her twin sis cuz they were living in a house after there dad had moved da week b 4. he was going 2 let them stay to finish skoo, all they needed 2 do was find a friend 2 live with. they stayed in da old house because there dad moved 2 hours away. he told them if they changed there minds he would pick them up on friday. dat friday social workers took them because there dad left them in da house alone. i was there when da social workers took them. my girlfriends dad wants me 2 lie and say dat i was going 2 the house everyday 2 check up on them, because i am an adult. but i am afraid dat i will get screwed over because my girlfriend is 16 and im 20. but i don't want her dad 2 get in trouble n he told me 2 pretend im just his friend but da social workers know that she is my girlfriend. her dad told me not to worry, he said i can only get in trouble if my girlfriend says i raped her. what should i do? btw we met in high school and i live in california

Social workers took my girlfriend need help!!?
The dad was wrong for living the kids.Thats child abandonment.He needs to lose all rights and even go to jail.He could have been driving back to take them to school.It may be best to step back for a while.If someone asks you about you 2 having sex tell them you 2 only kissed.It all depends on what your girlfriend says that will affect you.If she calls never talk about sex because the conversation may be recorded.Do not lie for dad because if the sister tells the truth and if you don't u might go to jail.
Reply:first of all you would get into trouble for stayuory rape. secondly their dad would get in trouble for abandoning his kids. he should had stay at a friends house where there would be adult supervision.
Reply:They're 16 ,what kind of screwed up state cant you leave your 16yr old alone for a few days in?..Long as the dad still owned or was paying rent on the house, the social workers or anyone else interferring is way out of line.Must be a california thing, here there would have been nothing wrong with them staying there on their own to complete school.However since the girl had a 20 yr old boy friend that she was letting come to the house,that shows she shouldnt have been left alone to use her own judgement,an the father allowing such a relationship seriously questions if his custody is in the best interests of the girls,so maybe intervention by a protective services is reasonable to protect the girl from a sexual predator like you.
Reply:do what you have to do to rescue your girlfriend


Social Science Format!?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...

I am doing an independent study project and I am suppose to report my results using social science format, How do I write social science format?


It would be much appreciated if you could link me up to a site that shows an example of someone who did a project and wrote a social science format





THAT'S IF YOU CAN, JUST PLEASE REPLY

Social Science Format!?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...
I *think* this most likely means APA (American Psychological Association) format. I'm a sociology minor and all my papers/projects must be written in this format.


Here is their style website:


http://apastyle.apa.org/


If you still need more info, just google "apa style" and it should give you what you need.


Good luck!
Reply:This doesn't really answer your question, and it would be easily answered by your teacher, (get to know your teacher) but most social science projects are greatly enhanced by charts, surveys, percentages, lots of figures derived from polling, analysing and/or making things up.

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