BORN TO HELP

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation was to ascertain (1) the level of readiness for hospital social work roles as perceived by Master of Social Work (MSW) graduates from Council on Social Work Education accredited programs, (2) the extent to which MSW level social workers felt prepared for their hospital roles by their MSW education, and (3) the quality of life perceived by social workers, with self-efficacy as a possible mediator variable. A critical literature review was completed. Surveys were sent using social media. One empirical study examined the level of self-efficacy felt by social workers as they worked in hospital settings. It also investigated the degree to which they felt prepared for their hospital roles by their MSW education. A second empirical study examined a path model testing the possible moderating effect of professional self-efficacy on the relationship between perceived preparedness and quality of life. Emerging themes from open-ended comments were also compiled.

Findings from a systematic review of the literature showed an emerging pattern of themes: (1) a history of social work with a focus on the knowledge base; (2) the importance of the roles of hospital social workers; and (3) the role of social workers in hospitals as part of interprofessional teams.

Results of the first empirical study showed MSW social workers only felt moderately prepared for their hospital roles, and felt moderate levels of self-efficacy. Results of the path analysis suggested that professional self-efficacy mediated the relationship between the degree to which social workers felt prepared by their MSW training to work in hospital settings and their quality of life. Results further suggested social workers’ sense of preparedness had a stronger effect on professional self-confidence than did their on-the-job experience. The results also showed professional self-efficacy had a positive effect on quality of life.

Results of the qualitative analysis revealed that social workers support and define the profession to one another. Most felt unprepared by their MSW program for hospital social work. Anecdotally, social workers reported encouraging one another, and reported excellent self-care habits, all of which can contribute to good quality of life.