By Jennifer Gazda, LCSW, CMC, CDP
Throughout my undergraduate and graduate social work education, I recall trying to identify where I wanted to go with my career. The field of social work can be quite versatile in terms of what areas you wish to practice in, and I found many of my peers with end goals of starting a private practice for therapy. While I would never say no to any opportunity, this did not feel part of my journey. Upon receiving my BSW, I entered the field of child welfare, where I wanted to be at that time.
Idealistic at 22, I wanted to help these families and their children. During my career in child welfare, I wish I could tell you I did not see quite terrible things. I also wish I could tell you that I never had to fear for my own safety. Child welfare settings as a case manager can be rewarding and challenging, but over time, I experienced quite a bit of burnout. I was unsure where to go next or what step to take, so I explored obtaining further education and entered an MSW program to help me advance my career and other available opportunities. It was during this MSW program that I discovered medical social work. Because I had my BSW, I qualified for advanced standing in an MSW program, which meant I could complete it full-time in nine months.
Let me tell you, as a mother of a two-year-old and also working full-time, it was no easy feat! However, it was well worth it. I was tasked to find an internship, and I wanted to find a placement in a hospital. The two hospitals the university approved were already filled, so I was told I could only do this if I found my own. Guess what? That’s what I did. I identified another smaller hospital in the area, which allowed me even greater exposure because I could work on every unit instead of just one area of focus.
During this hospital internship, I was able to participate in end-of-life planning, exploring if patients had powers of attorney, providing education on public benefits and community services, and attending to emergency department crises, including mental health, sudden death, and violence. I could not have asked for a better experience, and this is also where I discovered the differences between a social work discharge planner and a nurse case manager in the hospital setting. While there were differences, we worked closely together and leaned on one another while seeing patients and managing heavy workloads. I had found what I wanted to do! Since then, I have had many opportunities to provide medical advocacy and support to patients and their families. While I may not be a nurse, my experience and critical thinking allow me to provide sound guidance and recommendations to patients navigating the healthcare maze.
And certainly, my medically trained nurses are on my speed dial if I need a consult or experience a complex issue in which additional support is needed. As a recent new member of CMSA, I encourage you to explore the benefits of attending a local event and meeting like minded individuals. I envision a great future of collaboration between nurses, social workers and other specialists to have a true transdisciplinary group of folks at our fingertips. Imagine the possibilities of what we could do for our patients. This is what I hope to find as I become more involved with CMSA.
National Case Management Week 2024 is October 13-19—Get ready to celebrate the heroes of healthcare—our Case Managers! This year’s lineup is packed with FREE CEs, including bonus October webinars, live networking events, amazing prizes, and so much more! Register Here: https://cmsa.org/about/national-cm-week/
Bio: Jennifer Gazda, LCSW, CMC, CDP holds a Doctorate of Social Work from Aurora University and has dedicated the majority of her career to helping the geriatric population and their families. Jennifer has held the role of case manager in a variety of settings including child welfare, skilled nursing, and hospitals. Jennifer currently serves as Regional Director-Midwest for Arosa, provider of private care management and home care services across the country.
Jennifer Congratulations on the path you have taken to becoming a well rounded
Professional Case manager