What do nurses want from social workers?

Abstract

This study is based on a series of interviews with 45 senior nurses and outlines their perceptions about, and expectations of, social workers. The study found that nurses want social workers to provide a range of practical services for patients and to act as a bridge with the community, making use of their unique position to move between health and social services. They want a mutually satisfying professional working relationship with social workers based on trust, confidence and reliability. And they want them to fulfill their statutory responsibilities with expertise.