The Significance of Continuing Education
Philomena Kennedy, CSW-R, Nephrology Social Worker
Montefiore Dialysis Center IV
Despite these numbers and their effect in influencing positive change, the role
of the social worker is misunderstood in general, and, further, frequently misrepresented
in the media. Negative reporting on high profile cases, without a defining distinction
between the professional social worker and the untrained caseworker, is not
uncommon. This undifferentiated classification is further reinforced when unchallenged
by the individual practitioner and the profession as a whole. Multiple avenues
are available to distinguish the unique skills and influence of the master’s
level social worker even further. Post Master’s education presents unlimited
choice for advanced degrees and specialty.
As a practitioner in nephrology, I have participated in programs sponsored by
several organizations including the National Kidney Foundation, National Association
of Social Workers, American Kidney Fund, End Stage Renal Disease Network and
others. However, in a period when large caseloads, complex patient needs and
increasing non-social work consume our time, committing to educational opportunities
can be daunting. In the past when I faced this dilemma and chose to miss valuable
programs, I experienced feelings of isolation, disconnection from colleagues
and lack of updated knowledge. Once motivated to change and recommit to ongoing
education, I felt reinvigorated and renewed. On-site responsibilities combined
More than a hundred years ago Jane Adams used her privileged background and
education to create a permanent place in history for social workers. A century
later her successors continue to advocate for the indigent, the disenfranchised,
the sick, and the elderly. Today’s social workers also face daunting challenges
in patient populations- poverty, lack of insurance, resistant bureaucracies
and a rapidly changing health care field. The number of practicing social workers
is impressive. In New York City alone 30,000 MSWs are employed.with continuing
education has enriched my professional experience and increased my knowledge
and confidence. Most important, my understanding of patient needs and care has
been enhanced. The ultimate beneficiaries of my post-master’s training
are my patients.
Participating in The Council of Nephrology Social Work (CNSW of the National
Kidney Foundation) has been a central source of my education and growth. Significantly,
I have worked alongside dedicated professionals who founded the organization
in the 1970s. I currently serve as Board President, and I have held other board
positions in the past. Over those years, the quality of the experience and the
involvement of the membership emphasized the value of and the need for such
a stable network. Quarterly meetings offer such diverse and timely presentations
as the new HIPAA regulations, Medicare legislation, the NYS social work licensing
law, patient entitlements and mental health issues. The principle of group support
through networking is a vital aspect of the association.
NASW also offers a number of areas for upgrading social workers’ professional
skills. One incentive for Post Master’s education is the NASW Continuing
Education Recognition Program (CERP). Additionally, NASW offers several specialty
certifications in Children, Youth & Family; Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs;
Case Management; and Health Care. As a result of my Post Master’s education,
I have qualified for and been granted NASW certifications (see “Credentials”
page 10).
The full significance of the NYS Licensing Bill is as yet unknown since the
regulations have not yet been finalized. Clearly, it promises stringent standards
of practice that will bring new attention and recognition to the profession.
The core of the social work profession lies in its knowledge base, the values,
ethics and principles encompassed in service to others. Post Master’s
education buttresses skills, maximizes function, brings exposure and opportunities
for career advancement. It is the gateway to growth, change and increased pride
in an honorable profession.