A Keuka College junior completed a monthlong field placement at Unity Hospital in Rochester, working in patient care settings.
Abby Butler, a social work major, worked in the hospital’s emergency department as well as surgical and respiratory units.
Butler conducted initial patient assessments and provided support for patients admitted under observation.
“Social workers are like the glue between the doctors and the nurses,” she said. “If they have a question, we answer it.”
She also assisted with discharge planning, including coordinating placements in skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities and preparing care management referrals.
“Discharge planning is a key responsibility, and Abby assisted with several aspects of this process,” said supervisor Jill LiBritz. “She met with patients who had varying levels of social work needs, submitted care management referrals, and helped prepare placement packets for patients who required higher levels of care, such as skilled nursing or rehabilitation facilities.”
Butler said the experience helped shape her career direction.
“I realized, this is going to be future me. I can see myself doing the same thing, growing in different environments, working with different people,” she said.
Her work included direct interaction with patients and families during medical care and transition planning.
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