1. WK1Erica Thompson Field Education Blog
Social Work Field Training gives students the opportunity to learn from a licensed social
worker and the ability to put that learning into practice. The field experience also provides
exposure to real life clients and prepares the students with the skills, techniques, and social work
values to “move from the role of a student to that of a professional social worker” (Garthwait,
2014, p 2). According to Garthwait (2014) “students make considerable progress in developing
self-awareness and come to a better understanding of their individual strengths and limitations,
as well as the influences of their personal values, attitudes, and life experiences on their
practice.”
The agency where I’m completing my field training is actually within a military hospital.
The name of the agency is 6T inpatient Psychiatry at San Antonio Military Medical Center. Care
is provided there for patients requiring inpatient hospitalization of acute mental health disorders
and are from 18 to 65 years of age. Patients eligible for care include active duty military
members, reserve, and the National Guard members on active orders. The unit holds a maximum
of 20 patients with 2 rooms for patients requiring 1:1 care.
At 6T Inpatient Psychiatry, social work is responsible for attending interdisciplinary
treatment team meetings and communicating with other staff about patient care. When new
patients get admitted, social work conducts a bio psychosocial assessment within the first 24 to
48 hours and obtains collateral history from the family. Once the initial assessment is complete,
the social worker based on the treatment team’s recommendations, establishes a plan of care and
helps the patient set some short term and long term goals. The social worker is also responsible
for assisting patients through the medical board and or discharge process to include locating and
arranging follow up care, and advocating for the patient. Lastly, social workers facilitate

2. different groups on the unit as well and assist patients in taking care of personal matters while on
inpatient status.
My field instructor is going above and beyond in exposing me to the many aspects of
social work on the inpatient psychiatric unit. Her motto is to teach, show, allow for practice, and
evaluate. The field instructor also offers empowerment and a constructive evaluation at the end
of the day. I not only have exposure to my field instructor but to other social workers and their
style of social work as well as other mental health/ medical professionals. These professionals
include, staff psychiatrists, psychiatry residents, nurses, technicians, case managers, chaplains,
psychologists, nutritionists, occupational therapists, etc. Attending Interdisciplinary treatment
team meetings allow me get a complete synopsis of the patient and how the patient presents. It
also gives me the opportunity to observe how to properly assess a patient, formulate a treatment
plan, and conduct a diagnostic assessment within a healthcare team setting.
References:
Garthwait, C. (2012). The social work practicum: A guide and workbook for students (6th ed.).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.