The Role Of The Nephrology Social Worker In A Dialysis Center

Social work is a profession that helps individuals, families, and groups change behaviors,
emotions, attitudes, relationships, and social conditions to restore and enhance their capacity

to meet their personal and social needs and improve their quality of life.

A licensed master’s social worker (LMSW) is part of the interdisciplinary team provided to

each person who receives treatment at a dialysis center. Social workers in a dialysis setting

will help those receiving treatment identify and use their strengths to cope with the adjustment

to the dialysis regimen and fluid/dietary restrictions.

Your nephrology social worker can:

  · Provide education on the CKD/ESRD illness and treatment options
     including transplant.

  · Assess quality of life by continuing to monitor for depression and assist
     the individual in adapting their life to ESRD through supportive counseling.

  · Will assess and coach the individual toward maximized physical,
     emotional, and social balance. They encourage the individual to continue to
     seek and attain what they desire in life.

  · To encourage and guide the patient to deal with outside stressors or
     barriers that may interfere with the person’s adherence to treatment.

  · Will offer support to family/caregiver.

  · Provide assistance with concrete services such as insurance,
     transportation, and travel.

Anyone dealing with a major life changing situation, such as chronic illness, will undergo a
period of adjustment. Using the support provided by your nephrology social worker could
ease the stress and anxiety experienced by the challenges of the ESRD illness.

Get to know and use the services of your nephrology social worker, it just could make a
difference in your quality of life.

by Mary Rzeszut, LMSW