Differences and Similarities between Social Work and Nurse Discharge Planners

Historically the tasks involved in discharge planning have been a part of the practice of social work as well as the field of nursing. Based on this history and need for collaboration, a study conducted in 1998 measured the responses of 178 nurses and social workers who practiced discharge planning in 58 different hospitals in Alabama. According to the information gathered in this sample, it was clear that social workers as well as nurses continued to be important service providers in the area of discharge planning. Demographic data, work setting, caseload, and task differences were compared and significant differences were reported. This article makes recommendations for social work's participation in advocacy, policy, and outcome research in discharge planning.