Welcome to The New Social Worker's Blog

The New Social Worker is the quarterly magazine for social work students and recent graduates, focusing on social work careers for those new to the profession. This blog is a companion to the free online magazine at http://www.socialworker.com.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Busting through Writer's Block


I HAVE BEEN A BIT BLOG-BLOCKED this past week. A kind note from a reader helped to light a fire under my keyboard, so to speak.

I have been very concerned about confidentiality these days. I don't want to take the chance of breaking the NASW Code of Ethics. Although I change the gender, number of people, and even the circumstances of the cases in my posts, I want to be extra mindful of the incredible responsibility I have to my agency and clients.

That said, I became completely blocked as a result of this!

I guess getting my fingertips back on the keys is the only way to begin again, so here goes...

This past week in the field involved lots of meetings and training. I am also working on completing an online training program which will prepare me for the final child welfare test which is required to get a job in the agency after graduation.

This last semester is challenging. It's not the work. I can handle that. It's being so close to the end that I can taste it. It's realizing that I have been incredibly focused for two and a half years and I'm tired. It's recognizing the toll it has taken on my life, my marriage, my friendships, etc. And knowing that, in the end, it will be worth it. It will be one of the best decisions I have ever made.

This blog has been so helpful for me. Posting to it helps me sort things out. It helps take the drama and energy away from experiences that confound me. And if I have helped just one person, it will have been worth every word, sentence, and paragraph about being in graduate school earning a MSW.

~Ms. T. J.

4 comments:

  1. I have really enjoyed reading your blog and others and after graduating in "02" I can see how helpful this would have been for me and all my fellow students. But moving forward, instead of back will definitly be more helpful now and sharing and listening to others in my field definitly benefits my work presently. I also read a great blog a few months ago discussing the "Ethics" of using Facebook , here in the New Social worker Mag. I like the way the writer took line by line the Code of Ethics and pertained it to usage. It was timely for me as I was trying to decide if I should join Facebook as a social worker, when clients of mine are members.  I sincerely believe that I do not need to limit my experiences if I try to use awareness and am acting with thoughtfulness,. One of the reasons I enjoy your blog and get so much out of it, is because you are honest and heartfelt. So keep it up girl, and good luck in your last days as a student! I know that I agree with your statement that this was the best decision you have made. Me Too!

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  2. Thank you SO much, Saryjane!It's always nice to hear that someone gets something out of my ramblings. :)

    I have pondered whether or not I will remain on Facebook after I get my Master's, and I appreciate your thoughts about it.
    ~Ms. T. J.

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  3. As a current community college student with MSW aspirations, I feel compelled to say that you are an inspiration! Thank you for this blog.

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  4. Jenna-

    Your note comes on a day when I have struggled, so an extra big "thank you!" to you.

    I hope you are having a really great experience at community college and that you are getting all that you need.

    Keep aspiring for that MSW! You can achieve anything to which you put your mind!

    ~Ms. T. J.

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