Sarah Zaglifa, who has a master's degree in social work, was recently named a 2011 Healthcare Hero by the Connecticut Hospital Association at their annual meeting. Currently, Zaglifa is a social worker at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital.
Officials from the association wrote in a statement that the licensed clinical social worker received her award for showing compassion, creativity and engagement while caring for "some of the hospital's most vulnerable patients and families." They said she is also always willing to share her knowledge and opinions regarding ethical issues.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals who work as medical or public heath social workers support families and individuals who are dealing with chronic, terminal or acute illnesses. They may help patients find at-home services or help family members prepare for their discharge. Additionally, hospital social workers may assist interdisciplinary teams in evaluating individuals.
The demand for hospital social workers will continue to increase. In the next seven years, jobs for these professionals are expected to grow by about 22 percent, the BLS states.