Topic2DQ1
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Dec 6, 2023
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When a caseload is so high that a social worker isn't able to affirm the uniqueness and dignity of each
client, this can be considered compassion fatigue. Provide an example of compassion fatigue you have
witnessed at your field placement. Next, explain how compassion fatigue could become an ethical
violation and why. Connect your explanation to the NASW Code of Ethics.
This discussion question is informed by the following EPAS Standard:
1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Initial Posting 11/9/23 8:40am
An example of compassion fatigue that I have seen in my field placement is actually with some of my
clients that I have/had on my caseload. I work at a behavioral health agency, so I was luckily able to
complete my field work with my place of employment. When I first started out as a case manager at my
place of employment, I started with about 10 clients, which that gradually started to increase as the
years went on, I am now up to 27 clients, I used to have 30. I had to switch some clients around to other
case managers because I wasn’t “connecting” with them and I wasn’t able to give them the treatment
that they needed. I have had the same clients from the time I started up until now and I do find myself
getting worn out with the same clients and the same stories that they always seem to have. I have talked
myself into soon switching them to another case manager, so that they are able to have the treatment
that they need. I am bounced around between 4 cities and it is hard to make sure that all of my clients
are seen each month. There have been times that I have missed some of my clients and I have had to
reach out and explain that I was sorry that I missed them and then schedule something for the following
month.
According to the NASW (2023), “Social workers seek to enhance clients’ capacity and opportunity to
change and to address their own needs. Social workers are cognizant of their dual responsibility to
clients and to the broader society. They seek to resolve conflicts between clients’ interests and the
broader society’s interests in a socially responsible manner consistent with the values, ethical principles,
and ethical standards of the profession”. If I am not able to give my full attention to my clients when they
need it, then it is time to switch them to someone that might be able to give them the services that they
need. Which if I am not able to give my full attention to them, then this can go into an ethical violation
because a social worker needs to give their full attention to their clients when they are working with
them.
Reference:
National Association of Social Workers (NASW). (2023). Read the Code of Ethics: Ethical Principles.
https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
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