Competency 4

By Lauren-Eve
Competency 1.4
Engage diversity and difference in practice
Practice Behaviors
4.1 Recognize the extent to which a cultures structures and values may
oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance privilege and power.
As a social work intern in a hospital I must learn how to find resources for patients who
may not have the means to afford care and services. This includes patients who are
unemployed, self pay, homeless and limited in resources and/or access to resources.
Practice Behaviors
4.2 Gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influences of personal
biases and values in working with diverse groups.
I must remember to put my patients and their needs and/or potential needs first. Not
let personal judgment for a patients lifestyle, diagnosis, financial/insurance situation,
living situation influence how I handle their needs or treat/speak with them.
Practice Behaviors
4.3 Recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of
difference in shaping life experiences.
It is my responsibility to review patient charts, which include history and physical and
orders. I must be able to utilize what I learn from reading a patient chart, completing
assessments, and engaging with the patient one-on-one to gain a knowledge of what
they need for discharge. I must also consider that services that are needed can be
obtained for the patient and realize personal experiences and upbringing and culture
can possibly influence how patients feel about certain services that may be needed. I
must utilize what I learn about my patients to ensure they receive appropriate services.
Practice Behaviors
4.4 View themselves as learners and engage those with whom they work as
informants.
I have to view each patient as a new learning experience. A lot of the patients are there
for similar reasons, but that does not mean they will all have similar needs for or after
discharge.
Utilize the field instructor, supervisor, and staff of agency to learn about resources for
the patients.