As a whole, the number of social workers could increase by 13% from 2019-29, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). I am also very much interested in working in the area of eating disorders. Sounds like you would be great for mental health. The social work profession occurs where individuals, communities, and society intersect. Both nursing and social work as careers are rooted in the wish to help other people. With a master’s degree, it only takes two years if coming from another field. google_ad_client = "pub-5624662676499742"; What are the pros and benefits of both careers? Thanks for your insights. And its a 'generic' social work degree, so if you decided you fancied trying your hand at children's social work, you could. It sounds like a great idea, but currently, school districts are hard-pressed to even afford a qualified RN school nurse. To be a school nurse, most districts require a BSN. There are accelerated bachelor’s degree programs if you wish to switch careers, and for those who already hold a BSN in another field may take as little as 12 months to complete. Where as with Nursing you can find work with an ASN Degree ( A lot of hospitals do want BSN Degrees, but in my area ASN is still accepted) Now you will take a huge cut in pay if you do social work. The financial rewards of being a nurse are obviously tied to whether you have an ADN, BSN or a master’s degree. 4 months ago. This can also lead to management positions and the ability to work overseas, for the federal government, with an increased cost of living allowance. The BLS projects 14% growth for healthcare social workers and 12% growth for child, family, and school social workers. A diploma program is administered by hospitals and takes 3 years, but there are few hospitals that offer this course. Plus, I have to say that other professions do not have or have limited respect for us because our profession is based on liberal arts education and “soft skills”, whereas nursing is based on the “science & art” of caring for a patient or client. You can also become nationally certified and/or state certified (state requirement differ across states). If you're more interested in the psychosocial aspects of care, nursing probably is not the best fit. Again, I'm proud to be a social worker. This can be challenging but also extremely rewarding to help someone evolve and make better choices during this critical time. google_ad_height = 280; u/vin9000. Take a look around your local area on job boards, etc. Social workers also have continuing education requirements to be fulfilled in most states, though some states allow for all the ceu credits to be done online. As a former social worker and MSW student I left social work specifically to attend nursing school. The higher your educational achievements, the more room for advancement there will be, and the outlook for employment for those wishing to enter the world of nursing is good. Following an adult nursing degree you could do an 18 month midwifery conversion, or a social work masters, or Frontline (like Teach First, but for social work). Social Work vs Nursing (UK) I'm writing this post on behalf of my beloved wife. A diploma must be followed by an associate or bachelor’s degree to enter the occupation, and a national licensing exam must also be passed. My Mum has had severe mental health problems since I was little and has been in and out of hospital and seen in the community which has made me want to help people in her situation. What are your strengths and your interests? There are many disciplines within each career, and the choice may be difficult. Nursing a great profession and you can take into any direction whether you want to do counseling or more medication management or both. She is struggling to choose between an MA for social work (1year) and PGDip for mental health nursing (2years). google_ad_type = "text"; I commend those of you who majored in both fields. This job requires a master’s degree plus some years experience in the field or another related area. Are there psychosocial nursing related positions? At times other professions treat and care for the individual at a moment in time. Comment by Kelly — April 26, 2011 @ 2:30 pm, Nursing Or Social Work Degree: Which One To Choose, Removing Kids From Home: Can Social Workers Take Kids Away, Selecting A Graduate Program For Social Work, University Of Pittsburgh School Of Social Work, University Of Wisconsin School Of Social Work, 3 CEU Credits Home Study Course on Yoga, Meditation and Breathing for Depression, Anxiety and Stress, Florida CEU Workshops Using Yoga and Meditation for Mental Health, Join Me on Facebook for Inspiration and Balance, columbia university school of social work, university of maryland school of social work. Social Work on the adults pathway. I work in close contact with our school student support and counseling team and many of student's psychosocial issues present to me as physical symptoms. I have done EXTENSIVE research as I want to work with mental health, and here is what I have found. Our mission is to Empower, Unite, and Advance every nurse, student, and educator. Just food for thought! In the current economy, even LCSW's those who have a Masters and 2 years post masters have a difficult time finding work and substantial pay! Those paid the most in the social work field generally have private practices or are those that teach social work at universities with the DSW degree. [h=1]I am currently in a nursing a program and it seems that so much of it is based on medications/pharmacology. But if I had the past ten years of education to do over, I'd be a nurse right now. google_color_link = "0000FF"; In my area there is lots of social work type Nursing Jobs and the trend seems to be going that way as far as I can tell...because I think we are starting to realize a lot of people's social problems stem from physical problems as well so it's valuable as a professional to be able to have a conversation about one's social AND physical well being. Starting salaries of around £18,500 are common. A social worker in a school may have to deal with difficult teenagers and try to solve problems due to poor home situations, antisocial behavior, depression, learning problems and possibly drug addiction. Medical social workers can be found across the health care system, from hospital pediatric wings to nursing homes. But social workers perform a public service and we know as nurses that public servants tend to collect good will. Has 35 years experience. A medical social worker based in a nursing home can expect to make, on average between $45,000- … However, a social worker must have a specific social work degree to gain a license in the industry. google_color_border = "FFFFFF"; However, this can be increased if you are in a supervisory or administration position. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners function in a very broad role, both directing behavioral health & medical care... but that will require at least Master's degree in nursing. Can anyone enlighten me more on the role of a nurse and social worker? (I used Indeed.com for the averages). Particularly I found a passion in working with at risk youth. Posted by. Education – Case managers may have a degree in nursing, therapy, social work or other relevant fields. A career in nursing starts out with a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree or a diploma. Yea..I want to help people, but I also want my kids to be able to go to the best schools, live in a nice neighborhood and enjoy nice things in life. For me I realized that I enjoyed the broader role of nurses than as an MSW. Most social work careers, whether as a school social worker, medical or public health social worker, or a substance abuse or mental health social worker, pay around forty to fifty thousand a year with the MSW degree. A medical social worker based in a nursing home can expect to make, on average between $45,000- $50,000 per year, depending on location and experience. I think for me being a social worker would be more rewarding than nursing because I don’t want to take anatomy and lots of science courses but am more interested in people’s emotional changes. Now both professions help people. Remember this is starting out. I'm facing the same debate as you (and it's a never ending internal debate for me too)...so I may not be much help but I'll chime in anyway. You’ll be taking more science courses if you go into nursing so that is something to consider. Masters Counseling ($55K Average, slim jobs) Masters Psychology ($55K, slim jobs, some states wont even license this as therapist) Masters Social Work ($62K Average, Good job prospects) Masters Physician Studies - Psychiatric ($95K, GREAT job prospects, High Demand) Masters Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner ($115K, Highly Needed, GREAT job prospects, LA/NY may pay up to 200K)....So. First things first, for Social Work you need atleast a Masters to get into the field. I originally thought nursing and working as an eating disorder nurse or within the schools. Within nursing there are many different paths and you can really change the direction or specialty any time. Its ridiculous. Which means that once qualified you can do either mh or sw. I love my job and will admit that I feel that it is kinda a blend between nursing and social work sometimes :). Yet they are not liked. There are many disciplines within each career, and the choice may be difficult. In this article, the author addresses the importance of considering the interface of institutional, sociopolitical, and relational trauma in clinical social work practice. 1-612-816-8773. If you become a Psych NP (MSN specialty in psych) you can definitely write your own ticket and provide "holistic" care to patients who represent the demographic you want to work with! Typically a registered nurse earns on average $65,000 per year, but some nurses can command salaries of nearly $100,000 per year. Some states and employers also require that nurses continue their education to gain credits, so if you want to become an RN you will have to get used to learning throughout your career. Not sure where Fisherpe was looking with a max salary of 50K for MSW, Indian Affairs, VA, and most organizations will start you OFF at 55K, with License, and I see jobs, however, it is true that you can do ANYTHING in Nursing, get much more PRESTIGE with your job title, respect from individuals, never ending job opportunities, schedules. google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; Nursing practice is holistic, but - outside of behavioral health environments, our focus is on physiology & counseling/therapeutic intervention is managed by other disciplines. I know someone who worked in a youth addition treatment centre. We would expect the community to be on the side of a profession that exists to protect children or vulnerable adults, or to address the effects of social deprivation or exclusion, wouldn’t we? You will make at most 50k plus you will be limited in your scope of practice to just counseling folks with eating disorders instead of adding a "unique" niche to your craft by consulting on the physiology of what an eating disorder could result into like depression, body image, lack of nutrition etc. In some ways different from nursing and physical therapy in that a social worker is involved with the whole person’s emotional,physical, and spiritual well being. Salary Outlook and Careers for Social Workers and Counselors. My local Uni does a Joint Practitioner degree which is a Social Work degree with Mental Health nursing. A licensed clinical social worker can make about the same. Nursing vs. Social Work (the never ending internal debate), Huntington Hospital New Grad Residency Program (Pasadena, CA) 2021. 3. I love working with people. Nurses make great money. Mental health nursing is not what it looks like from the outside. google_color_url = "999999"; My impression is that there are more nursing jobs available right now in most places than social work jobs. allnurses is a Nursing Career, Support, and News Site. To advance to a position such as a nurse-midwife or a nurse anesthetist will require a master’s degree. google_color_text = "000000"; Remember this is starting out. google_ad_width = 336; I agree what others have mentioned previously! Taking a master’s degree course will help you advance up the ladder and enable private practice options. Good luck to everyone. [/h], I am still a prenursing student but I will chime in my two cents. The opportunities for social workers are increasing too. Nurses are generally better paid than social workers but may have to work long hours and nights and work with patients who may have infections diseases. I have a MSW and I am transitioning into nursing for more opportunities for my career and financial stability! Subjects like sociology, psychology, criminology, economics, education, health, and political science are all essential to this field. //-->. Id say volunteer or take up agency work as a mental health support worker for a month and then decide. Take eating disorder treatment for instance; nursing care is usually limited to inpatient programs in which nurses are responsible for 'medical' interventions (IV therapy, tube feeds, etc), dietitians manage nutritional status, and behavioral health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, etc) direct those services. google_ad_format = "336x280_as"; allnurses.com, INC, 7900 International Drive #300, Bloomington MN 55425 The Average for Social Work is 50 thousand dollars a year, were as for Nursing its around 70 thousand dollars a year. Posted from TSR Mobile The Average for Social Work is 50 thousand dollars a year, were as for Nursing its around 70 thousand dollars a year. Your current experience will do you well and it's much less stressful and family friendly than nursing or children social work. Well, I'm a school nurse and definitely handle psychosocial health everyday. As far as I'm aware, the option doesn't exist in reverse. By using the site you agree to our Privacy, Cookies, and Terms of Service Policies. Social work vs. counseling salary information can vary depending on the particular career, the setting, certifications, educational background, and experience level. Social Work vs Nursing (UK) Close. Both nursing and social work degree programs teach students unique perspectives in assessing and treating patients. Even if you go into private practice, it will take you some time to gain your clientele and your business; in the meantime you have to take care of your needs! I could do the same work, get paid better, and be treated better as a master's level nurse. Our members represent more than 60 professional nursing specialties. I will graduate with my MSW in six weeks. Social work revolves around service, but is inherently interdisciplinary in nature. Federal jobs have really good pension, continuous raises, and plenty of job choices. Would mental health nursing be more geared to psychosocial health or would it be more medication management? And I too am thinking which route to take. Nursing pays more, there is more career opportunity...you may have to pay your dues in an area you are not passionate about for awhile, but once you find your niche I think you may find it more rewarding...you can always volunteer at social services agencies on the side if you are very passionate about eating disorders and at risk youth. I also really enjoy topics like psychosocial health. I'd go for social work. The average salary for a social worker in the UK is £46,000, but there is great variation within that. A BSN taken in a college or university lasts for 4 years and an associate degree or ADN will last for 2 to 3 years. Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac. I will note that adult nursing is the most versatile of the three. The choice is difficult, especially with the responsibility of caring for sick people under strict scrutiny and supervision. Hi, I'm at college at the moment doing health and social care and considering doing either mental health nursing at uni, or social work to specialise in mental health after qualifying. Sounds like that could be a good fit. I already have an MPA degree.