posted
on 3/2/2022
in
BLOGS from St. Anthony
Each day social workers touch millions of lives. In fact, you, a family member, or a friend have likely been helped by a social worker. You will find social workers practically everywhere, working in schools, hospitals, mental health care facilities, veteran centers, child welfare agencies and in local, state, and federal government.
St. Anthony Regional Hospital is honored to have eight social workers.
Alex Harmening is the Dialysis Social Worker, supporting patients and their families to learn how to cope with kidney disease and providing education on how to adjust to the changes that come with dialysis.
Journey Stork is the Hospice Social Worker and Bereavement Coordinator, supporting patients and their families navigate planning for life with an incurable illness and advocating for the patient’s wishes, as well as providing support to the families of the patients beyond their passing.
Luanne Kustra is the Nursing Home Social Worker, supporting residents by providing an environment, policies and routines that enable residents to maximize their independence and dignity.
Melissa Schultes and Abbie Mahannah are the Medical/Surgical Unit Social Workers, supporting patients by educating patients and families about illnesses and treatment plans while connecting them with the necessary resources for a successful discharge from the hospital.
Mindi Rotert and Alex Willenborg are the Inpatient Mental Health Social Workers, supporting patients by identifying and addressing their mental health status and needs and connecting patients with relevant follow-up resources and services for a thriving discharge.
Sara Skinner is the social worker who coordinates the H.O.P.E.S. (Health Opportunities for Parents to Experience Success) program, which provides support to expecting parents and/or parents with children 0-4 on pregnancy, parenting, child development miles stones, health and many other topics.
Although the social workers in each department fulfill a variety of roles and tasks, there are a few similarities. One is assessing each individual’s physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being, which guides practice and assists in identifying goals, needs, and strengths of the individual(s) they are serving.