What field instructors of social work students need from hospital field work programs

Hospital field instructors of graduate social work students can experience considerable stress in managing their dual roles as practitioners and teachers. This paper looks at the kinds of supports that field instructors need from hospital social work departments to help them experience field instruction positively. Annual program evaluations completed by field instructors at one hospital over a five year period were analyzed. Findings suggest that ongoing departmental seminars for field instructors can be critical in supporting them in this role well beyond the first year. Implications for retaining field instructors and directions for further research are highlighted.