The Hospice Administrator as Counselor

ABSTRACT

An anonymous mail survey of administrators and social workers at a random sample of hospices revealed that, contrary to traditional expectations, these health care administrators were providing direct patient/client counseling as one of their most frequently mentioned and highest ranked functions. This function was performed in institutional/hospital-based facilities as well as independent/free-standing facilities. It was also likely to be a role played by the administrator in the absence of a social worker on staff. This finding has implications for continuing education of hospice administrators, health administration education, for those who wish to be hospice administrators and hospice social workers, and for those hiring such individuals.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Diane E. Alperin

Diane E. Alperin, MS, is an Assistant Professor in the Social Work Program at Florida Atlantic University. Nicholas D. Richie, MSW, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the University’s Health Administration Program. Both have served as consultants to a local hospice, and published research on hospice administration in such publications as Social Work in Health Care, The Journal of Health Administration Education, Nursing Forum, and The Journal of Nursing Administration. Mailing Address: Florida Atlantic University, Division of Community Services, Boca Raton, FL 33431.

Nicholas D. Richie

Diane E. Alperin, MS, is an Assistant Professor in the Social Work Program at Florida Atlantic University. Nicholas D. Richie, MSW, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the University’s Health Administration Program. Both have served as consultants to a local hospice, and published research on hospice administration in such publications as Social Work in Health Care, The Journal of Health Administration Education, Nursing Forum, and The Journal of Nursing Administration. Mailing Address: Florida Atlantic University, Division of Community Services, Boca Raton, FL 33431.