Fieldwork Instruction in Oncology Social Work

Abstract

This article reports a study of supervisory issues that are unique to working with social work students who are placed in an oncology setting. The author used focus-group methodology to interview 10 female supervisors from hospitals in the greater Boston area whose mean number of years in oncology was 10.5 years. Three main themes emerged during the interview. One, oncology social work is different from and perhaps more difficult than social work in other settings; thus, supervision of beginners differs from supervision of beginners in other specialties. Two, the problems in oncology are difficult to grapple with; therefore, a certain type of student is required to do the work well. Three, gaps in the curricula of schools of social work have a negative impact on the total learning experience of students in oncology and other medical settings. The group also discussed concerns that students bring to supervision, including somatic reactions, dissynchrony with peers, and countertransference. The author offers recommendations for dealing with the issues raised in the focus group.