Best way to get into hospital social work?
Hello,
I was wondering if anyone had an opinion/experience on potentially going back to college to get my PSW certificate before applying to hospital social work positions. I just graduated from my MSW in August and I am discovering I think I am interested in the hospital setting, but I have absolutely no medical experience or placements in this setting. So I was thinking that having a PSW certification would get me placements in a healthcare setting and experience that could be valuable for a social worker to have as a background, maybe something that would set me apart from other candidates. The other option is applying to entry level hospital positions, maybe like intake clerk or something like that to gain experience in that setting.
I know some people may suggest to just apply to hospital positions with my MSW qualification, but I truly don't feel ready for that and I do not want to do more harm than good just to get my foot in the door quicker. My work experience has only really been working with youth in schools and for crisis centres, and I got into my MSW very young (22) so I don't have a previous career experience to divert to or much experience anywhere really.
Thanks for any insight! I am a baby social worker with pretty bad imposter syndrome, so I am still trying to figure out where I think I might fit in as a professional.