What does it take to become a hospice social worker? Discover the invaluable role hospice social workers play in providing dignified end-of-life care.

Nina Rhys, a clinical social worker, shares her experience in VCU’s online Master of Social Work program and insights from more than 25 years in health care.

'I arrived home from the hospital in May 2021 with my fourth son and sat down to nurse him, balancing pelvic ice packs with lower back heating pads, an adult diaper, one breast infected with mastitis and three other young sons eagerly bouncing around wanting to meet him. The baby finally settled in on my bloated belly, which had until recently housed his 10-pound, very overdue self. I went to open my phone. Then I stopped.'

Not so far away from the daily lives of most Americans is a growing crisis: the opioid epidemic. Government reports show that from April 2020 to April 2021, more than 100,000 people died from drug overdoses. These numbers don’t account for the people who have been lucky enough to survive, yet are still battling addictions to dangerous drugs.

There are smiles and warm greetings as parents log on. One dad cracks a joke about grabbing a drink for anyone that wants one. The couples that know each other from previous sessions exchange compliments over new haircuts and tease someone about how long his beard is getting. A white dog jumps up to join one couple on the couch; a tabby cat wanders across the back of a couch in another home. One mother sits outside, her back against the wooden siding of her house, the sun giving her face a warm glow. Her husband will join later when he gets home from work. There are a few solo moms, and at least one of them is brand new to the group. The facilitator, Denise Paul, welcomes each person like they are all old friends.

Emerging evidence is suggesting interactions with animals may benefit trauma survivors. View the infographic to explore the benefits of companion animals.