Palliative care social workers juggle a lot of responsibilities, often for multiple patients at a time. On any given day, for example, they may be helping a patient transition from one care setting to another; connecting them with resources in the community like arranging for attendant care or finding an appropriate funeral home; or helping to tie up unfinished business or last wishes.

With the demographic changes taking place among the U.S. population and the additional 32 million Americans who will have health care coverage as a result of the new healthcare law, the demand for social workers is going to increase. Helping students to graduate with less debt is positive and productive in helping to build the health care workforce.

A seriously ill child can bring challenges to a family that seem insurmountable. Parents grappling with a child's diagnosis can face fears for that child's future, wonder how the rest of the family will be affected and worry about their own ability to cope. Navigating the increasingly complex medical system can add stress and anxiety. Social workers who work with seriously ill children understand the many ways a diagnosis can affect a family. And they also know that one of the most effective means of helping parents is to connect them with each other and help them empower themselves — and understand that they are not alone.