27 Mar Social Work Appreciation Month: Jessica Ludwig Spotlight

Saint Alphonsus Acute Inpatient Medical Social Worker, Jessica Ludwig, has always been passionate about helping others. When researching career options, social work seemed to align with her interests. In graduate school, hospital social work was one of three areas that Jessica was interested in and when an opportunity arose in hospital social work, she jumped on it.

As an acute inpatient medical social worker, Jessica’s role includes; brokering resources, services, and opportunities for patients, identifying unknown individuals, finding/informing family, determining the appropriate surrogate decision maker, completing drug/alcohol and mental health screenings, and assessment., She also administers the appropriate interventions, writes letters of hospitalizations to foreign consulates, assesses and reports child/adult abuse, manages involuntary mental holds and neurocognitive holds, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and community partners, and so much more.

The most rewarding part of Jessica’s role is providing help and comfort to a patient/family during what could very well be one of the most difficult times in their life. is The rewards of the job helps keep her motivated as well as the “wins” she experiences. Jessica’s biggest piece of advice to someone considering a career in social work is, “If it’s your passion, do it!” However, she highlights how important it is to take care of yourself in a social work role.

Jessica described how Ronald McDonald House Charities of Idaho provides support and a sense of security and safety during difficult times. She recounted a story where a family she recently worked with were guests at the House. The patient’s mother expressed how grateful she was for the House, and to have a place to rest and clean up. She also explained how she was very appreciative to have a sense of normalcy when she could cook for her family at the House.

Jessica’s dedication to helping others is admirable and helps make the Boise community a better place.