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DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Shamika Charles

LMSW

The Impact of Work-Related Stress on Healthcare Social Workers and the Healthcare Field

Concentration -

  • Tuesday, April 29, 2025 -
  • 9:00 am
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Abstract

This capstone project brings attention to the impact of work-related stress on healthcare social workers and the impact the stress has on the healthcare field. The presenter’s research indicates a significant lack of studies regarding the effects of stressful work environments on social workers, particularly those in clinical, medical, or healthcare roles. There is attention brought to interventions or coping strategies to reduce the impact of stress along with what could be negative coping when the stress continues. The objective is to highlight the effect of stress on social workers in healthcare specialties. This issue is also relevant to various other high-stress professions. It is essential to implement supportive interventions targeted at reducing stress not just for social workers but for the overall quality of patient care as well. This presentation provides supportive evidence of the need for interventions and various factors that relate to stress impact in the workplace.

Biography

Shamika Marie Charles holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master of Social Work. She is a doctoral candidate at the University of Kentucky pursuing a Doctor of Social Work degree. Shamika is a psychotherapist at NYC Health and Hospitals in the outpatient behavioral health department. Shamika’s research interest and capstone project pertain to the impact of work-related stress on healthcare social workers and the healthcare field. Her goal is to bring more attention to the impact of stress on social workers within healthcare specialties and the need for supportive interventions to reduce the impact of stress on social workers and patient care. Shamika was recognized in 2023 as Social Worker of the Year for NYC Health and Hospitals in East New York and received Social Work of the Month recognition in 2024. She has always aimed to empower others and advocate for those who have difficulty advocating for themselves. Shamika believes that everyone deserves the highest level of care, regardless of barriers. Shamika is dedicated to positively impacting the lives of those who seek mental health care to improve their lives. Her goal as a therapist is to meet each person where they are on their journey and provide a safe space with an individualized approach to care.