Meet Kate Aguila, MSW, who has served patients as a social worker at Broward Health Medical Center for the past two years. She's passionate about people and enjoys having the opportunity to help a variety of people who have a wide range of issues. 

What is your name, title, credentials (MSW, etc) and years of service at BH?
My name is Kate Aguila. I have a master’s degree in social work and am working toward licensure. I am an ER Social Worker at Broward Health and have been for two years. 

Why are you passionate about social work?
I am passionate about social work because I am passionate about people. Social work is a very broad field, which I love because it allows the opportunity to help a variety of different people that have a wide range of issues. Having the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary environment is rewarding. The ER staff especially has opened their arms to me, and I feel pretty lucky to work alongside such an amazing team. It really does take a village!

Why did you decide to become a social worker?
The field of social work chose me. I have always had an instinctual desire to help people. I was unsure for a long time what I wanted to do exactly, but I was confident in whatever path I chose, it would be within the helping field. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is when I know that I played a part in someone bettering his/her personal situation. I especially like working in the ER because my day is always different.  Whether it’s providing shelter information to our homeless population, assisting elderly patients find safe placement, coordinating the proper follow-up for patients, or just providing emotional support to patients and families—all of it has its rewards. 

What advice would you give to someone pursuing a career in social work?
The field of social work is empowering and rewarding, but it can also be very draining. My advice for someone pursuing a career in social work would be the following:

• Make sure you know your limits
• Establish healthy boundaries
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help
• Bounce ideas off of your colleagues
• Continue to educate yourself--Programs & community resources are always changing, and so it’s important to stay fresh so that you can provide the best up-to-date information
• Remember you cannot save the world…but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try