Health care hero: Social Worker Tannisha Hutchinson
Social worker uses telehealth and compassion to meet patient needs during the COVID-19 pandemic
We are shining a light on our #healthcareheroes. Meet Tannisha Hutchinson, LCSW, a senior social worker in the Center for Hope and Healing at ChristianaCare.
What inspires you to be a caregiver?
I was inspired to become a caregiver after seeing that the basic human needs of others were not being met. I pursued a career in social work to become an agent of change to empower individuals to enhance their well-being and assist in improving their quality of life.
Being a caregiver is my passion in life and it is rewarding to be of service to others. Martin Luther King Jr., stated it best when he said, “Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”
How has your typical workday changed? What work are you doing or doing differently because of COVID-19?
As a social worker with the Center for Hope and Healing, I am trained to manage complex social and behavioral health needs. I am mindful that the COVID-19 crisis may increase patients’ social needs and behavioral health needs. We are meeting patients’ needs with the implementation of telehealth and flexible times to have virtual visits with them. I am currently working remotely which allows me to continue to serve our patients while still practicing safety for the community and myself.
What is keeping you motivated during these uncertain times?
I try to maintain a sense of normalcy and routine with self-care strategies, communication with family members and friends through Zoom, exercising, spirituality and support from great coworkers.
What advice do you have for your fellow caregivers?
Take it one day at a time, practice self-care, use your support network of family members and friends and, as much as possible, maintain a sense of normalcy and routine.
What advice do you have for our community?
Coping with the COVID-19 crisis may cause concerns such as anxiety, unemployment, financial issues and food insecurity. Recognize your emotions and your medical and social needs. For your well-being, practice self-care strategies such as positive self talk, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, exercise, listening to music and communicating with family and friends. Contact your primary care provider or a mental health professional if needed. For assistance with social needs, contact a social worker or the local state Service Center. (The Delaware State Service Center is at 302-577-2970.) And please follow the CDC guidelines as well as those of Delaware’s Division of Public Health for safety in regard to COVID-19.
For local resources for your health and wellness, visit our coronavirus support page.