Helping patients prepare to leave the hospital involves much more than arranging a discharge. Jasmine Perez listens to what patients and their families need, identifies potential barriers and helps make sure they have what they need for a safe transition.
Perez, a licensed clinical social worker at Broward Health Imperial Point, has spent her four-year career at Broward Health. A South Florida native, she joined the healthcare system after earning her master’s degree in social work from Florida Atlantic University.
Each day, Perez works alongside nurse case managers, physicians, nurses, physical therapists and other members of the care team to develop discharge plans based on each patient’s needs. That may include coordinating home health services, medical equipment, rehabilitation or hospice placement, transportation and follow-up appointments, as well as connecting patients with housing and other community resources.
The most rewarding part of the job, Perez said, is seeing the difference that support can make for patients and their families.
“It’s rewarding when patients tell us they’re grateful for the help we’ve provided,” Perez said. “You know you’ve made that transition a little easier and helped them feel more prepared for what comes next.”
