Abstract
First responder social workers are exposed to a stressful work environment, which puts them at risk for burnout. Burnout increases turnover rates, which negatively impacts both social workers and the clients they serve. The use of self-care practices mitigates the harmful effects of burnout. Because first responder social workers in southern California have an average turnover rate of 6 to 12 months after hire, this study explored southern California first responder social workers’ experiences with self-care practices. A basic qualitative design using semistructured interviews was applied through the purposeful sampling of eight first responder social workers. The study was grounded in Orem’s theory of self-care. The findings highlighted that first responder social workers were aware and knowledgeable about self-care. First responder social workers experienced numerous benefits, including burnout prevention, improved ability to manage stress, and increased work performance with the utilization of self-care practices. Participants also faced challenges with regularly utilizing self-care practices that resulted in impaired functioning. This study will inform positive social change as it identified the challenges faced by first responder social workers in using self-care practices and offered possible solutions.
