Personal Support Worker Program Offers Variety of Career Options
Did you know that according to the
Ontario Network for Internationally Trained Professionals, in the course
of remaking the health care system in Canada, Personal Support Workers
are reported to be in growing demand? If you’re interested in working
under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse
in a health care facility and home care settings then attending a Personal Support Worker program in Canada may be for you.
But what exactly do Personal Support
Workers do? First and foremost, they work with a very wide range of
clients who include: the elderly, clients with disabilities, chronic
illnesses, cognitive impairment and also clients recovering from acute
illnesses. They may work with these people in a variety of settings such
as their homes, residential facilities or long-term care institutions
and community support agencies, assisting with activities of daily
living, under the supervision of professionals and according to a care
plan. Depending on the setting, Personal Support Workers may perform any
of the following tasks: support the client’s personal and home
management care requirements and preferences by following care service
plans and established policies and procedures; collaborate and report
observations to appropriate health care team members in an ongoing,
timely manner and document this information promptly; demonstrate
effective oral, written and nonverbal communication techniques; and
assist in the promotion and maintenance of a safe and caring environment
for clients, their families, self and others; and more.
This Personal Support Worker program
emphasizes the full range of home- and health-related services required
by a variety of clients. The Ministry of Training, Colleges and
Universities, as well as community agencies and clinical settings,
recognize the certificate students earn. In addition, the training
reflects the latest practices and policies in the field.
Leading small group instruction in
clinical and laboratory settings are Personal Support Worker instructors
who are experienced, caring and supportive. These instructors guide
students through Personal Support Worker courses such as Anatomy,
Foundations of Personal Support, Developmental Stages & Alterations
in Health, Personal Support Communication, Foundations of Mental Health,
Supporting Clients in Palliative Care and more. It should be noted,
however, that students in the Personal Support Worker Program spend more
than half of the total program hours in a field placement working with
teams in long-term care institutions, the community and at in-home
settings. This field placement allows them to apply what they have
learned in-school, network and absorb knowledge from practicing
professionals.
If you’re interested in applying for the Personal Support Worker Course,
you must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma
(OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, you
are required to have finished the compulsory English 12C or U credit or
skills assessment, or equivalent and can prove English proficiency. For
more information visit Centennial College.