Personal Support Workers Job Description Work Life and Educational Requirements
Personal support workers operate in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, residential facilities, long term care institutions, community support agencies and clients within their homes, assisting clients with activities of daily living. They are responsible for
- Following the patient care plan suggested by a licensed healthcare practitioner
- Observing and reporting any substantial or unusual findings in patient's behavior or physical condition
- Assisting in or providing total personal care to patients
- Helping clients ensure personal hygiene
- Performing routine household chores for clients
- Offering companionship to the clients
- Mobilizing disabled people and motivating them to help themselves
- Providing informal counselling to patients
- Giving them medicines on time as suggested by a physician or a registered health practitioner
- Listening to the concerns of patients and bringing positivity in their lives
- Promoting safety and providing emotional support
- Assisting with meal preparation
- Maintaining records and documents
The basic work activities of personal support workers are same everywhere; however, the scope of practice is governed by
- Type of setting they are employed with
- Specific requirements of a client
- Type of experience that they have
- Rules and regulations of the setting they work in
- Laws of a particular state or country
The job description of personal support professionals can be tailored to the specific needs of clients or the requirements at a healthcare facility.
Work Life of Personal Support Workers
Personal support workers may require working in shifts; however, their roles and responsibilities depend on the condition of people they attend to. They are also expected to travel to the homes of clients to assist them in their routine activities.
The job of personal support professionals can be very stressful and demanding, as they have to deal with people with diverse disabilities and medical conditions. The professionals should be emotionally balanced and soft spoken and should respect their clients, regardless of their condition. They are also expected to preserve the dignity, privacy and independence of the people they attend to.
Educational Requirements for Becoming a Personal Support Worker
In order to pursue career as a personal support worker in Toronto, you need to have undergone a formal training in this field. A post-secondary personal support worker course prepares you with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide assistance and care to allow individuals to lead active and fulfilled lives in the community and institutions.
The program focuses on the full range of home and health related services required by clients with disabilities, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, people with cognitive impairment and also patients recovering from acute illnesses.
Centennial College's personal support worker program covers a wide range of subjects including anatomy, foundations of personal support, personal support communication, developmental stages and alterations in health, foundations of mental health, PSW skills laboratory, and supporting clients in palliative care, personal and professional growth, PSW clinical practice and PSW community practice.
The program combines classroom learning, participation as a member of the care services teams in community and institutional settings, and a supervised field placement in a real-world scenario.
Enrollment Guide
In order to apply for a personal support program, you will need:
- Secondary school diploma or equivalent
- English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
After admission, you will need to:
- Obtain an annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening
- Complete immunization requirements
- Complete and annual renew a recognized course in CPR
- Complete a recognized course in Standard First Aid
- Attend mask fit testing
