A JOURNEY Through Life
Exploring the day of a Personal Support Worker (PSW) in Canada
Discover what it’s like to be a personal support worker in Canada! From their typical responsibilities, challenges, and rewards to qualifications, training, work-life balance, and career opportunities, explore this fulfilling profession.
Typical responsibilities of a PSW typically include: a) assisting with daily living—assisting clients with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals; b) providing emotional support—creating a safe and comfortable environment for clients; offering companionship and empathy; and finally, c) running errands and administering medicines—to ensure clients get their medicines correctly and on time. They always work under the close supervision of a registered health professional, such as a registered nurse (RN) or a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)
As in any career sector, challenges are unavoidable, like having to navigate through different and complex healthcare systems and their regulations but nonetheless, there is also a plethora of rewards to be had while working as a Personal Support Worker in Canada. The most important of them is making a positive impact on someone’s life.
Personal support workers are important members of the healthcare business, and they must have a basic understanding of human anatomy. Furthermore, it is critical that they possess a number of soft skills, which would further simplify their daily responsibilities. Emotional intelligence, effective time management, empathy, and compassion are all essential, especially for patients in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
According to a study conducted (Lum et al., 2005) on the impact of community support services on older Toronto residents, personal support workers can have a positive impact on the following areas: levels of social connectedness, medication management, caregiver burden, clients’ peace of mind, perceptions of health and well-being in comparison to peers, and ER visits.
Other domains from which indicators could be derived are suggested by Holloway-Payne et al. (2010). These domains include a) home safety scans’ beneficial effects on preventing falls and other accidents; b) functional status and ability to maintain independence; as well as client and family satisfaction with care.
The quick learning curve and limitless employment options—from hospitals to long-term retirement communities to residential personal support—are two of the main advantages of this professional path.
The Canadian College of Healthcare & Pharmaceutics offers one of the most extensive Personal Support Worker curricula in Ontario, covering every facet of healthcare that PSW graduates may encounter. With 700 hours of instruction — 200 hours in a clinical setting and 100 hours in a facility—you can gain practical work experience while still enrolled in school.
A campus with easy access to all amenities, located on the west side of Toronto, for the benefit of students. Small class sizes that encourage discussion-based learning and offer a warm, inclusive learning atmosphere to all students. Experienced professors who are committed to their students’ success and take great satisfaction in it. An arduous yet fruitful educational journey with ample assistance from the academic staff and authorities.
“There is nothing greater than to do something for others,” a wise man once said. And for those who work as personal support workers, this statement couldn’t be more accurate.
It is also up to you to decide which community you wish to work in. As baby boomers get closer to retirement age, there is a growing need for personal support workers across Canada. Because there is a need for personal support workers in both urban and rural settings, a career in this field can allow you to live and work anywhere you choose.
There are lots of benefits to working in the personal support industry. This industry provides a fulfilling career path for those driven by a desire to serve others and who appreciate the job security and financial rewards.
Because they have expedited time to train, more flexible work schedules, and chances for career advancement, personal support workers are an essential component of the healthcare industry.
Consider going down this route and becoming one of the compassionate experts who genuinely change the world. Visit the Canadian College of Healthcare & Pharmaceutics and find out if you qualify.
Discover the fulfilling and rewarding journey of being a personal support worker in Canada. Start making a difference in people’s lives today!
Resources citation:
- Lum, J. M., Ruff, S., & Williams, A. P. (2005). When home is community: Community support services and the well-being of seniors in supportive and social housing. Toronto: United Way of Greater Toronto.
- Holloway Payne, L., Kirkpatrick, T., Klopp, J., Moore, N., & Roberts, N. (2010). Evidence-based brief – Evaluating personal support services to individual clients: Demonstrating a need for personal support-sensitive client outcome indicators. Toronto: Personal Support Network of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://www.psno.ca/pdf/PSW%20CoP%20EBB%20FINAL02.08.10.pdf
Program Accreditation:
The Personal Support Worker Program is accredited by the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) & registered with the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU).