Personal Support Worker Program Teaches Students to Offer Vital Services

To those whom they help, Personal Support Workers are an essential part of day-to-day life. That's because these professionals carry out tasks that, according to the Personal Support Worker Resource Centre, include:

• Following a care plan, observe and report any substantial findings and/or changes in patient/resident/client's behavior to the appropriate registered member of the healthcare team.
• Assisting with ambulation, positioning and transferring using mechanical lifts such as a Hoyer lift.
• Assisting or providing total personal care such as toileting, bathing and perineal care.
• Assisting with eating, dressing and grooming.
• Assisting nursing staff by answering call bells
• Performing sitter duty or patient watch for confused patients in clinical care settings.
• Reporting behavioral and clinical changes to a registered nurse, registered practical nurse, resource nurse or manager.
• Self-actualization by helping patient/resident/client to reach maximum potential.

At Centennial College's personal support worker program, students can learn to carry out all of these tasks in a confident and efficient manner through just two semesters of training that result in an Ontario College Certificate. It is worth noting the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, as well as community agencies and clinical settings recognize the certificate.

Facilitated from Morningside Campus, Centennial College's most technological location, the program offers students education that is up-to-date and allows them to become comfortable with the latest equipment while learning. To ensure that students launch successful careers, the offering's curriculum includes information on the full range of home and health related services required by the elderly, clients with disabilities, chronic illnesses, cognitive impairment and also clients recovering from acute illnesses. Specific courses include: Foundations for Personal Support, Personal Support Communication, Foundations of Mental Health, Supporting Clients in Palliative Care, Personal and Professional Growth and more. Experienced, caring and supportive instructors deliver these courses and lead small group-instruction in clinical and laboratory settings.

Each Personal Support Worker course is complemented by 15 weeks of extensive practical experience working with teams in hospitals long-term care institutions and in the community. During this time, students experience both the clinical and community sides of the industry to determine which one suits their career goals best. They work alongside professionals to apply what they learned on campus and gain a real world perspective from people who have been in the field for years. This experience enhances a students' resume but also ensures they are comfortable in the field prior to entering it.