PSW Information Session
October 8, 2014
1:30pm
YORKDALE PSW MANDATE
STATEMENT
Yorkdale Adult Learning Centre is dedicated to
providing training to the next generation of
Personal Support Workers preparing them for
careers as healthcare professionals and as
contributing members of multidisciplinary
healthcare teams.
Yorkdale will continue to partner with the
healthcare community to ensure we can meet
the needs of the employers and those of the
clients to whom we will be providing professional
and compassionate care.
Professional Expectations
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Positive Attitude
Sense of Responsibility
Patience
Reliability
Punctuality
Honesty
Respectful
Team Player
Able to work under pressure
Professional appearance
Compassionate
Discretion regarding personal matters
Appropriate use of language
“Personal support workers care for our most
vulnerable patients.
They are critical in helping seniors and
people with complex care needs lead
independent and healthy lives.
As our population ages, we are taking
action to strengthen this workforce so that it
will meet Ontario’s personal support needs
now and in the future.”
Deb Matthews
Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
Personal Support Worker Job Description – General
The PSW job description will always vary but in general, some of the
common duties are:
1. Following the care plan, observing and reporting any substantial
findings and/or changes in patient/resident/client’s behavior to the
appropriate registered member of the healthcare team.
2. Working under the supervision of a Registered Healthcare
Professional such as a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Registered
Practical Nurse (RPN)
3. Performing tasks delegated to them (only if they are trained to
perform the delegated task)
4. 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 (In Hospitals and
Long-Term care homes)
• Performing sitter duty or patient watch for confused patients in
clinical care settings.
• Computer or paper documentation of Activities of Daily Living
(ADL’s) and other findings.
• 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.
How much do PSWs earn?
The salary for PSW depends on the employer and
setting. It ranges from approximately $11.50 per
hour to approximately $18.36 per hour. Many PSW
positions are casual or part-time. There are some
unionized jobs that also include benefits.
Wages for PSWs in the publicly-funded home and
community care sector will be increased by $1.50 per hour
retroactive to April 1, 2014, and are intended to increase
another $1.50 per hour on April 1, 2015, and a further
$1.00 on April 1, 2016.
The minimum wage for these personal support workers will
also be set at $14.00 per hour in 2014-15 and rise to
$16.50 on this same timeline.
Employment Opportunities
• The Personal Support Worker is a caregiver who
works under the direction of the RN or RPN and
may be employed in long-term care homes,
private residences or community-based settings.
• PSW graduates may find employment with any
individual or family who requires assistance with
personal care needs. This would include
seniors and individuals of any age who are
mentally or physically challenged.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euIu-gsmC1U
There will be 2080 new full time PSW Jobs in
Ontario over the next few years.
How do PSWs get “certified” or
registered”?
The PSW is an unregulated health care worker and
there is no regulating body for monitoring graduates
performance. It is an unlicensed profession.
PSW Certificates are issued by the school.
What are the Admission Requirements
for the Yorkdale PSW program?
You must:
• be 21 years of age or older or have an OSSD
• pass a English language proficiency test
• or have ENG3C with a 60% minimum
• show proof of citizenship or residency status
• complete an interview with a PSW teacher
• pass the medical assessment and immunization
requirements
• physically able to fully perform the skills required
for placement (lifting is required)
• Must be able to provide a clean vulnerable
sector screening from the police
• This program is very competitive
• Approx 70 students are interviewed for 40 spots
in the program
• Candidates are chosen by English score and
how they did in the interview
Not everyone gets in the first time!
If you are not successful you must
interview again
How long is the course?
It is a full time program
27 weeks
Classes are held everyday
Monday to Friday
The hours are:
In-school:
8:15 am – 3:15 pm
In clinical placement: 7 am – 3 pm
Hours are non-negotiable!
Course Costs
Approximately $1100.00 which covers the cost
of the following items:
• Textbook and workbook
• Uniforms and shoes
• Identification badge
• Vulnerable sector screening
• Complete medical examination and medical form
completed by a physician, including
immunization record, hepatitis vaccine, flu shot
and 2-step TB skin test
• CPR/First Aid
• Graduation Ceremony, PSW certificate and pin
**You must be able to obtain a clear
vulnerable sector screening from
the police.**
If you have ever been fingerprinted or
arrested you will not be able to obtain a
clean record check.
This will affect you ability to complete the
program!!
If you are already in possession of one or
more of the listed requirements you do NOT
have to pay for them again.
They must be approved by the program
leader
What Will I Study?
14 Modules
1. Individuality
2. Role
3. Interpersonal skills
4. Safety
5. assisting a person with mobility
6. abuse
7. household management & meal prep
8. Providing optimal support/care planning
9. Personal hygiene
10. Assisting with family
11. Cognitive mental impairment and mental illness
12. Assisting to manage ongoing conditions
13. Assisting with medications
14. Assisting a person who is dying
How will I be Assessed and
Evaluated?
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Module Unit Quizzes
Assignments - Individual and Group
Individual and Group Presentations
Exams
Performance Demonstration of Skills in the
Lab
• Skills Passbook – Clinical
Pass mark is 65% on all Unit Tests
Registration Information
Internal students:
• Follow the course selection procedures set by Student
Services.
External students:
• Letter Day
October 27, 2014 - Orfus Road
8:30am to 12:00pm
• Arrive early in order to secure an early test time and
interview time
Good luck
Future PSWs!