In just one year, Northern’s Personal Support Worker (PSW) program will have students out in the workforce, providing vital care and support that forms the backbone of community health and wellbeing. In a program that promotes awareness, sensitivity, and respect for clients’ unique needs, they will develop a therapeutic and helpful approach in assisting their clients.

Personal support workers are unregulated healthcare providers who work under supervision. As a vital member of the healthcare team, they follow clearly identified care plans and the established policies and procedures of their work agencies.

Personal support workers assist with routine activities of daily living (including bathing and perineal care to cleanse the body and genitals of bodily fluids, toileting, dressing, transferring, and eating) and household management. They are responsible for practicing professionally by creating, promoting, and maintaining safe and comfortable environments for clients, families, and others. They often have the most contact with clients and develop therapeutic relationships through trust, respect, and understanding. The attitude and approach of personal support workers, along with their practical skills, are beneficial to the health, comfort, and safety of their clients. Personal support workers require strong communication and observation skills to report changes in their clients’ conditions to the family and the healthcare team.

Recognizing the importance and value of the personal support worker role, Northern’s program prepares students to develop a broad range of abilities and skills. In the classroom and the state-of-the-art practice labs, students learn and practice personal care skills, develop a solid code of ethics, refine their communication skills, and master the medical terminology needed on the job. This program was developed as part of Ontario’s plan to support residents and connect them with the care needed at home and in their communities.