What is a PSW again?
A PSW is a person who wants to care for others and who takes a course in order to be identified as such. A Personal Support Worker is the name now designated to define the role of the former Health Care Aide, and other various terms from past years. The PSW course varies depending on where the course is taken, and unfortunately without the knowledge of the PSW Student…there are variations of the PSW program related directly to the schools providing them.
I upgraded my skills and became a PSW in 1999. I didn’t have a clue that PSW programs varied from one place to another. I didn’t know if my course was adequate or not. I just wanted to be a PSW. In fact, after completing my course and beginning work in LTC and home care – I found out that there were indeed a lot of different schools, and a lot of differences in the PSW programs in other educational facilities.
I also hate to say it but the college I attended in 1999 closed up shop and reopened at a different address under a different name. I don’t understand why that happens. It makes me think that something isn’t quite right when schools disappear and re-appear with new names and phone numbers. Maybe it was new ownership, maybe it was something different. When you want to call that school you attended and get a copy of your marks or certificate – you won’t be able to find them. Isn’t that kind of odd? Regular schools, grade schools, are always out there, buildings may be changed, improved or whatever, but you can always get to someone to find your file from high school, etc.
When PSWs decide to go to school and learn to take care of others – most of them are serious about it. Some of them aren’t. Some of them might have been urged to take it – as a way to get a job in 6 to 10 months…and that isnt quite the way PSWs should be recruited. I believe with all my heart that PSWs should and do – join the health care team out of a desire to make life better for others. I do believe that if you take any program in life – it should be because it improves you as a person, gives you skills you desire to have, and that you have chosen to do so.
I have information that leads me to believe that PSW education is not the same across the board, and across the province. When you are talking about the education of PSWs who will take care of very vulnerable and defenseless clients, I think we all want the best foundation for that job.
I have heard from many PSWs who regardless of where they took their training, they felt that they were prepared well – and they obviously have their heart in it. When you already have compassion, caring and empathy for others, you can become a wonderful PSW regardless of your program.
In fact, in history you can trace back and find out that front line caregivers started with just a desire to help and some bandages…and minimal training. Isn’t that how the famous nurse Florence Nightingale started? She was from a wealthy family who denounced her taking on such a low class job. Caring for others is the best thing you will ever do in life. I will never forget the people I helped, the people I sat beside as they passed away, the people that smiled back and me and said thank you for doing that, thank you for being here. Unsaid thanks in the squeezed hand. PSWs are extensions of their residents and are valued members of the front line team in health care.
However, there are others, and I know they are out there, I met them in my workplaces. They had no interest in the job and it was obvious in the way they presented themselves and the way they approached the tasks given them.
All I want, as a retired PSW with a vulnerable family member who will one day be in the hands of front line workers….is to bring the curriculum to a standard – that is the same across the province. It is only fair that all PSWs learn the same thing, be skilled in the same areas, and have the best foundation possible for their role in the health care team.
I am grateful for all PSWs who write to us, who join us in our campaign to advocate and uplift the PSW career. We all are working for excellence and professionalism in the field. Being a member of OPSWA means a larger Voice for PSWs. Look what it’s doing for the gatherings presently happening around the world…. 99% of the population is asking the 1% to listen!
I hope that the government will take note and listen to our concerns about present education not being standardized across the province. One day PSWs should be taking the same course across the country!
We all have family members who have been on the receiving end of care, and we ourselves may at some time need care. This drive for change is about having one standard, one curriculum, one program – that works in all schools and colleges.
Think about being a resident – when you put it in that perspective…that we can all be on the receiving end…of care….its just seems simple to ask for standards.
Natrice Rese PSW
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