Introduction
This fast paced training course helps students work with residents, clients and patients with different health challenges, from newborn to the elderlies.
The evolving role of PSWs
Increased demand for jobs – PSWs is in high demands as they can work in many different healthcare settings.
Improved training & education – Academy of Learning Campus (AOL) offers students the flexibility of days, evenings and weekends classes that can accommodate their busy life schedules.
Higher salaries and benefit packages to PSWs – The PSW rates are competitive as their working options are endless. PSWs can work in long-term care, retirement homes, community and as private caregivers.
Digital health technologies integration – With respect to digital health care, the PSW have access to updated information that allows them to provide a holistic approach to care for their residents, clients, and patients.
AI-powered tools assistance – This gives the PSWs real-time support, assistance and guidance to needed to provide care.
PSW responsibilities
PSWs are responsible for providing care which we call Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). This includes but not limited to personal care, (bathing, dressing, grooming & mobility), feeding (meal planning and preparation, and groceries based on personal dietary needs), medication assistance, (ensuring medication are taken correctly and on-time). In essence PSW provides a holistic approach to care, the person’s emotional, physical, mental, psychosocial and spiritual wellbeing.
Expanded scope of practice – PSWs scope of practice are by no way limited to just personal hygiene. PSW can do so much more if they are trained to perform tasks that are beyond their scope of practice. For example, wound care, injections, catheter care and medication administration.
More focus on mental health support – All PSWs are trained in basic mental health care to identify and recognize the signs of mental health illness and disabilities.
Patient-centered care – Care is tailored to the individual clients/resident/patients. No two people are the same even if they have the same diagnoses. PSWs focus on the person and their unique background, history, culture and beliefs.
Challenges & opportunities for PSWs
Addressing workforce shortages – One of the challenges that PSWs faces are workplace retention. PSW may have to work 2/3 different jobs at the beginning of their careers until they feel comfortable with the different workplace settings, job demands and pay grades.
Advocating for professional recognition – PSW have been recognized as the eyes and ears of the interdisciplinary nursing team, they are the ones who spends the most time in direct contact with the clients, residents, patients and families’ members during care.
Conclusion
Personal Support Workers (PSW) are a valuable member of the health care team. We do not have enough nurses to do what the PSWs do on a daily bases, twenty-four hours a day.
