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PSW Education Standardization in Ontario: A Timeline

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PSW education has always been a topic of contention. 

Since your profession, unlike nursing, is not regulated, there is no “one” standard for PSW programs. 

This creates the biggest dilemma for those individuals who want to join a college and become a Personal Support Worker. 

The Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities did acknowledge this problem a long time ago, back in 1993. 

As a result, many attempts were made in order to bring some decorum to PSW education. 

The first such attempt dates back to 1993 with implementation in 1997, in 2007 and more recently in 2015, when a new PSW program Standard was introduced. 

For anyone interested in knowing how it all enfolded, you can continue to read below. 

If you’re looking to learn more about the latest standards in PSW education, you can click here to read the details. 

PSW EDUCATION STANDARDIZATION IN 1993 to 1997

One of the earliest attempts made by the province towards standardizing the educational and vocational training of PSWs occurred in 1993.

Effectively, it was undertaken through the initiative of the Ontario Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Training and Education and the Ontario Community Support Association.

The objective was to:

  • develop new program standard for PSWs across the province, and
  • to establish a comprehensive curriculum that would be utilized by educational institutions across the board.

Thus the focus in the early stages was placed on mitigating the identified problem and developing a new system based on consistency, flexibility, portability, standardization, clarification, and accountability.

After years of consultation, the final report was submitted in 1995 and the new training program was developed two years later.

The objective was to ensure that anyone entering the profession will have been taught a curriculum that contained the same material and content, regardless of the institution the individual had received his or her certificate from.

Hence the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Personal Support Worker Training Standard (1997) was comprised of a series of outlined (thematic) standards.

Ultimately, the initiative successfully created educational standards that were consistent throughout Ontario, initially creating a more cohesive framework than had previously existed.

THE FALLOUT

Over time, a chasm once again developed and the standardization began to diminish, giving way to the same degree of inconsistency that had existed in 1993.

According to the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA):

“The variations in PSW training which has developed over the past decade present challenges to students, employers clients and impact the quality of care and the sustainability of Ontario’s health system itself.”

Subsequently, a significant amount of resulting issues arose, specifically amongst both those working within the field and the individuals who were responsible for hiring them.

OCSA revealed:

“Employer and student confusion and uncertainty are reasons enough to require redress, but the real risks to safe and high-quality client service that result from this fragmentation demand that the situation is rectified immediately.”

PSW EDUCATION STANDARDIZATION IN 2007

Because of the inconsistency that developed between 1997 when the new training program was established and the decrease in the adherence of it less than 8 years later, educators opted to refer to the stipulations outlined in the Long Term Home Care Act in 2007 to determine which standard to adhere to.

The Act began to be used as a point of reference by stakeholders who felt that subsection 79/10 – 47 entitled Qualifications of Personal Support Workers could essentially fill the gap that had developed.

Thus as per the Act, different providers used three different educational standards:

  • Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology used a Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities standard
  • Private career colleges used the curriculum provided by the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC).
  • Conversely, school boards used a standard provided by the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA) which had its own process called the PSW Educational Program Accreditation process (PEPA).

Although the Act served to provide clarity regarding the educational standards in a more generalized understanding of the requirements that were to be adhered to, the lack of consistency and parity remained a pervasive issue.

Thus with vocational standards varying between those established by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities, NACC as well as the OCSA, there was still no reliable way in which to ensure that those who had completed a certificate program all had the same knowledge and expertise upon entering the workforce.

Because of these inconsistencies in PSW education, a further assessment was carried out from 2012 to 2014. 

This gave birth to a new PSW program standard. 

You can find out more details about the current PSW education standard here. 

New Education Standard for Personal Support Workers

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In order to become a Personal Support Worker (PSW) in Ontario, you must pursue a PSW program and obtain a diploma from an institution that is accredited by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities. 

However, this was not the case in the past.

There were many private career colleges enrolling students in PSW programs with no standard curriculum.

As a result, the knowledge one would gain with these type of PSW programs proved inadequate when it came to performing the job duties.

There was no consistency in curriculum required to become a Personal Support Worker.

PLANNING TO BECOME A PSW

If you are hoping to become a PSW in Ontario, or are currently employed as one and would like to learn more about the new educational program standard for support workers,

then this article is for you.

It will provide you with all the information that you will need.

Our objective is to provide you with relevant information regarding changes to the current PSW program requirements.

This will eventually enable you to make an informed choice as you embark on a career as a Personal Support Worker.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

When contacted for the purpose of this article, a Senior Practice Advisor for the PSW Network of Ontario who acted as a consultant in the development of the 1997 PSW educational standard indicated that:

“Individuals who are planning to enroll in a PSW course do their homework before applying to any program.”

Potential students are advised to ascertain whether or not both the school you wish to attend as well as its satellite campuses do, in fact, adhere to the new PSW educational standards (more on this ahead).

Oftentimes post-secondary institutions feature large campuses with branches in various cities that do not all meet the same criteria. 

Many of you aren’t aware of this when you initially apply to these colleges.

Therefore if you are interested in embarking on a career as a support worker, you should ensure that you thoroughly research the educational institution and the PSW program they offer.

NEW PSW COMMON EDUCATIONAL STANDARD

With an increasing amount of individuals seeking to embark on a career in the healthcare field, specifically as PSWs, the need to develop a more cohesive framework and standardized education became a priority for the province’s the then government.

From 2012 to 2014, the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities partnered with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Ministry of Education to develop a common vocational standard for Personal Support Worker programs.

And finally, in 2014, a new standard for Personal Support Workers in Ontario was developed in an effort to create a higher degree of consistency in both the educational system and within the profession itself.

The primary goal of this common vocational standard was to promote consistency in education and training outcomes across all educational institutions offering PSW programs.

These institutions include:

The new common standard was publicly released in 2014 for implementation starting in September 2015.

WHAT’S NEW IN PSW EDUCATION

The new standard is currently being adhered to by all Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology, school boards and the majority of private colleges. 

The sweeping 55-page document entitled the Personal Support Worker Program Standard, provides a comprehensive outline of PSW program delivery. 

The ministry developed this new standard through consultations with various stakeholders including members of the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC) in addition to the Ontario Long Term Care Association and educational institutions such as La Cite Collegiale and Algonquin College.

MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGES

The most significant changes (in comparison to the previous standards) include the addition of the following components:

  • functional assessment,
  • acquired brain injury education,
  • enhancements in areas pertaining to sexuality, and
  • increased capacity building.

The new PSW educational standard further focusses on the following areas of learning:

PSW PROGRAM STANDARD

This ensures that graduates of the program are able to effectively provide supportive care to patients/clients who suffer from either

  • mental health difficulties,
  • physical disabilities, or
  • cognitive impairments across their lifespans.  

Having this component in the new PSW program ensures you gain the skills, knowledge base and both practical and theoretical education to obtain an entry-level position in a multitude of settings.

Upon completion of a PSW program that follows the new educational standard, you will also gain the ability to develop efficient and collaborative working relationships with your colleagues while ensuring the highest standards of care. 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The new PSW educational program standard outlines “elements of performance” which you will learn as you complete the program. 

Some of these performance elements are:

  • communication,
  • respect towards individual dignity and autonomy, and
  • the need to identify individual family structure.

Graduates are thus provided with the skills and knowledge to not only provide assistance with daily living; those who have completed the program are also expected to fully grasp several major fundamental concepts as well.

The concepts include, but are not limited to:

  • client-centered, supported, end-of-life and culturally relevant care,
  • helping relationship, responsive behaviors,
  • general makeup, and
  • the functionality of an inter-professional care team.

ESSENTIAL EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS (EES)

This is a very important addition to the new standard.

It ensures that you not only be taught how to perform support services but also how to be successful in the job market.

Essential Employability Skills are considered to be “critical” in the workplace as well as in daily living and for the purposes of lifelong learning.

These pertinent skills can potentially assist you in making yourself more marketable in the workforce and thus increase your likelihood of securing employment.

The Essential Employability Skills (EES) that you’ll learn as part of the new curriculum standard are:

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • Information Management
  • Interpersonal (skills)
  • Personal (skills)
  • Communication
  • Numeracy
  • Literacy

The new standard uses many learning objectives that are intended to essentially evaluate your ability to demonstrate the skills in question upon completion of the program.

For example,

for critical thinking and problem solving, you would be required to demonstrate the ability to:

  1. apply a systematic approach to problem-solving, and
  2. use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

Conversely, for interpersonal skills, you will be expected to

  1. show respect for the diverse opinions, values, belief systems and contributions of others
  2. interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

The new educational standard identifies various different themes which educational institutions that offer PSW programs are advised to utilize as a guide when determining the PSW program structure.

In sum, the new educational standard includes amendments made to the curriculums of 4 different bodies that offer PSW programs:

  1. Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology which had previously used a Ministry of Training and Colleges and Universities Standard
  2. Private career colleges which had previously used the curriculum provided by the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC)
  3. School boards which used a standard provided by the Ontario Community Support Association (OCSA), which had its own process called the PSW Educational Program Accreditation process (PEPA)

Note* The fourth body is not covered under the new legislation and is comprised of companies or organizations that provide educational programming as a “3rd party” to PSWs employed through staffing agencies.

CONCLUSION

The educational standards established for PSWs in Ontario have undergone significant change over the last two decades.

Personal Support Workers are in demand and as such, programs and courses designed to prepare you to enter the workforce have increased commensurately.

However, unlike registered health care professionals who are protected under regulations outlined in their respective acts, up until recently, no clear standard had existed with respect to the education and training of prospective support workers.

The lack of consistency and clarity frustrated stakeholders including individuals looking to pursue a career as a PSW as well as employers, which ultimately served to create a systemic imbalance within the field.

Although standards were outlined in 1997, they often were not adhered to by employers and ceased being an effective means to create consistency with respect to educating PSWs.

As a result, the stipulations made in the 2007 Long-Term Care Homes Act began to be followed instead.

However, the variances that were inherent in the document did not serve to mitigate the issues that many individuals working within the field often criticized.

With the new educational standard for PSWs, hopefully, a significantly higher degree of consistency, efficiency, and clarity develops across the board.

Thus, you can expect to receive an education that will ensure that you and all new PSWs will have the same skills, knowledge, and expertise upon entering the field.

Therefore in doing so, you will be able to obtain the standard of education that PSWs require, enabling you to provide the best care possible for those in need of it both now, as well as in the future.

Government’s New Crown Agency and What it Means for PSWs

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In the fall of 2017, the Ontario government announced the future implementation of a government home care agency for PSWs designed to provide personal care support to patients directly in their homes.

The new agency, called Self-Directed Personal Support Services Ontario (SDPSSO), has the intent to improve home care to Ontarians that need support.

Although these services are already managed by organizations such as the Community Care Access Centre, or CCAC, the new government home care agency for Personal Support Workers is looking to provide those in need of a Personal Support Worker in their home with more choice in choosing a support worker and more control in the schedule of their caregiving.

BEFORE GOING FURTHER…

Please note that this new agency focuses on changing the delivery of Personal Support Worker services provided in the home only and should not affect those PSWs working in hospitals and long-term care facilities.

WHY THIS NEW GOVERNMENT HOME CARE AGENCY FOR PSWs?

This government’s intervention in the delivery of personal support services stemmed from an audit of the CCAC in Ontario that took place in 2015.

The results of the audit highlighted many concerns with the way the CCAC has been handling government provided funding as well as the delivery of care to its clients.

LACK OF CLARITY

The first of the many issues found is the lack of clarity in spending directly on health care costs.

It is difficult to determine how much of the funding provided to the CCAC agencies was actually used to directly benefit patients.

For example,

when looking at services such as face-to-face treatments with patients, only 61 percent of their expenditure went directly to patient care.

INCONSISTENCY

Another alarming issue the government uncovered through this audit is that the rates charged for different services were highly inconsistent within each service offering.

For example,

for only 94 different services, they found 14000 contract rates.

This essentially means that clients have been charged different amounts for the exact same service.

DELAY IN SERVICES

Additionally, some patients requiring immediate attention upon release from a hospital were not seen for over 24 hours.

SPENDING ON THYSELF

A final glaring issue, in light of these service delivery concerns, is the fact that between 2009 and 2013 executives at CCAC had their salaries increase by 37% while client care was sub-optimal.

All these issues present a clear picture of the problem with how the government feels the CCAC has fallen short with the delivery of client care and allocation of funds.

SO WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT?

Beginning May 3rd of this year, and wrapping up on June 21st, the government will begin merging the current CCAC organizations with the new SDPSSO.

These services will all now be a part of Ontario’s Local Health Integration Network or LHIN for short.

The new organization will provide more flexibility in the care for patients requiring a PSW.

The care will be self-directed in that patients will have the ability to choose their own PSW and arrange a care that works best for their needs and their schedule.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU AS A PSW?

There are pros and cons to this new method of PSW service delivery.

Pros

Cutting costs of upper management redirect the costs back to the direct care of patients – meaning PSWs will have the funding required to do their job in providing home care in a more effective manner.

The new government home care agency for PSWs will hire PSWs that will be considered government employees, and the government often provides comfortable wages and benefits as well as job security.

There will likely be an increase in job creation in the PSW field as this organization recognizes the need to increase the availability of home care workers to help meet the needs of clients.

Cons

Besides the CCAC, there are other reputable non-profit organizations providing personal support care services to patients in Ontario including Victorian Order of Nurses and Saint Elizabeth Health Care.

These non-profit organizations currently provide quality care but could provide better care if given more government funding.

Long-term, the SDPSSO may draw financial resources away from these other organizations, which will inhibit their ability to continue to provide quality care.

Eventually, it could lead to the SDPSSO monopolizing home care service in Ontario.

Again long-term, if the SDPSSO monopolizes all in-home care delivery across Ontario, PSW jobs in other home-care organizations could be at risk as they struggle to have enough funds to support clients and pay workers.

HOW TO GET A POSITION WITH THIS NEW GOVERNMENT HOME CARE AGENCY FOR PSWs?

At this point, it is still early on in the implementation of this new organization and management is likely taking its time assessing current resources and determining where there are shortages.

Since the SDPSSO is a part of the LHIN, as positions become available, they will most likely be posted on the LHIN website, which can be found here.

There are separate pages for each geographic region, so be sure to check out each of the career pages for the regions you would be interested in working in.

FINAL THOUGHTS

At this time, it is still very early in the process, so it could take months, if not years to feel the full effects of this new organization on the health care system.

There are many that are not happy with the government’s decision to overhaul home-care delivery, and as a result, the government is now facing a lawsuit from a coalition of home care organizations.

These companies are questioning the intent of the government’s implementation of the SDPSSO and highlight potential dire consequences on the health care system.

Online Education & Training for PSWs With the Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto

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Alzheimer’s and people living with Dementia are on the rise in Canada.

According to a report published by the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada in 2016, an estimated 564,000 Canadians are living with Dementia, and this number will rise to 937, 000 by 2031!

Of this, 39% are Ontario residents!

Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario has been doing commendable work to keep pace with the growing number of people with Dementia.

Through their efforts, Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario was instrumental in persuading the provincial government to allocate additional funding.

As a result, in 2017, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care made a significant investment towards the implementation of a dementia strategy in Ontario.

These funds are helping support people with dementia and those who care for them, such as you the Personal Support Workers.

As a result, Alzheimer’s Society has created amazing training and education opportunities through ALZeducate.

What is ALZeducate?

ALZeducate is an online portal designed to offer training and educational programs for Personal Support Workers and others alike who care for people with memory loss, Alzheimer’s or dementia.

This is a goldmine of resources for PSWs as the primary healthcare professionals involved in the care of people with dementia.

Education and learning are offered in three ways:

  • Online courses
  • Live and pre-recorded webinars
  • Classroom workshops

You will have to register with ALZeducate to access the dashboard that houses all the learning materials.

Registration is easy.

Login page gives you the option to create a new account.

Once you have an account, you’ll be able to access all the courses.

Courses are offered under the following three categories:

Online Courses

There are four online courses offered, and all of them can be taken by Personal Support Workers.

These are all FREE and there is no cost associated with any of these four online courses.

Dementia 101: Basics

In this online course, you’ll learn, as the title describes, the basics of dementia.

Cost: Free

Duration: 1 hour

Method of delivery: Online

By the time you’ve completed the course, you’ll have a better understanding of the following:

  • The difference between aging and dementia.
  • What is dementia and the symptoms associated with it?
  • The signs of dementia that show one could be starting to have dementia (or some other form of dementia).
  • What is person-centered care and how you as the primary caregiver (the PSW) can ensure the person being cared for remains the primary focus?
  • What support is available from the Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto?

Dementia 102: Communication

This online course teaches you ways and strategies to communicate effectively with a person with dementia.

Cost: Free

Duration: 1 hour

Method of delivery: Online

Upon completion of this course you’ll have a better understanding of the following:

  • A different approach to communicate with a person with dementia.
  • The changes in understanding and following instructions.
  • How to communicate effectively with a person with dementia?
  • Strategies to guide your communication.
  • The importance of being patient when communicating with a person with dementia.

Dementia 103: Behaviour

This course is designed to teach you the effective ways of responding to changed behaviors of people with dementia.

Cost: Free

Duration: 1 hour

Method of delivery: Online

You’ll also learn the causes of these type of behaviors. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll learn from this course:

  • How dementia affects the brain and the neurological changes that follow.
  • Why a person with dementia depicts certain behavior and how to find out the factors that may cause such behavior?
  • Strategies to help you respond to the behaviors caused by dementia?

Finding Your Way: Living Safely in the Community

This is a unique course designed to help you learn more about dementia and how to manage people with dementia in the community.

This course can enhance your learning, especially if you’re a Personal Support Worker working in the community.

Cost: Free

Duration: 1 hour

Method of delivery: Online

This course is divided into four modules:

  • Understanding dementia and it’s associated risks.
  • Communicating with a person with dementia.
  • Helping people with dementia live safely in the community.
  • Interacting with a person with dementia who may be lost.

Healthcare Professional Training

U-First Online Dementia Training

This is a 3-week certificate course designed to enhance your skills in caring for people with dementia.  

A formal registration is required.

Cost: $75

Duration: 3 weeks

Method of delivery: Online

A certificate is issued upon the successful completion of this course.

Online Dementia Care Training Program (ODCTP)

This is a comprehensive course for PSWs to gain knowledge and skills required to care for clients, residents or patients with dementia.

A formal registration is required.

Cost: $75

Duration: 6 weeks

Method of delivery: Online

Note: The ODCTP course includes U-First certificate course. Upon successful completion of this course, you’ll, therefore, be granted two certificates: U-First Dementia Training certificate and Dementia Care Training Program certificate.

Live Webinars

A webinar is “seminar over the internet”.

The beauty of webinars lies in the fact that you do not have to travel to a certain place in order to attend. It is delivered over the internet.

These webinars are however held on certain dates and times and you have to enroll first.

What if you can’t make it in time for the live webinar?

Not to worry!

You can come back at a later date and watch the recording of the live webinar.

These webinars are geared towards anyone taking care of someone with dementia.

As a result, they can be helpful to you, the Personal Support Worker.

The content delivered in these webinars can be applied at your workplace, especially if your work involves caring for people with dementia.  

Following are some of the webinars that PSWs can benefit from:

Executive Functions

Executive functioning refers to a higher level executive system of cognitive skills that control other abilities and behaviors.

Organization, planning, and execution of various daily activities of our lives are all governed by the executive functions.

For example, a slice of pizza might feel tempting however it is the executive functioning of your body that reminds you of the consequences and a conflict with your goal of eating healthy.

Cost: Free

Duration: 1 hour

Method of delivery: Online

You’ll learn:

  • The concept of executive functioning in greater detail.
  • Signs and symptoms of a compromised executive system.
  • Strategies to support someone with impaired executive functioning.

Meaningful activities

This webinar is for you, especially if you work as a PSW in the community and look after clients with dementia.

You can learn many different techniques to develop and implement meaningful activities with your client.

Cost: Free

Duration: 1 hour

Method of delivery: Online

Understanding Behaviours

In this webinar, you’ll learn possible causes of certain types of behavior that is typical of anyone with dementia and also learn strategies to reduce such behaviors.

Cost: Free

Duration: 1 hour

Method of delivery: Online

As you can see, if you want to enhance your skillset of working with people with dementia, Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto offer ample resources.

If you experience issues with registration or while enrolling in any of the courses, you can contact The Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto

Alzheimer Society of Toronto

20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th floor
Toronto, Ontario M4R 1K8

Tel: 416-322-6560
Email: write@alz.to

Personal Support Worker Jobs at William Osler Health System

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William Osler Health System is a group of hospitals serving the city of Brampton and Etobicoke.

It comprises of two hospitals and an ambulatory care clinic.

  • Brampton Civic Hospital,
  • Etobicoke General Hospital, and
  • Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness.

Does William Osler hire PSWs: Yes

Under what title: Personal Support Worker and Health Care Aide

In which departments: Rehabilitation, Respirology, Neurology, Close patient watch

What type of positions are available: Casual, Part-time, Full-time

What is the pay rate: $22.23 to $22.75 hourly

William Osler Health System has been earning the recognition as the “Greater Toronto’s Top Employers” for seven years in a row.

It has also been recognized as the “Canada’s Best Diversity Employers” for the years 2015, 2016 and 2017.

BRAMPTON CIVIC HOSPITAL

Brampton civic hospital hires PSWs to work in various departments.

It is a fairly new community hospital in the Region of Peel that opened in October 2007.

Brampton Civic is a big hospital employing more than 4000 employees including the Personal Support Workers (PSWs).

ETOBICOKE GENERAL HOSPITAL

Opened in 1972, Etobicoke General Hospital is a smaller hospital with 262 beds and a staff of about 1000.

It has served Etobicoke and surrounding areas for more than 46 years and is now undergoing a major transformation.

A new patient tower is being added to complement the existing building.

The new tower will be home to many services such as Labour and Delivery, Emergency, Respirology and Intensive Care.

A Wellness Centre is also being built and will replace the existing medical office building.

This new building will house many specialties such as pre-anesthesia clinic, dialysis clinic, diagnostic imaging and Doctor’s offices.

PEEL MEMORIAL CENTRE

A new facility that opened in the heart of Brampton in 2017. It has replaced the Peel Memorial Hospital that stopped operations in 2007.

Peel Memorial is primarily an ambulatory care facility with an Urgent Care Clinic on premises.  

WHERE DO PSW’S WORK AT OSLER?

Personal Support Workers are hired primarily at Brampton Civic and Etobicoke General Hospital for many inpatient care areas such as:

  • Slow and Active Rehab,
  • Neurology,
  • Respirology, and for
  • Close patient watch as per the unit needs.

WHERE ARE THE JOBS POSTED?

Jobs are posted in the careers section of the William Osler website and applications are accepted online only.

William Osler website offers the functionality of creating an account.

It is highly recommended that you create this account so that it becomes easier for you to apply for positions as they get posted.

Once you have created an account, you can:

  • upload your resume,
  • track applications for positions you have applied to, and
  • create a job alert

HOW TO CREATE A JOB ALERT?

This is one of the most useful features you can use to stay on top of your PSW job search.

When you create a job alert for any PSW related jobs at William Osler Health System, you get an email notification about the new posting as soon as it is posted.

This will help you ensure you’re one of the first to find out when a new PSW position is posted. 

Creating a job alert is super easy.

Go to the “My Account” section and click on “Create a job alert”.

In the new window that opens, enter your best email address (try to use the same email address you used to create the account”.

And in the keyword field, enter the following job titles:

  • Personal Support Worker,
  • Health Care Aide
  • Porter
  • Orderly

Ensure you separate all the job titles by a comma.

WHY INCLUDE PORTER AND ORDERLY?

You see, the hourly rate for PSWs in a hospital is much higher than in Long-term care homes and community settings.

And, only 1% of almost 90,000 PSWs in Ontario work in hospitals.

As a result, the competition for any PSW position in a hospital is quite high.

If you want to work in a hospital, you must keep your options open and accept whatever comes your way to get your foot in.

Once you become part of the organization, you get access to “internal positions” and can always transfer to a PSW position.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON PRE-REQUISITES?

As with any other hospital PSW job, pre-requisites to apply are:

  • A Personal Support Worker Certificate from an accredited College
  • Current First Aid and C.P.R. certificate
  • Prior Hospital experience is always considered an asset.
  • Basic computer skills and knowledge of Meditech charting system (you may be given training once you’re hired)

WHAT ARE THE JOB DUTIES?

At Osler, Personal Support Workers are utilized across the organization.

While the primary duties are assisting patient’s with Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s), you may be required to have specific knowledge and skills when required to work on certain units such as Surgery and Neurology.

For example, working on a surgical unit may require you to have basic knowledge about the weight-bearing status and any other limitations that the patient may have due to the surgical procedure they had done.

You may also be required to closely watch a confused patient who is constantly trying to get out of bed. This is basically one on one care that you will be responsible for.

You can click here for details on other duties that you may be required to perform.

 VOLUNTEERING

Volunteer positions are available at all three sites: Brampton civic, Etobicoke General and Peel Memorial.

A total of more than 1200 volunteers work at all three sites.

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and also serves a great purpose if you’re considering working at Osler.

You see, once you start volunteering, you become a part of the organization. This gives you the opportunity to know the inpatient care units and network with staff.

STAYING CONNECTED

William Osler is very active on social media.

You can follow the organization on Facebook and/or Twitter and stay abreast of the important happenings.

 

 

32 Tips to Getting That Perfect PSW Job

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32 Tips to get hired as a PSW

You’ve completed your PSW program and now started looking for a job.

So, where’s the job?

Welcome to schooling, 2.0.

It’s time to get that perfect PSW job that you’ve worked so hard for over the past year.

Even though PSW jobs are abundant just about anywhere you go, they can be very hard to get.

As a Personal Support Worker, you are going to be working with an extremely vulnerable sector of society. Every facility or private care client is going to want the best and nothing but the best from their potential candidates.

In order to avoid frustration, here are 32 tips to help you get that perfect PSW job!

SO YOU’VE GRADUATED

 

THE PERFECT RESUME

No, I’m not talking “Meh, this is good enough”. 

I’m talking you better be at the top of your game.

You want to show the potential employers that you are the best the world has to offer.

After all your resume is the key marketing document designed to get you an interview. You should ensure this piece of document is absolutely impeccable.

If you have any questions about your PSW resume or want an honest opinion on where your resume stands, check out Pursuit Desk Career Solution.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR COVER LETTER
This is not something you want to copy & paste from another source, believe me, employers can spot this a mile away & it makes you look lazy.

A personalized cover letter should summarize your resume in your own voice. 

A resume isn’t personalized, it’s the bullet point and cold.

A cover letter should be warm, user-friendly yet strongly worded to tell your employer why you deserve this job.

Use short sentences, remember, you’re not writing a story.

Customize each letter specifically for each employer. Mention the facilities name and why you want to work there. Sucking up has its advantages.

You can check out this article for a sample PSW cover letter and if you’d like to get some help, check out Pursuit Desk Career Solutions.

INTERVIEW PREPARATION
You got the interview, congratulations!

Are you nervous?

You should be if you aren’t prepared!

The best way to keep anxiety and nervousness at bay is to be thoroughly prepared.

Know yourself, know your work, know the organization and you’ll sail through.

This article will help you do that.

It will give you a taste of the kind of questions you can expect during a PSW job interview.  

REFERENCES
Employers are fickle,  so even though your resume, cover letter, and interview are fabulous, they’re going to want to make sure.

When choosing references, remember to pick individuals that pertain to your job.

Asking your friends probably isn’t a good idea, nor would be asking your grandmother though I’m sure she’s lovely.

Your volunteer coordinator, clinical teacher, and your preceptor at your co-op are all appropriate references.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
What’s even better than a phone call?

A letter of recommendation.

Get a letter of recommendation from your clinical teacher, former supervisor and anyone else you have made connections with.

This not only tells your future employer what these co-workers think of you, but it shows them that you made the extra effort to actually get the letter in the first place.

Employers like PSWs who take the extra time to make something count.

HAVE A PORTFOLIO
Want to look super professional at your interview?

Walk in with a portfolio and you’ll blow their mind.

This shows professionalism, this shows organization.

Make sure to include all important documents: Cover letter, resume, certificates, immunization records, your police check, PSW diploma and letters of recommendation.

In fact, make copies of everything to leave with the employer after the interview.

APPLY EARLY AND IN PERSON
Once all of the above has been checked off, it’s time to start putting the pedal to the metal and applying.

Do not rely solely on the internet, as easy as that is to do in this day and age.

Make the effort and drop off resumes in person.

Dress the part of a professional and walk in with the confidence of a PSW who knows what they want.

And don’t be afraid to approach facilities that aren’t hiring, you never know who’s hands your resume is going to get into.

This is a great way to make connections and network as well.

And one last thing:

who’s to say you have to wait until you’re done school to apply?

Start looking up potential employers as soon as you can and make lists of everyone you want to send your resume to.

Remember, the early bird gets the worm!

I NEED MORE THAN A RESUME

 

VOLUNTEER
Working without pay?

You have no idea how amazing this looks on a resume.

Especially when it’s for organizations related to your field.

Not only are you getting invaluable experience, but this speaks volumes to an employer about you. 

Volunteering is also a good way to a potential job. It gets your foot in the door and gives you connections.

Once you’ve volunteered at a facility, your chances are extremely high for getting hired.

You know the people. The residents. Most importantly they’ve seen in person your work capabilities.

It’s a win-win!

PSW CONNECTIONS
Develop connections with PSWs already working in the field.

A good place to do this is in your co-op or when volunteering at a facility.

Learn the art of schmoozing.

Ask questions.

Remember, these people have already been hired for the job you want, they probably have loads of tips to help you out.

They may even have leads for you or be able to recommend you for a job.

Networking is a great way to get hired.

You can check out this and this article to learn how you can network as a Personal Support Worker.

CONTACTS GET YOU THE JOB
I’m not just talking your connections from school and volunteer.

I’m talking the whole world!

Seriously.

Spread the word that you’re looking for a job. Friends. Friends of friends. Family.

That lovely old lady across the street. You never know who’s listening.

STAFFING AGENCIES
Do not rule this out when on the hunt for a job.

A PSW with little experience and new to the field really can’t afford to say no, can they?

So take what you can get. 

Agencies are a great way to get experience.

An agency will send you to LTC facilities, private homes, and retirement.

I’ll admit the pay isn’t the best you can get, but the experience more than makes up for it.

And remember to read the fine print.

Some agencies will have you sign a contract stating that you cannot work for any facility directly that they have sent you to, only after a certain amount of time has elapsed can you do so.

Here are more details on how you can work start out by working with an agency.  

CONTINUING EDUCATION
You’re never done learning.

Always be willing to go above and beyond your certificate.

Most employers will even pay for continuing education.

This also tells your employer that you are dedicated to becoming the best of the best in your profession.

When it comes to continuing education and learning, PSWs have many options:

LinkedIn
Welcome to the networking site for professionals.

This is a wonderful way to get yourself out there on the internet, in a professional manner. 

This professional social network allows you to build a professional biography about you and your career.

Use keywords such as “personal support worker”,“long-term care”,“PSW” etc to get the word out there.

PSWs looking for work can connect with other PSWs and professionals in the field.

Here’s a great post explaining how you can use LinkedIn as a Personal Support Worker. 

COLLEGE CAREER SERVICES
Your college or place of learning has a multitude of resources that you to take advantage of.

Your teachers and advisors want you to succeed as much as you do, so take advantage!

These services may include helping you with your cover letter and résumé.

They may even have connections in the field you are looking to work in.

MAINTAIN CONNECTIONS
With everyone you meet.

You may not like them and I’m certainly not suggesting you become best friends with these people.

But a lot of the time, people come across jobs through who they know.

So you know that annoying girl in your class that now has a wicked job but you don’t?

Talk to her.

Stay in touch with classmates and teachers.

These people know the field and may be able to offer tips or arrange a meet and greet with other potential employers.

NEWSPAPER CLASSIFIEDS
I know what your thinking. This is a too old school for you.

We live in 2018, the age of the world wide web!

No one’s reading newspapers!

Ah, but you’d be wrong.

With everyone looking online for jobs, hardcopy postings go unnoticed, meaning you’d have a better chance of getting that job if you applied for it!

I’ve seen advertisements for PSW positions every now and again.

Don’t discontinue this option just because it’s “old”.

JOB ALERTS
Here’s an easy way to getting that job – let the job come to you!

Many companies allow you to sign up via their website and when a job posting becomes available, it get’s emailed to you right away!

Often times, when I’ve come across job postings online the application due date, has long since passed.

So utilize the “Job Alert” feature if you see one. 

JOB FAIRS
Attend these.

Job fairs are a “gold-mine” for honing your résumé and interview skills as often you’ll be interviewed right on the spot.

Bring your resume, your cover letter, and your portfolio.

A ton of employers attend these gatherings looking for that perfect candidate.

And even if you don’t come out with a job right away, don’t panic!

Keep up with your connections.

These events even offer to look at and critique your resume for free!

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Did you know that Personal Support Workers aren’t registered?

This means that your profession is not regulated by the Government of Ontario.

So in theory, anyone can become a PSW and anyone can teach it.

The Ontario Personal Support Worker Association (OPSWA), is one such organization that is actively working for the betterment of PSWs in Ontario. 

TIP TOP SHAPE

 

FIRST AID AND CPR
In my 5 years as a PSW, I never ever thought that I would have to use my First Aid & CPR skills.

Actually, I focused really hard on hoping that I never would.

But I did.

And I was glad that I was prepared and up to date in my knowledge on this life-saving skill.

Every PSW course teaches first aid & CPR, but most validations only last for a year.

In most facilities, it is required that you update every year or every two years.

Keep on this and make sure your certifications are up to date and relevant.

IMMUNIZATION RECORDS
If your employer doesn’t ask for this, not only would I be surprised but I’d be extremely concerned as well.

Remember, you are working with an extremely vulnerable sector of society, so not only do you want to protect yourself, but you want to protect your clients, employers and anyone else you may come in contact with as well.

As of right now, the Ontario Government has not made it mandatory to get immunized from the flu and other diseases.

Do yourself a favor with some common sense – get vaccinated!

CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS
The paperwork just doesn’t stop, does it?

This little piece of paper is extremely important and vital for your job applications.

For more information on how to obtain one, you can check out Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) website and Backcheck.

A LITTLE EXTRA NEVER HURTS

 

IMPROVE YOUR SOCIAL SKILLS
Job fairs, maintaining your connections, etc. 

Sitting at home and just sending out e-mails won’t cut it anymore.

As previously mentioned, you have to get out there and get yourself known!

A great way to do this is through this site www.meetup.com which allows you connect with like-minded individuals who are also looking at the same things you are!

BE PHYSICALLY FIT
I’m not saying you need to bulk up and be a muscle man, but you better believe that this job consists of some fairly difficult physical activity.

Not only are you on your feet for the majority of your 8-hour shift, but you will be aiding in the care of residents who are a lot bigger than you.

Not only that but if said resident can’t weight bare or help you to turn over, you’ll be logrolling them yourself.

I can guarantee that in every facility you will encounter this at some point.

Be prepared.

GO ABOVE AND BEYOND
While at your placement, make it known that you want a job.

That you would love the opportunity to work there with their wonderful staff and residents that you have already gotten to know.

Keep your eyes peeled for any job openings and apply right away.

After all, you already have the experience, why wouldn’t they hire you?

EXPRESS GRATITUDE
Send thank you notes to the staff that helped you on your clinical placement.

A little letter to your teacher and to everyone who has helped you along your journey.

Many people ask for help but few take the time to really appreciate it and say thank you.

BE REALISTIC
Even after going through all the above-mentioned tips, don’t be surprised if a job doesn’t come to you right away.

Finding a job in any field is difficult even at the best of times.

Persistence is key and following these tips diligently will get you there.

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