Personal Support Worker

This course consists of a series of workshops that will prepare the student for his/her clinical placements and future employment opportunities. This course is also intended to support student learning and retention by preparing students for the academic demands of the Personal Support Worker Program.

Communications I is an introductory course that provides a foundation in college-level communications by teaching students to read critically, write appropriately for a variety of audiences, conduct and cite research, and revise for clarity and correctness. In seminars and labs, students will engage in both independent and collaborative activities, including the development of a digital portfolio designed to help them become more effective communicators in academic and professional environments.

This computer course introduces the student to computer basics and other technology. Through the extensive use of hands on activities, students will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in the college and workplace environments.

This introductory course provides an overview of the Personal Support Worker's role within the health care system. The role of the Personal Support Worker will be examined. Issues impacting the role such as accountability, interdisciplinary teamwork, legal and ethical rights and responsibilities, confidentiality, time management and the principles of documentation will be examined.

In this foundational course, the student will learn about the concepts involved in communication. Through reflection, the student will develop a deeper understanding of self and how self impacts communication with others. The student will explore the concepts of verbal messages, nonverbal messages, listening and responding through a variety of simulation activities that aims to support the development of core interpersonal skills essential for communicating as a health care professional.

This foundational course introduces the Personal Support Worker student to basic anatomy and physiology fundamental to the provision of personal care to individuals requiring assistance in an institutional setting. Attitudes, knowledge and skills required to function ethically, safely and competently will be addressed in this class. This course will discuss each body system, the common diseases associated with each system and their related interventions. Theoretical concepts and principles discussed in this lecture course will be applied in lab and clinical courses.

In this clinical placement, the student will demonstrate classroom theory and principles in the long term care setting. Students will also develop competence in therapeutic communication, professional behaviour and accountability, personal care interventions, observation, reporting and recording, promotion and maintenance of a safe environment, and participation as a multidisciplinary care team member.

Co-Requisites

• Computer Skills for PSW (COMP 583)
• Foundations for Personal Support Worker I (HLTH 244)
• PSW Skills Lab I (NRSG 201)
• PSW Applications and Interventions I (NRSG 200)

This foundational course introduces the Personal Support Worker student to practical skills fundamental to the provision of personal care to individuals requiring assistance in an institutional setting. Attitudes, knowledge and skills required to function ethically, safely and competently will be addressed in the lab. Simulated patient care situations, case studies and hands-on application of specific skills, will form the basis of this course.

Co-Requisites

• PSW Applications and Interventions I (NRSG 200)

Human development across the lifespan will be studied by exploring the interrelationship between biological, psychological and sociocultural influences from conception to end of life. Upon completion of the course, learners will have an understanding of individual development, in addition to the impact of lifespan development on families and communities. Learners will have the opportunity to follow an individual's development throughout the lifespan, using a variety of biopsychosocial factors.

This course introduces the student to knowledge required to safely and competently assist clients when taking medication, according to their plan of care. Students will be introduced to common drug classifications, expected outcomes and basic mathematics associated with medications. As well, students will learn about related legislation and the scope of practice and responsibilities of the Personal Support Worker (PSW).

Co-Requisites

• PSW Skills Labs II (NRSG 203)

This functional course will provide an overview of the Ontario Healthcare System. Students will examine the interdisciplinary role of healthcare professionals. Based on examination, students will dialogue about current issues and trends that impact the Ontario healthcare system, within the context of sustainability.

This foundational course provides an overview of the Personal Support Worker's role within the health care system. Using a variety of strategies such as problem solving, critical thinking and decision making, students will explore concepts such as legislation, quality improvement, food safety, alternative healing, lifelong learning, medication safety and other skills.

Co-Requisites

• PSW Skills Labs II (NRSG 203)
• PSW Applications and Interventions II (NRSG 232)

This introductory course combines two separate specialty areas; Palliative Care and Mental Health. Palliative focuses on developing comfort around dying and death. Using the Hospice Palliative Care Framework, students will explore the various domains of issues encountered by persons living with life-threatening illness, and identify strategies to address these issues to support the client and family at the end of life. Mental health provides a framework for understanding mental health issues. The student will learn about challenges experienced by individuals who are coping with mental health issues such as delirium, dementia, depression, abuse and other mental health disorders. The student will also explore best practice strategies for communicating with and caring for individuals and their families in a safe and respectful manner.

Co-Requisites

• PSW Applications and Interventions II (NRSG 232)

This foundational course builds upon the Applications & Interventions I. This course will continue to discuss body systems, the common diseases associated with each system and their related interventions. Attitudes and knowledge required to function ethically, safely and competently will continue to be addressed in this class. Theoretical concepts and principles discussed in this lecture course will be applied in lab and clinical courses.

This foundational course builds upon PSW Lab 1. The Personal Support Worker student will continue to develop attitudes, knowledge and skills required to function ethically, safely and competently in lab and clinical settings. Simulated patient care situations, case studies and hands-on application of specific skills will form the basis of this course.

Co-Requisites

• PSW Applications and Interventions II (NRSG 232)
• Assisting with Medications (NRSG 233

In this clinical placement, the student will continue to demonstrate classroom theory and principles in the long term care setting. Students will also develop competence in therapeutic communication, professional behaviour and accountability, personal care interventions, observation, reporting and recording, promotion and maintenance of a safe environment, and participation as a multidisciplinary care team member.

Pre-Requisites

• PSW Applications and Interventions I (NRSG 200)
• PSW Skills Lab I (NRSG 201)
• Clinical Preparation and Success Strategies for PSW (NRSG 231)
• Foundations for Personal Support Worker I (HLTH 244)
• PSW Clinical I: Long Term Care (NRSG 230)

Co-Requisites      

• PSW Applications and Interventions II (NRSG 232)
• PSW Skills Labs II (NRSG 203)
• Foundations for Personal Support Workers II (HLTH 339)

This consolidating course consists of a series of workshops that will prepare students for the Personal Support Worker (PSW) role. Through simulation-based learning, students will apply knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program while developing confidence and critical thinking, in order to successfully care for clients in a variety of PSW settings.

Pre-Requisites

• PSW Clinical I: Long Term Care (NRSG 230)

In this three-week placement, the student will gain experience in the field under the guidance of a preceptor in a community setting. The student will apply knowledge and skills from theory and lab courses to support clients living in their homes or one of a variety of community settings. The student will develop confidence, competence, and increasing independence in the following areas: therapeutic communication, professional behaviour, personal care interventions, observation, reporting and recording, time management and organization, promotion and maintenance of a safe environment, and participation as a multidisciplinary care team member, according to applicable legislation.

Pre-Requisites

• Computer Skills for PSW (COMP 583)

The course is designed to prepare the student for a smooth transition from the role of Personal Support Worker student to the role of Personal Support Worker. In this four-week placement course, the student has the option to be placed in a long-term care or community setting. Under the guidance of a preceptor, the student will concentrate on clinical practice to consolidate skills while providing client/resident-centered care. The student will continue to develop confidence, competence, and independence in the following areas: therapeutic communication, professional behaviour, personal care interventions, observation, reporting and recording, time management and organization, promotion and maintenance of a safe environment, and participation as a multidisciplinary care team member, according to applicable legislation.

Co-Requisites

• PSW Clinical: Community (NRSG 235)
• Professional Practice and Simulation (NRSG 234)