Personal Support Worker (PSW) - Part Time

THE ROLE

As a member of the nursing team, this position works under the direction of the Registered Nurse / Registered Practical Nurse while providing personal care to residents in assigned areas in accordance with individual resident care plans. The position complies with all legislative standards, company policies/procedures and rules/regulations in a professional manner.

Reports to: Registered Nurse/Registered Practical Nurse

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of the registered nursing staff, provides personal care to promote the comfort and safety of residents.  Some typical activities include bathing, skin care, toileting, mouth care, dressing/undressing, grooming, shaving, nail and hair care.  Provides physical assistance to residents as required.
• Under direction, performs selected procedures such as administering enemas and suppositories, collecting specimens and recording vital signs.  Reports all findings to registered staff.
• Assists in the maintenance of a clean, safe environment.  Some typical activities include making beds, cleaning bedside units, collecting/bagging soiled linen for dispatch to laundry, sorting and storing clean linen, emptying bedpans and removal of unsafe objects etc.
• Consults with and informs supervisor of unit activities, needs and problems related to resident care.
• Assists in providing restorative care for residents, assists with ambulation, nutritional needs and palliative care.
• Encourages participation in life enrichment programs by preparing residents for and assisting them to and from activities.
• Assists with admission, discharge and transfer of residents.
• Assists with meal service to residents and provides feeding assistance as required.
• Provides emotional/social support for residents.

• Responsible for resident safety - according to role.

• Assists in the maintenance and proper care of nursing equipment.
• Participates in resident care conferences and committees as required.
• Documents resident care activities in accordance with the home’s policy using software such as PCC.
• Adheres to established department policies and procedures regarding quality assurance, safety, environment and infection control.
• Displays an attitude that is focused on working safely and ensuring that the work environment is safe and healthy.
• Uses safe work practices.
• Reports any actual or potential hazard to the immediate supervisor.
• Uses or wears personal protective equipment (or clothing) as required.
• Promptly reports personal injury to supervisor and seeks first aid as needed.
• Participates in fire safety activities and knows the facility fire and disaster plan.
• Maintains a clean and orderly work area.
• Does not use or operate any equipment in a way that would endanger any worker, resident or visitor.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Every new employee hired by peopleCare to work as a PSW must have successfully completed a Personal Support Worker program that meets requirements of Long Term Care Health Act: Reg. 47 or meet the criteria in 47(3).
• High School Diploma (or equivalent)
• Experience in Long-Term Care considered an asset
• First Aid certification
• Must possess strong written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal and customer focus skills
• Must have demonstrated sound skills and knowledge of providing personal care duties
• Ability to perform tasks that are necessary for the position, e.g. lifting/transferring clients