Personal Support Workers help to reform long-term care and support services to people living at home and in long-term care facilities. PSWs are often the individuals with whom clients have the most contact with and with whom they develop a close relationship. Education to prepare PSWs must assist them to develop a broad range of abilities beyond dexterity skills and emphasize the soft-skills for building healthy interpersonal skills.

As a Personal Support Worker (PSW), you are required to provide those needing assistance with daily personal care as they deal with the effects of aging, injury or illness. A PSW works under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse assisting patients with personal hygiene, meal preparation, household management and in dealing with various ongoing conditions. PSW’s work very closely with patients often developing personal relationships, therefore your knowledge and abilities must frequently go beyond dexterity skills and emphasize on the value of your role and reflect true sensitivity and respect for each individual client.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Excellent job opportunities are expected for this occupation, as rapid employment growth and high replacement needs produce a large number of job openings. Economic growth and replacement needs are expected to create a number of job openings through the year. The number of elderly people, an age group characterized by mounting health problems and requiring some assistance, is projected to rise substantially. In addition to the elderly, patients in other age groups will increasingly rely on home care, a trend that reflects several developments, including efforts to contain costs by moving patients out of hospitals and nursing care facilities as quickly as possible, the realization that treatment can be more effective in familiar rather than clinical surroundings, and the development and improvement of medical technologies for in home treatment.

Where you can find work

• HOSPITALS
• HOME HEALTHCARE
• AGENCIES LONG TERM
• CARE FACILITIES
• SENIOR CITIZEN RECREATION
• CENTERS RESPITE AND PALLIATIVE CENTERS
• HOME CARE
• BOARD OF EDUCATION-SPECIAL ED.
• PRIVATE HOMES

Job Titles and Opportunities

• Certified PSW
• Self Employed
• Care Specialist
• Care Giver
• PSW Agency Owner