The Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology

Certificate in Personal Support Worker

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Enjoy working with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds
• Have effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Work effectively as a member of a team
• Are comfortable using computers and other forms of technology
• Possess strong time management and organizational skills.

Level 01

• ENL1813S Communications I
• HLT0303 Clinical Placement 1
• HLT0366 Theoretical Principles for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
• HLT0367 Lab Skills for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
• HLT0368 Professional Practice of the PSW
• HLT0369 Dementia Care and Mental Health
• HLT0370 The Human Body Across the Lifespan

Level 02

• HLT0306 Palliative Care and End of Life
• HLT0309 Clinical Placement 2
• HLT0310 Consolidation Placement for the Personal Support Worker
• HLT0371 Health Conditions and the Role of the PSW
• HLT0372 Lab Skills for Health Conditions

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Work within the personal support worker role in various care settings by all applicable legislation, standards, employer job descriptions, policies, procedures, and guidelines
2. Practice professionally, and be accountable for one`s actions by applying problem-solving, self-awareness, time management, and critical thinking to the provision of care as a personal support worker, whether working independently or as a member of a team
3. Practice as an engaged member of the interprofessional team to maintain collaborative working relationships for the provision of supportive, safe, responsive, and competent client-centered care within care settings
4. Provide person-centered care, based on ethical principles, sensitive to diverse personal and family values, beliefs, cultural practices, and other needs, which follows the plan of care
5. Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with clients and their families using effective communication skills to build a genuine, trusting, and respectful partnership, professional boundaries, employer policies, confidentiality, and privacy legislation
6. Identify relevant client information within the roles and responsibilities of the personal support worker using observation, critical thinking, and effective communication skills to report and document findings
7. Create, promote, and maintain a safe and comfortable environment for clients, their families, self, and others by implementing current infection prevention and control measures, emergency and first aid procedures, and best practices in pandemic planning that are in keeping with the plan of care, all applicable legislation, and employer policies and procedures
8. Assist clients across the lifespan with activities of daily living by applying fundamental knowledge of growth and development, psychological concepts, common alterations in functioning, health promotion, disease prevention, rehabilitation and restorative care, and holistic health care
9. Assist the client with medication following the client`s plan of care, and if a delegated act, under the supervision of a regulated health professional or done by an exception under the most accountable person and by all applicable legislation and employer policies
10. Assist with household management services and instrumental activities of daily living in the plan of care and considering the preferences, comfort, safety, and autonomy of clients, families, and significant others
11. Assist and support clients who are caregivers, considering individual and family choices, professional boundaries, and the direction of the plan of care
12. Identify, respond to, and report potential, alleged, suspected, or witnessed situations of abuse, and/or neglect, as required by all applicable legislation, including the Retirement Homes Act, 2010, and the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, and as required within the employers` job description for the personal support workers
13. Assist with the provision of holistic health care and advocacy for culturally safe and spiritually sensitive palliative and end-of-life care to clients and their families and significant others from diagnosis through to death and bereavement, and by clients` choices and the plan of care
14. Provide client-centered and client-directed care to individuals experiencing various mental health illnesses and challenges, cognitive and intellectual impairments, and/or responsive behaviors by using supportive approaches and evidence-based practices to promote positive and safe behaviors in clients
15. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment, and environmental stewardship.

Graduates may find employment as personal support workers functioning under the supervision of Registered Nurses and/or Registered Practical Nurses in retirement homes, long-term care facilities, community health agencies, and acute-care settings.