NACC Personal Support Worker

In the introductory module, you will gain an overview of a PSW’s responsibilities in various settings. You will learn about client-centered versus client-directed care and the importance of emphasizing the individuality of the client and their relationships with family, friends and others. Key topics include work relationships, interpersonal skills, communications, conflict resolution, applicable legislation and stress and time management.

The second module covers safety for both the client and you. One of your fundamental tasks as a PSW is assisting the client with routine activities of living. You will learn about the risks of unsafe equipment or settings and the appropriate actions to take when unsafe situations are identified. Topics include infection control methods, body mechanics and transferring and lifting techniques using equipment to increase safety and reduce client anxiety.

This module will introduce you to the basics of anatomy and physiology. You will gain an understanding of human body systems to apply this knowledge in your daily work as a personal support worker. These body systems include the musculoskeletal, digestive, urinary, integumentary, reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous and endocrine systems. You will also cover common disorders and age-related changes for each body system.

As a PSW, you will assist clients with all activities of daily living. Accordingly, in this course, learn how to care for clients who are ill, disabled, injured and/or confused. You will consider frailness, dignity and levels of dependence. You will also learn how to support with personal hygiene tasks, such as oral care, perineal care, bathing, grooming, dressing, bed making, shaving, hair care and skin care. This will involve considerations for personal safety, self-esteem and dignity.

This module introduces you to the concepts of violence and abuse, including its possible signs and the appropriate actions and legal requirements if abuse is suspected. You will examine personal beliefs and attitudes about family violence and abuse, as well as the concepts of client abuse and worker abuse. You will learn to recognize both indicators and causes and understand the requirements of legislation, employer policy and provisions of the service contract or support plan.

Learn how to assist clients with their nutritional needs, household activities and household management according to client preferences, comfort and safety within employer guidelines. You will understand how to plan balanced menus, prepare shopping lists, handle food safely and implement techniques for storage and cooking. You will also address the special dietary needs of certain clients and their cultural and religious preferences.

In this module, understand the significance of care plans and service contracts for helping clients relearn or regain routine abilities. You will also be introduced to working in the community health-care environment, providing support to patients and families in communities, in accordance with employer guidelines.

Learn to understand family characteristics in terms of structure, functions, roles, lifestyles and relationships. You will explore the influence of cultural values, practices, religious beliefs, as well as the effects of illness, stress and disability on family relationships, which are central to your ability as a PSW to provide effective support. This module also explores the stages of growth and development throughout the life cycle and your role in providing respite to families.

In this module, you will learn about hospice, palliative and end-of-life care and the integration of a palliative approach to care. You will explore ways of being, communication and practical strategies to provide psychosocial support and physical comfort care for both the person and their family. This module addresses provincial palliative care competencies, including competencies for caring for First Nation, Inuit, Metis, and urban Indigenous peoples.

Within the PSW scope of practice, you will learn about medication administration versus assistance. You will gain basic knowledge of the drugs used in the treatment of common diseases and disorders including their use, classification, effects and routes of administration. You will identify the purposes, required instruction and cautions. You will also understand the importance of observation for both desired and undesired outcomes, as well as the procedures to follow if there is a concern or problem with medications.

This module introduces you to common psychiatric conditions such as affective disorders, schizophrenia, substance abuse, cognitive impairment and brain injury. You will learn about the possibility of multiple conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression and the role of the family caregiver. You will also learn the importance of observation, documentation and reporting in order to recognize changes in behavior that can be related to psychiatric conditions or an increased risk of suicide.

You will be introduced to ongoing conditions and basic concepts of assistance, as well as the general effects on a person of common disabilities, conditions and diseases. You will gain skill in the necessary techniques while focusing on the importance of providing support safely, effectively and comfortably. Concepts of maintenance, rehabilitation and restoration will be discussed, as will the importance of the support team in providing assistance and training for these additional skills.

Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) is a multi-disciplinary program designed for everyone who interacts with older adults in the workplace. As a participant, you will be guided to fully understand responsive behaviors in order to respond effectively and appropriately in a workplace setting.

Clinical placements provide you with an opportunity to practise your new skills in a work setting. You will gain experience in a wider range of PSW skills, become more self-confident and may receive offers of employment from the placement site. In this module, you will work in a facility setting for 100 hours under the supervision of your instructor and a preceptor provided by the host site. Your instructor will be available by phone and email during the placement.

Clinical placements will also provide you with an opportunity to practise your new skills in a community setting. While on placement, you will gain experience with a wider range of PSW skills, become more self-confident and may receive offers of employment from the placement site. In this module, you will work under the supervision of a preceptor provided by the host site. Your instructor will be available by phone and email at all times.