Personal Support Worker

Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Grade 12 English (C, M, U)

Or equivalent

Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program and must demonstrate equivalency with admission English requirements. Contact the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details. Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.

Important Information
Students who do not comply with the immunization requirements will not be allowed into the practice settings and as such may not be able to complete the Practicum required to graduate from the program. CPR re-certification, criminal reference checks and immunization updates are required annually. To be eligible for participation in clinical training, students must not have been convicted of any criminal offence for which that person has not been pardoned. An unpardoned criminal record will result in inability to participate in clinical practice courses and will prevent the student from graduating. Any costs for these tests/certifications will be the responsibility of the applicant.

Students are responsible for the cost of appropriate uniforms and equipment (e.g. watch, pen, etc.) required for the clinical area as well as transportation to practicum placements. Mask fit testing will be provided by the College prior to clinical practice.

The following physical demands are/will be placed upon the students throughout this program, and are essential to successful completion/clinical/graduation:

Activity	Frequency	Definition	Example
Walking	half-day	walking up to four hours during an eight hour shift	walking on flat areas in building for a distance equal to a city block
Standing	quarter – day	standing up to two hours during eight hour shift	standing to administer medications at a cart/process lab specimens
Sitting	minimal	sits less than two hours during eight hour shift	sitting at desk to document
Bending	moderate	bending is required on a regular basis	changing bed linens; turning and repositioning patients; transferring patients; assisting patient in and out of chair
Lifting	heavy	normally lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 50 lbs	two man transfer of resident in and out of bed; lifting linen out of carts, positioning clients for lab processes
Pushing/Pulling	repetitive	pushing/pulling objects and persons along flat surfaces	pushing mechanical lift; pushing resident in wheelchair, pulling carts; pushing/pulling furniture
Use of Equipment	moderate	operating mechanical aids which replace physical force	using mechanical lifts
Hand/Eye coordination	average	able to perform tasks which require average degree of hand coordination. No vision impairment.	reading labels on bottles-labs vials; administering medications; operating mechanical lift; writing reports/documents

Any questions regarding the above requirements may be directed to your health care provider and/or kinesiologist/physiotherapist.

Other Requirements for Admission to Clinical

• Completed Immunization/Communicable Disease Testing Requirements forms, supplied by the College.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certificate (C.P.R. – HCP Level).
• Standard First Aid Certificate (or equivalent).
• WHMIS Certificate (may be obtained at a minimal cost through the College).
• A recent criminal reference/vulnerable sector check – (within 6 months) is required prior to the start of the fall Semester (1 original copy).
• Mask Fit testing (offered in September, on campus by the Nurse Training Officers)
• AODA certificate (free of charge, access via link on Northern College’s main website)
  

Semester 1
AA3004 Pharmacology Theory and Lab
CM1913 Communications I – Model B
PN1033 Human Relationships
PS1163 Developmental Psychology
PS3033 Abnormal Psychology
PW1003 Human Body Structure, Function and Basic Maintenance
PW1013 Legislation, Ethics and Principles of PSW
PW1014 PSW Practice

Semester 2
PW1002 Introduction to Community Care – Theory
PW1053 Introduction to Community Care – Lab
PW2011 PSW Clinical Practice
PW2013 Common Health Challenges and Care Needs
PW2017 Preceptorship
PW2023 Developmental Disabilities Across the Lifespan

Semester 1

AA3004 Pharmacology Theory and Lab
The goal of this course is to provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to administer medications accurately and safely in community settings. The student will be introduced to the principles of pharmacology including the role medications play in restoring or maintaining health. An examination of federal and provincial legislation will provide the student with an understanding of his/her role as a member of the care team. The basics of pharmacology, the rationale behind the use of drugs, and the mechanisms of medication actions within the human body will be explored. Given the ever expanding and changing nature of pharmaceuticals, the graduate of this course will need to continuously update his/her knowledge in order to remain current with medications and their actions and reactions in the body. Effective communication is essential in order for health care professionals and allied care providers to understand each other during the performance of their roles and responsibilities. All members of the team require a working knowledge of the various terms in pharmacology to ensure client safety in the prescribing, preparing, administering, and documenting of medications. At the beginning of each unit the student will be expected to research the definitions of key terms. While the text utilizes the term, “allied health professional”, the term “allied care provider” has been applied in the Course Outline to reflect the role of the developmental services worker and/or education assistant in community settings. As well, in recognition of the individuals for whom care and services are provided in the community, the term “patient” has been replaced with “client”.

CM1913 Communications I – Model B
Communications 1 is designed to enhance students’ writing, speaking and critical thinking skills as required in academic and workplace settings. Students reinforce correct grammar and mechanics usage, develop specialized vocabulary, and apply effective writing techniques to produce a variety of documents. Topics covered include the communications process; the writing process (planning, composing, editing); paragraph development; email; research and documentation (A.P.A. format); essay/research paper structure; cover letter, resume, and portfolio development.

PW1014 PSW Practice
This course will provide the learner with opportunities to apply concepts and knowledge gained in the classroom environment to clinical practice settings. The emphasis will be on the promotion of health and wellness of individuals throughout the lifespan. The learner will be introduced to various skills required by individuals in selected age groups through simulation, practice in laboratory and a teaching-learning experience. Students are expected to work independently to gain an understanding of medical terminology.

PN1033 Human Relationships
Using an experiential approach, this course will focus the learner on the skills necessary to communicate effectively on a personal and professional level. The concept of caring will be used as a basis to explore the helping relationship, interviewing skills and group process.

PS1163 Developmental Psychology
This course is an introduction to the broad field of psychology. Among the topics you will study are: biology and behaviour, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, learning, memory, intelligence, cognition, human development, motivation and emotion, personality theory and assessment, health and stress, mental health and social psychology. Human behaviour is very complex. This course will assist you in better understanding your behaviours as well as those of others. You will be able to apply basic psychological principles that will help you in solving every day real life problems in both your professional and personal life.

PS3033 Abnormal Psychology
This course examines various perspectives of abnormal psychology. We seek to understand the nature, causes, and treatment of abnormal behaviour. Several theoretical viewpoints will frame our discussion of abnormal psychology. The patterns of abnormal (maladaptive) behaviour to be examined are: behaviour and emotional disorders of childhood and adolescence, eating disorders, substance-related disorders, anxiety disorders, dissociative and somatoform disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. Students will also study treatment strategies and mental health law in Canada.

PW1003 Human Body, Structure, Function and Maintenance
This course introduces the Personal Support Worker student to the normal structures and functions of the human body and its basic requirements. A background in anatomy and physiology is essential for anyone entering the health care field. A good understanding of normal body function will help the PSW to identify abnormal conditions.

PW1013 Legislation, Ethics and Principles of PSW
This course is an introduction to ethics and moral principles that will guide the learner in their personal and professional relationships. Codes of Ethics, principles of personal support and dealing with ethical dilemmas will be discussed. Legislation that pertains to the PSW and the role of the Personal Support Worker within the health care system will be examined. The use of care plans will be discussed. This course will also emphasize understanding the uniqueness of each individual.

Semester 2

PW2023 Developmental Disabilities Across the Lifespan
The quality of life for people with disabilities can be enhanced with a supportive network that understands that people with disabilities undergo growth and development in similar stages as people without disabilities.This course will follow a developmental approach in examining the lifespan of children, youth and adults with disabilities. This course provides the personal support worker with an awareness of the type of personal care and support that individuals with disabilities may require across their lifespan. Current best practices in identifying and facilitating support with dignity and respect will be emphasized.”

PW1002 Introduction to Community Care Theory
This course provides the theoretical background for the delivery of practical skills that the personal support worker will require for client care in the community environment. Emphasis is placed on home management, home assessment, safety interventions and personal care in the private residence setting. Principles of nutrition and meal preparation will be addressed. Also covered will be home mobilization and client assistive devices and their application in the home/community setting.

PW1053 Introduction to Community Care Lab
This course is offered in a community lab setting to provide students with opportunities to apply knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to the clinical practice setting through simulation. The student will be able to perform basic support skills required for community care and to effectively care for individuals in selected age groups and with a variety of medical conditions.

PW2011 PSW Clinical Practice
This course will provide students with opportunities to apply knowledge and skills gained in the classroom environment to the practice setting under the direct supervision of a clinical instructor in a long term care setting. The emphasis of this course is on the demonstration of knowledge, skills and attitude required to assist clients with personal routine activities of daily living.

PW2013 Common Health Challenges and Care Needs
This course introduces the PSW student to the impact of the aging process on normal body function as well as on the individual as a whole. Attention is paid to pathological processes that impact on the normal anatomy and physiological processes in the body.

PW2017 Preceptorship
Personal Support Workers fulfill a vital and important role in the community setting. The worker cares for clients with clearly identified needs and assists the clients towards maintaining their independence in a supported environment. This course focuses on providing the learner with the opportunity to explore the community setting and practice required skills needed to provide assistance to clients in a private resident setting. Also this course involves the learner completing a placement in a long term care facility. The learner (preceptee) will perform duties and tasks in the role of a Personal Support Worker under the guidance and supervision of an employee (preceptor) in a long term care facility.

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