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Personal Support Worker

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School of Health Sciences

2012/2013 Program Availability

North
Fall:
Open
Type:
Certificate
Campus: North
Program Code:
07741
Length:
Two semesters, beginning in September

 
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Donna Skells, program co-ordinator | 416.675.6622 ext. 4629 | donna.skells@humber.ca
  • Our Program
    Humber’s Personal Support Worker education starts with an introduction to developmental stages across the lifespan, and instruction in the communication and interpersonal skills that are central to establishing and maintaining effective relationships with clients. From there, you’ll learn the essentials of providing personal care, applying mobility techniques, and household management and safety. You’ll also develop a solid understanding of mental health disorders and become prepared to assist with common medical conditions, including facilitating rehabilitation exercises and assisting with medications.
     
    Two clinical practicums will allow you to gain first-hand experience in the field. Through these experiences assisting individuals at a long-term care facility and in other settings, you will learn to recognize the physical and emotional changes of aging and illness, and become familiar with the restorative techniques used to maximize independence. Through a career-readiness course, you’ll explore workplace opportunities and develop important job-search and interview skills.
     
    Our Advisory Committee provides regular review and input of our curriculum ensuring our program is always on the cutting edge of industry developments.
  • Your Career
    As a personal support worker, you’ll enjoy the rewards of using your specialized training and your empathy for others to provide compassionate care for those in need. With your knowledge of common diseases and disabilities, you’ll be well-equipped to assist with providing safe and effective support. Your personal care and household maintenance abilities will allow you to aid clients with a variety of tasks related to daily living.
     
    As a well-trained and dedicated personal support worker, you’ll be qualified to provide ser­vices to clients and their families in a variety of health-care settings, such as long-term care facilities, palliative care centres, hospitals and clients’ homes.
  • Workplacement
    In semester one, the practicum is completed in a controlled lab environment for six hours per week. This practicum is fully supervised by one instructor per group of approximately ten students. In semester two, the practicum is completed two days a week at a variety of agencies and facilities.
     
    The practicum is divided into two rotations over the 15 weeks: 160 hours in a long-term care facility and 40 hours in a community agency. Hours and number of days vary depending on the type of facility and shifts assigned. Most range from six to eight hours per day. The students will begin placement in the first week of January.

     

  • Admission Requirement
    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status
    • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U). If English is not your first language visit the English Language Proficiency Policy
    • Three Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, U or M courses in addition to those listed above
    • Applicants who do not possess the required courses may complete admission testing to determine equivalencies. Invitation and booking of admission testing is done using the email address provided on the online application
    Note: For more information visit Selection Procedures.
     
    Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
     
     
    Additional Requirements

     

    • Students must be in good physical and mental condition and meet the same physical and immunization requirements as those for the staff employed by the agency/facility where the practicum is taking place
    • Complete immunization record including immunization against Hepatitis B
    • Completion of Standard First Aid and CPR-C for HCP certificate
    • Police Record Check: Students in programs or occupations involving direct contact with vulnerable persons are required to undergo a Police Record Check. Refer to the Admission Information section in this publication. Humber reserves the right to deny admission to this program based on an unpardoned criminal record that would be relevant to the academic or placement requirements of the program. The Police Record Check may have to be renewed every three to six months thereafter. For more information and application instructions regarding the Police Record Check, visit healthsciences.humber.ca/field-clinical-placement/prc
    Note: All of these requirements must be completed prior to the start of the program.
  • Additional Information

    Why Choose Humber?

    We Know What it Takes

    This program is interdisciplinary - classes are taught by RN and RPN instructors. Experts in their respective fields of health care, instructors know how to prepare you for the challenges ahead. They offer students real-world guidance and expert classroom instruction drawn from first-hand experience. Class sizes are small giving you quality education. Classes are divided into theory and practical groups will help you develop support systems, networks, and friends.

    More For You at Humber

    Humber is a leading-edge facility in every respect. Fully equipped labs use simulation mannequins to prepare you for the workplace by exposing you to real life scenarios you might encounter in the workplace.

    Professional and Community Partnerships

    Humber maintains strong partnerships within the community - and is the preferred choice by many agencies and facilities because of The School of Health Sciences reputation.

    Student Diversity

    Be part of the culturally diverse student population of Humber. The average age of students at Humber is 26 years old, but students range from recent high school graduates to students with children of high school age. There will always be students just like you with similar experiences and goals.

  • Fees
    The 2011/2012 fee for two semesters was
     
    – domestic $3,317.08
    – international $12,200.
     
    Amounts listed are the total of tuition, lab and material fees, student service and auxiliary fees for the first two semesters of the 2011/2012 academic year.
     
    Fees are subject to change.

    For more information visit Fees and Financial Assistance.

    Additional Costs
    Additional Costs

    $700 – textbooks, supplies, Hepatitis B vaccine, First Aid, CPR, uniform. Cost varies for travel between Humber and the field placements.

Curriculum

  • Semester 1

    Course CodeCourseCredits
    COMM 100Basic College Writing Skills**

    Basic College Writing Skills**

    Course Code: COMM 100
    Credits: 4

    The aim of this course is to improve students' basic writing skills to enable them to enter their next level of English: COMM 200, COMM 213, LANG 101, etc. The course will emphasize sentence structure and will also deal with the writing process. Students will learn and practise correct grammar and will learn to proofread with care. With each assignment, students will be taught to choose and limit their topic according to the purpose and the audience, to develop an outline, and to compose and revise their work. To complete COMM 100 successfully, students must produce writing that meets the minimum departmental standards as set out in the criterion sheet.

    		4
    PSW. 150Fundamentals of Caregiving

    Fundamentals of Caregiving

    Course Code: PSW. 150
    Credits: 2
    This course will introduce the concept of individuality of all persons including rights, beliefs, attitudes and values. As well, the role and scope of practice, including applicable legislation, time and stress management, within personal support worker work settings will be discussed. Independent and interdependent care giving relationships involved in providing support to consumers/clients and families in the community and long term care facility settings will also be explored.
    		2
    PSW. 151Applying Mobilities Techniques

    Applying Mobilities Techniques

    Course Code: PSW. 151
    Credits: 2
    Personal support workers practice healthy body mechanics in many aspects of the work they perform in order to ensure safety and comfort for themselves and the consumer/client. This course provides theory and practice of basic body mechanics and safe transferring and lifting techniques. Home safety and fall prevention, as well as supportive equipment and environmental adaptations are also introduced. Students will have the opportunity to practice and demonstrate skills in a lab environment.
    		2
    PSW. 152Providing Personal Care

    Providing Personal Care

    Course Code: PSW. 152
    Credits: 2
    The personal support worker is required to have knowledge, skill and sensitivity to provide appropriate assistance to their clients. Many of these consumer/clients have disabilities that affect their ability to look after their personal hygiene. This course provides instruction in the structure, function, age changes and common disorders of the skin across the lifespan. Daily hygiene, including bathing, dressing, oral care and toileting will also be discussed and practiced. The essential elements of effective interpersonal skills, sensitivity and respect of client's dignity when providing personal care will be discussed. Comfort measures and the importance of allowing the consumer/client control and choices over their care is stressed throughout this course. Students will have the opportunity to practice and demonstrate skills in a lab environment through PSW.156 ? PSW Practice 1.
    		2
    PSW. 153Concepts of Communication

    Concepts of Communication

    Course Code: PSW. 153
    Credits: 2
    Good communication skills are an essential part of the care-giving role. This course will introduce the importance of communication and interpersonal skills essential to establishing and maintaining effective relationships with consumer/clients. The factors affecting communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, as well as documentation and care planning will be described and practiced.
    		2
    PSW. 154Human Development and Family Dynamics Across the Life Span

    Human Development and Family Dynamics Across the Life Span

    Course Code: PSW. 154
    Credits: 3
    The characteristics of today's families are ever changing. This course provides an understanding in developmental stages across the lifespan and how these may be influenced by cultural values, practices and religious beliefs. The personal support worker's role in providing respite and assistance to families including the effects of illness, stress and disability placed on family relationships are emphasized. Concepts of family violence and abuse are also introduced. Possible signs and symptoms of abuse, as well as appropriate actions to be taken (including legal requirements) if abuse is suspected are described and discussed.
    		3
    PSW. 156PSW Practice 1

    PSW Practice 1

    Course Code: PSW. 156
    Credits: 6
    The personal support worker is required to have knowledge, skill and sensitivity to provide appropriate assistance to their clients. Students will have an opportunity to apply the knowledge they have acquired in PSW.151, PSW.152 and PSW. 153. Students will also have the opportunity to practice and demonstrate skills from the above theory classes in a controlled supervised lab environment. This course prepares the students for their Long Term Care and Community Practicums - PSW.256 ? PSW Practice 2.
    		6

    Semester 2

    Course CodeCourseCredits
    PSW. 250Assisting with Medications

    Assisting with Medications

    Course Code: PSW. 250
    Credits: 2
    This course identifies the purposes of, required instruction/information and precautions about medications. The student will develop and demonstrate skill in reading and interpreting information on prescription containers and demonstrating assistance with oral, topical, eye, ear and nose medications. The importance of observation for both desired and undesired outcomes and procedures to be followed in the event of problems or concerns about client's medications will be described.
    		2
    PSW. 251Mental Health, Psychological Disorders and Dementia

    Mental Health, Psychological Disorders and Dementia

    Course Code: PSW. 251
    Credits: 2
    This course will introduce students to common psychiatric conditions, substance abuse and cognitive impairment. The possibility of multiple conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and depression will be discussed. The importance of observation, documentation and reporting and the role of the family caregiver are emphasized. Care techniques including Gentle Care and U-First approaches will be described and practised within the classroom setting.
    		2
    PSW. 252Assisting with Common Health Conditions

    Assisting with Common Health Conditions

    Course Code: PSW. 252
    Credits: 3
    This course introduces basic concepts of human anatomy as it relates to assisting a person with common disabilities, ongoing conditions and diseases. It offers an opportunity to acquire skill in necessary techniques, focusing on the importance of providing safe and effective support. The concepts of rehabilitation, restoration and the importance of the support team in providing care will be discussed.
    		3
    PSW. 253Palliative Care

    Palliative Care

    Course Code: PSW. 253
    Credits: 2
    This course explores aspects of caring for clients who are dying. Topics discussed include the impact of a life threatening disease, the provision of support for the dying person and their friends and family, respecting the rights of the dying person, specific approaches of pain management, care of the person at time of death and care of the body after death. Ways in which to assist grieving family members and personal reactions to the death of a client and are also examined.
    		2
    PSW. 254Household Management and Safety

    Household Management and Safety

    Course Code: PSW. 254
    Credits: 2
    This course provides information in order to assist the consumer/client with their nutritional needs, household activities and household management according to their preferences, comfort and safety, within employer guidelines.

    		2
    PSW. 255Professional Transitions

    Professional Transitions

    Course Code: PSW. 255
    Credits: 2
    This course assists the personal support worker student to explore aspects of the workplace in preparation for employment. Topics discussed include preparing for job interviews, legislation affecting the health-care workplace, and identifying appropriate actions to take involving worker/caregiver abuse and other challenging situations. Interpersonal skills and communication techniques will be practiced within a classroom setting.
    		2
    PSW. 256PSW. Practice 2

    PSW. Practice 2

    Course Code: PSW. 256
    Credits: 12
    This clinical practicum is designed for Personal Support Worker students and provides the opportunity to apply acquired knowledge and skills when assisting residents within a long-term care facility and when caring for people across the lifespan in a variety of settings within the community. Students will learn to recognize emotional and physical changes of aging and illness, common diseases/disorders and restorative techniques to maximize optimal function and resident independence. Working as part of the interdisciplinary health-care team, the development of time management and organizational skills are integral to this practicum.
    		12