Happy PSW Day!
Today is Personal Support Worker (PSW) Day in Ontario and it’s a time to celebrate the hard work PSWs do for all our clients at Spectrum Health Care.
PSWs have a unique role in our health care system and their jobs include a wide range of different skills which enables them to provide the best support and care to each client. There are approximately 100,000 PSWs working across Ontario’s health care system and more than 34,000 are working in the home and community care sector.
To celebrate the work that our amazing PSWs do for our clients and community, we’re here to debunk 3 common myths about PSWs:
Myth 1 – PSWs don’t need an education, and there is no standard for PSW training in Ontario
All PSWs in Ontario must be trained to the same standards. These standards have been approved by the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care and Ontario Community Support Association (OSCA). Only those who graduate from a PSW program and receive a certificate can be called a PSW in Ontario.
Myth 2 - All PSWs are created equal
PSWs in Ontario are expected to receive the same training when graduating from a PSW program, however, like with many other professions, each individual has skills, interests or abilities that make him or her unique. PSWs can work in a range of different health care settings including community care, long term care, or specializations in child care or palliative care.
Myth 3 – PSWs only care for seniors
PSWs work across many different sectors in Ontario’s health care system and they care for individuals of all ages. Some PSWs work specifically with children, with the terminally ill, or with individuals with physical or mental disabilities. Depending on a PSWs interests and skill set, they’re equipped to serve a wide range of different populations.
PSWs are front line workers and are most often the first professional to notice changes in a client’s well-being. It is important to celebrate all the work that PSWs do to enrich the lives of clients. Today we challenge you to thank a PSW and show your appreciation for all they do for you or your loved ones.