Duties of a PSW

What are the duties of a personal support worker (PSW)? The main duties of PSWs include the following:

• Monitor and report changes in behavior, clinical and treatment information
• Help with motion exercises and rehabilitation measures
• Take and record blood pressure, height, bodyweight, temperature, etc
• Help with mobilizing and ambulating patients
• Collect specimens for medical tests
• Provide support services to families and caregivers
• Help with personal hygiene
• Help with meals, shopping, planning diet, fluid and food intake

Courses

In order to become a PSW it is necessary to complete a course in a good institution. The programs feature theoretical subjects as well as hundreds of hours of clinical placement activities. Full time courses usually last a year and provide graduates with a variety of invaluable skills to help them work in a variety of health care environments. Students are equipped with skills helping them provide high quality care to patients of different ages and with varying conditions.

Medical subjects are combined with studies in psychology and ethical training, as well as conflict solving and learning to work with patients of different cultures, ages and backgrounds. PSWs are taught interpersonal skills, communication techniques and ways to interact with patients successfully. Team work skills are also developed as PSWs work closely with other medical professionals to provide excellent team results for their patients.

Career

Successful graduates have plenty of opportunities for career growth under the supervision of qualified nurses in retirement homes, community health agencies and long-term care facilities.