Personal Support Worker

Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital is actively seeking applicants for a Personal Support Worker, in the Medical/Surgical Department. The Personal Support Worker (PSW) is an unregulated health care provider who has graduated from an accredited program, recognized by the Colleges of Ontario, who is a part of the interprofessional collaborative health care team. The PSW's scope of practice encompasses solely activities that the patient would do for himself or herself if physically and or cognitively able to do so.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The PSW is an unregulated health care provider who has graduated from an accredited program, who is a part of the inter-professional collaborative health care team. The PSW's scope of practice encompasses solely activities that the patient would do for himself or herself if physically and or cognitively able to do so. The PSW does not complete tasks that require ongoing clinical judgment, or interpretation of assessment findings, and does not determine and/or decide on the course of treatment for the patient. They follow care and treatment plans developed by regulated health professionals under the direction of the nursing team at Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital (TDMH).

• Tillsonburg, ON, CAN
• $29.41-$30.09 per hour
• Hourly
• Temporary, Part-Time

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide personal care, activities of daily living (ADL's) for medically stable patients, assist with transfers, assist with positioning, and mobility exercises under the direction of the nursing team, as assigned by the RN/RPN.
• Assist with care after death.
• Observe and report changes in the patient's physical, cognitive and/or emotional condition immediately to a Registered Nurse (RN)/ Registered Practical Nurse (RPN).
• Provide 1:1 close observation of patients at risk of harm to themselves or others
• Listen to, and communicate patient concerns to appropriate team members.
• Participate in team conferences to identify and prioritize patient care.
• Report daily patient activities, comfort, safety factors, changes in skin appearance, results of enema and/or suppository, care and treatments to the nurse
• Assist patients with meal set-up, feeding; collect and distribute ice-water as directed
• Document using assessment based charting in the electronic health record.
• Escort patients to appointments/procedures as deemed appropriate
• Provide, remove, and empty bedpans/urinals. Measure and document urinary output on Fluid Balance sheet.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment for all patients; collect and replace soiled linens.
• Assist with transferring and positioning of patients in bed or chair
• Assist and/or provide general exercise/activities to maintain mobility and independence as directed by the nursing team
• Practice infection control and safety measures in compliance with AHI/TDMH's policies; restock unit supplies including all personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Greet and orient patients to room and unit; Document patient's belongings.
• Respond to call bells and inform appropriate caregiver of need.
• Obtain/collect non-sterile specimens; reporting any difficulties in specimen collection to the nursing team.
• Collect and deliver supplies, equipment and information materials.
• Assist ward clerk with clerical duties as needed.
• Establish positive rapport with patients/families and team members and contribute to a positive work environment.
• Applies the philosophy and principles of patient centered care

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proof of successful completion of a PSW certificate from a recognized Ontario PSW program or completion of a post-secondary diploma in Registered Practical Nursing is required
• Proof of Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers is required
• Recent, related experience working as a PSW or equivalent experience deemed acceptable to the Hospital
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and customer service experience.
• Commitment to patient/family centred care with a service-oriented attitude
• Ability to problem solve and demonstrate initiative within appropriate scope of practice
• Knowledge of patient requirements with respect to prescribed diets/menus
• Demonstrated knowledge of protocol to escalate concerns
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work in fast paced environment.
• Able to work independently and in a team environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to own professional development and continuing education.
• Demonstrated ability to attend work on a regular basis and be available to work all shifts.
• Collaborate with other team members.
• Is knowledgeable of the roles of other team members and recognizes their contributions.

Other pertinent conditions:

• Must be available to work all shifts as required including days, evenings, overnights, weekends and statutory holidays. Hours of work are subject to change