Do you want to work as a personal support worker (PSW) in Canada? If you have a strong desire to help the elderly, the disabled, or the sick and want to get a head start in the healthcare industry, this is a promising route to take. Currently, there is a high demand for personal support workers, making it relatively easy to find a secure job – despite the global pandemic.
In fact, as with other healthcare-related jobs, there is an even greater demand for personal support workers in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. After all, the healthcare industry is a critical component of society, making a career in supportive care extremely stable and secure.
Another reason why becoming a PSW is a desirable path for many people is that it seamlessly transitions into a career as a registered nurse. But, before you begin your career, keep in mind that, like any other job, there are advantages and disadvantages to being a PSW. In this blog, we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of working as a PSW in order to help you make an informed decision. Then, we’ll talk about the next steps you should take to pursue this career!
Develop Meaningful Relationships Throughout Your Personal Support Worker Career
If you’re thinking about taking personal support worker classes, you’re probably a sociable person who values your relationships with others. As a personal support worker, you will quickly learn to empathize with and assist those in need.
Personal Support Workers provide more than just practical assistance; they also provide emotional support and companionship. According to the Canadian Census, nearly a quarter of seniors aged 65 and up live alone, without family or friends. Living alone increases the risk of social isolation, which can affect sleep and appetite, as well as increase the risk of dementia, depression, and mortality because serious health issues can go undetected.
Whereas nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals may not feel they have the time to spend actually socializing with patients, a personal support worker’s role is to do just that. You will be able to learn from your patients, hear their stories, and develop meaningful relationships.
Make a Difference in other’s life
After you finish your healthcare courses and begin your career, you will discover that no two days are alike. Because the profession is all about people, you never know what challenges you’ll face on any given day and how you’ll overcome them.
Personal support workers assist people with daily tasks such as getting dressed and eating meals. Giving others the ability to make their own decisions and live independently can be extremely rewarding.
These experiences will not only have an impact on the lives of others, but they will also have an impact on your own life. Working as a personal support worker can provide you with a completely new perspective, allowing you to value your independence and be grateful for what you have.
Helping others necessitates the ability to be selfless, and you will discover that you continue to grow and change on a daily basis.
Contribute to the Community
When asked why they chose to work as a personal support worker, many will say they wanted to “give something back to the community.” Caring for vulnerable members of society can provide you with a sense of purpose while also assisting others in the community.
You can also select the community in which you want to work. Personal support workers are in high demand across Canada as baby boomers reach retirement age. As a result, because there is demand in cities, towns, and rural areas, a career as a personal support worker can allow you to live and work anywhere.