HOSPICE PRINCE EDWARD FOUNDATION (HPEF)  

POSITION:  Personal Support Worker (PSW) 

REPORTS TO:  Program & Services Director 

STATUS:  Full Time or Casual, as scheduled to provide 24/7 coverage.   

Probation period:  6 months 

Staff evaluation will be conducted annually, anniversary date: March 31 

This role is key to the positive presence of Hospice within the County and as such requires that the PSW be a positive role model, excellent communicator and be pro-active in identifying needs of clients and their families and providing solutions to meet the needs.  The PSW will participate in and contribute to staff meetings as available.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  The individual must possess a belief in and commitment to furthering the goals and development of the Hospice. 

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE and DESIRED PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: 

  • Graduate of a program that follows the Personal Support Worker Program Standard published by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities dated July 2014 

  • APPS or AHPCE course completion or commitment to pursue 

  • Current Standard First Aid – BLS Provider 

  • Minimum 2 years experience with clients and their families in end-of-life care 

  • Experience in community or palliative care unit is an asset 

  • Experience functioning in an interdisciplinary team environment 

  • Requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

  • Ability to read and interpret documents 

  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations where only limited standardization exists 

  • Ability to work autonomously and in isolation 

  • Possesses excellent time management skills accompanied by flexibility 

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES 

Observation 

  • Under the direction of the RNs or RPNs, observes and documents clinical data. 

  • Identifies and communicates patient or family needs to the interdisciplinary health care team and other providers of care as appropriate. 

  • Provides ongoing monitoring of client’s or family response to intervention; identifies deviations from expected outcomes and reports changes in patient status to the health care team. 

Planning 

  • In collaboration with the nurses, contributes to the development and modification of a client’s care plan based on client outcomes observed and reported directly to nurse. 

  • Provide privacy during personal care giving and when the client requests privacy alone with family or visitors. 

Intervention 

  • Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with client or families. 

  • Provides personal care to support Activities of Daily Living and medication administration as per the care plan. 

  • Coordinates and/or carries out nursing actions related to the prescribed plan of care consistent with the legislated scope of practice and level of competence. 

  • Provides information and instruction to assist clients and families to understand stages at end of life, health care practices and processes. 

  • Utilizes educational material to support client’s understanding of their condition, health care, and the enhancement of their individual well being. 

  • Performs the cleaning of rooms and common areas as per infection control standards.  

Evaluation 

  • Monitors and maintains a safe and healthy environment. 

  • Documents complete, accurate and relevant data for every client according to Hospice Prince Edward policies and ensures that medical information/records are kept private and confidential, discussing medical information only with those within the direct circle of care. 

  • Keeps Manager or designate informed of issues that arise in the Hospice, steps taken to resolve the issues and any further action that is required. 

Advocacy 

  • Provides a supportive environment for communications and decision making by clients and their families. 

  • Advocates for and supports the principles of patient and family centered care, and the client’s rights and well being. 

  • Demonstrates knowledge of the roles, responsibilities and rights of other PSWs and other health care professionals. 

  • Has knowledge of and abides by all policies and procedures as set forth in the Policy and Procedure manual of Hospice Prince Edward. 

  • Seeks guidance when needed. 

Professional Development and Accountability 

  • Is accountable for his or her own actions and decisions at all times. 

  • Demonstrates professionalism in attitude, dress and behavior. 

  • Contributes to positive team functioning and supporting one another. 

  • Develops cultural competence in order to provide culturally competent care. 

  • Actively participates in developing and evaluating professional goals and performance at regular intervals. 

  • Role models the principles of continuous quality improvement by critical reflection of own practice, seeking meaningful feedback from peers, clients and manager. 

Professional Leadership, Education and Research 

  • Supports the philosophy, vision and mission of Hospice Prince Edward. 

  • Participates in the development and revision of standards of care, policies and procedures. 

  • Provides housekeeping and home-making support as required. 

  • Participates in and supports organizational committees and in activities related to quality improvement and patient safety. 

  • Promotes a safe work environment by identifying and resolving potential risk issues. 

  • Identifies and participates in problem or conflict resolution utilizing appropriate strategies, processes and procedures. 

  • Accepts responsibility for continuing competencies through ongoing professional development including participation in education programs and continuous quality programs. 

  • Accepts administrative responsibilities as assigned.