Certificate in Personal Support Worker

at Georgian College - Orangeville Campus Canada

In this program, Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) enhance their knowledge and understanding of nursing practice in complex care environments in Ontario by developing their theoretical and clinical skills. Individuals with complex care needs often suffer from combinations of multiple chronic conditions, mental health problems, drug interactions and social vulnerability. Using an interprofessional approach, students focus on the application and evaluation of advanced theories and practices related to ethical and legal issues, pharmacology, advanced health assessment, mental health nursing practice, complex health challenges, clinical decision making, communication, cultural diversity and sensitivity. Experienced nursing faculty use a variety of active learning methods, including simulation labs and a practicum placement to assist IENs to consolidate their understanding of healthcare in Canada and the nursing profession in Ontario.

In order to provide a quality practicum placement, students will be placed in a variety of settings. Students are required to provide their own transportation for the practicum.

This program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to provide support services to people living at home, in long term care or acute care facilities, and to function as integral members of the health care team. Upon successful completion of this program, students learn to effectively communicate with clients, families and members of the health care team, and to provide safe and competent care for individual clients experiencing physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges. Personal Support Workers (PSWs) are unregulated health care providers who work under the supervision of a regulated health care professional or in the supported independent living environment under the direction of the client.

In this program, students are provided the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills required to effectively assume the role of a helping professional in the diverse and complex field of social services. Students are challenged to examine their beliefs and values; to develop interpersonal communication skills; and to promote values of social justice, human dignity, and equity. Students gain knowledge and skill development in interviewing, communication, and relationship building; effective membership and leadership in groups; working with families; and utilizing evidence-based decision-making. Faculty continue to be committed to a teaching and learning practice that embraces and promotes equity and inclusion, with a current emphasis on Indigenous awareness and gerontological issues. There are opportunities to engage in the community through community service learning and field placement.

In this program, students learn to facilitate the development of children from birth to 12 years while encouraging their feelings of self-worth and social-emotional resiliency. Students design and implement play-based experiences, focusing on children's interests through indoor and outdoor play opportunities. Students learn the importance of being responsive caregivers while respecting diversity, identity and the rights of children and families. Partnerships with families, other professionals, and community programs form the foundation of working in the field of early learning and care. Field placements provide students with the opportunity to practice the knowledge and skills as they engage with children and adults. Students are offered a unique balance between theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

The Therapeutic Recreation program prepares you to work within recreation, health, or social service delivery systems serving individuals with illness or disabilities. You will acquire the skills to complete client assessments, develop and evaluate group and individualized programs, and use a variety of facilitative techniques to assist individuals to participate in meaningful recreational activities that will enhance health, improve functional ability, and increase quality of life.

The program is based on a firm belief of the inherent benefits of play, recreation and leisure to all individuals. You will learn to adapt recreation activities so individuals with a variety of disabling conditions can participate and to use recreation as a therapeutic tool to improve/restore health and wellness.

This program is designed to assist Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) in developing themselves further as a nurse practicing in acute complex care and prepare them with the clinical skills to work in an acute complex care setting in Ontario. Emphasis is placed on the application and evaluation of advanced theories and practice in acute primary care, and guidance of others as part of the health care team. Students gain advanced theoretical and experiential knowledge in pharmacology, health assessment and emergency nursing through classroom instruction, simulation labs and practicum placements.

The Georgian College Nursing Program philosophy and curriculum incorporate and utilize the concepts of caring as the basis of nursing practice. The students and faculty work together to explore nursing knowledge and caring theory. In the classroom, students in collaborative groups, work through learning activities and focus on the lived experiences of individuals, families, and groups. Knowledge from the program courses is integrated into the care of clients, families, and groups in a variety of settings.

In order to provide quality practicum placements, students will be placed in a variety of agencies in the region serviced by the campus. Students are required to provide their own transportation.