Personal support workers play an important role in their clients’ lives. They perform a variety of tasks that help people lead happier, healthier lives by assisting with medical guidance, day-to-day hygiene, housekeeping, meal prepping, and more. Your main objective as a personal support worker is to help clients with the tasks involved in daily living. You might be drawn to this rewarding field if you want to pursue a career in healthcare that allows you to have a direct impact on the lives of clients. Keep reading to find out how you can go above and beyond after your PSW training!
1. Focus on Improving Your Clients’ Standard of Living
As a personal support worker, in addition to your everyday duties–like reminding clients to take their medications and making them breakfast–you should always focus on ways you can improve their standard of living. How can you ensure that you’re prioritizing your clients’ satisfaction and well-being? If you’re seeking a career in personal support work, you’re likely a caring, compassionate person. Use your ability to intuit other people’s emotions and your communication skills to discern what would make life better for your client on each given day, and focus on that.
2. Rapport-Building Should Be a Priority After Personal Support Worker Training
One lesser-known duty you should expect to fulfill after personal support worker training is providing building rapport. Particularly when you’re working with clients who have limited mobility and are dealing with social isolation, you’ll likely be one of the few people that they interact with each day. It’s important that you provide enough social interaction, mental stimulation, and enjoyment for them.
Providing good company and rapport involves gaining a client’s trust, listening to them without judgment, joining them in their favourite activities, and providing entertainment. After training, be sure to take the time to get to know your client as a person. What’s their favourite TV show? How can you make them laugh? Seeking the answers to those questions and acting on them can help you go above and beyond in your job.
3. Stay Flexible to Meet a Variety of Needs
As a personal support worker, each client will have different needs. In addition, each day will require you to use different skills. It’s completely normal to experience a bit of anxiety when plans change or unexpected curveballs come your way. Practicing your adaptability will make it easier to meet your client’s needs. There are several strategies you can use to increase your flexibility at work.
Practicing stress-management techniques can help you to make decisions with a clear mind. Making sure you’re well rested in between your shifts is a great way to remain calm on the job–even on the busiest days. At the same time, developing a varied skill set in personal support worker courses and getting practice in our hands-on labs will give you the confidence you’ll need to feel ready for anything.
4. Be a Team Player to Maintain Positive Working Relationships With Colleagues
As a personal support worker, you’ll be required to collaborate with other professionals in order to deliver the best possible care to your client. For example, you may need to implement care plans put in place by doctors and nurses, so your ability to work well with others is a huge asset. In training, you’ll have the opportunity to practice your communication skills, teamwork skills, and all of the practical competencies you’ll need to provide excellent service as a personal support worker.
Ready to enroll in a PSW course?
Contact Medix College to learn more!
