Position Summary
Under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), or other regulated health care professionals, the Personal Support Worker (PSW) provides direct patient support as an unregulated care provider within the interdisciplinary care team. The PSW assists patients with activities of daily living (ADL) to supports their physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs. Working as a member of the interprofessional health care team, the PSW contributes to support safe, respectful, and patient centred care within the alternate level of care (ALC) patient care area. Care is provided in accordance with the unit specific duties, the defined scope and limitations of the PSW role, and all Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) policies, procedures and standards, contributing to effective unit operations and positive patient care experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Performs or assists patients with ADL’s including basis hygiene as assigned (i.e. bathing,
toileting, dressing, oral care, personal grooming).
- Assists patients with transfers, repositioning, lifting, and ambulation as directed by a
regulated health care professional and with assistance when required
- Assists with patient nourishment by preparing patients for meals and assisting with low-risk
oral feeding as directed.
- Measures and records oral intake and weighs patients as required, documenting accurately in
the health care record.
- Makes occupied beds and assists with stripping and making unoccupied beds to support
patient admissions and unit flow.
- Responds promptly to call bells and communicate patient needs to the appropriate health care
professional.
- Communicates observations in a timely, objective manner without interpretation, including
patient information related to assigned activities, observed changes in patients’ condition,
patient findings and/or unusual occurrences, patient or family concerns and patient
behaviours such as aggression or agitation
- Documents care provided in accordance with OSMH documentation standards and policies.
- Collects urine and stool specimens as requested by a regulated health professional.
- Participates in patient care team meetings at the discretion of RN/RPN.
- Operates mechanical lifts and assistive devices as directed, ensuring equipment is safe,
operational and intact.
- Reports equipment concerns, malfunctions, or repair needs to appropriate team members.
- Adheres to infection prevention and control practices and participates in hospital safety
programs.
- Assists in hospital codes as appropriate and functions in accordance with emergency
procedures.
- Assists in meeting patients’ psychosocial needs by engaging in conversation, supporting unit
activities, and assisting with walks or programs as appropriate.
- Supports the patient's independence, dignity, and social, emotional and cultural well-being.
- Maintains confidentiality and refers patient and family inquiries to clinical team members in
accordance with OSMH policies.
- Assists with the provision of care after death and the respectful transfer of the body to the
morgue.
- Attends departmental and hospital orientation, in-services, and other meetings as required.
- Provides enhanced patient observation (EPO) when assigned and checks on patients in the
waiting room as directed by nursing team members.
- May be utilized in other patient care areas during a shift based on patient care needs and
operational requirements.
- Performs other duties as may be assigned by the RN, RPN and/or direct Manager.
Qualifications
Education
- Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate from an accredited college (obtained since 1997) is required.
- Membership with the Ontario Personal Support Worker Association (OPSWA) and/or Personal Support Network of Ontario (PSNO) is considered an asset.
- Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) is required; CPR Level HCP (Health Care Provider) will be accepted as an equivalent.
- Standard First Aid certification is required.
- Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) training is preferred.
Experience
- Minimum of two (2) years' work experience in a hospital, long term care facility, or residential care setting (within the past five (5) years) is preferred.
Skills and Traits
- Must be able to meet the physical and emotional responsibilities of the role, including standing and walking for extended periods, frequent and repetitive pushing, pulling, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds, as well as safely operating equipment.
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, as outlined in the Physical Demands Analysis (PDA).
- Demonstrates proficiency in written and verbal communication, with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Provides excellent customer service and contributes positively to teamwork and collaborative working relationships.
- Effectively prioritizes workload, adapts to changing priorities, and remains composed in fast-paced or stressful environments.
- Works independently with sound judgment, while remaining flexible to meet departmental and organizational needs.
- Demonstrates understanding of, and commitment to, equity, diversity, inclusion, and psychological safety.
- Upholds professionalism, ethical conduct, confidentiality, and respectful interactions.
- Models behaviour aligned with OSMH’s mission, vision, and values.
- Uses required technology and digital tools effectively and demonstrates a willingness to learn new systems.
- Contributes to a culture of safety and continuous improvement by identifying risks, following safe work practices, and supporting quality initiatives.
- Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional and personal development through continuous learning and reflective practice.
Other
- Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional and personal development through participation in continuing education and self-directed learning opportunities.
Our Team Members Enjoy
- a professional practice environment
- a collaborative atmosphere with emphasis on teamwork
- wellness initiatives
- continuing education grants
- employee recognition and assistance programs
- a competitive salary and benefits package
- equal opportunities for growth and development
Employment Equity
OSMH is committed to diversity and equity in the workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S persons and others who may contribute to a diverse workplace.
Accommodation in the Workplace
Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital is a respectful, caring, and inclusive workplace. We are committed to championing accessibility, diversity, equal opportunity and maintaining a barrier-free selection process for job applicants. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known to the Human Resources department when contacted. All requests are handled confidentially.
Health & Safety Responsibilities
OSMH is committed to providing a safe, healthy and supportive working environment by treating team members and patients with compassion accountability respect and engagement.
All team members must adhere to OSMH’s Occupational Health and Safety policies, procedures and protocols, as well as the duties of workers as stipulated in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Team members must be able to perform all bona fide and essential duties of the position which may include cognitive and physical demands.
As a condition of employment, new team members are required to complete an employment health assessment and must be cleared by the Occupational Health and Safety Team prior to orientation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use in Hiring at OSMH:
Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital’s (OSMH) may utilize automated screening tools (i.e. questionnaires) to highlight candidates' qualifications; however, OSMH does not involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess or select applicants. We recommend applying directly through our website as all applications are reviewed by our recruitment team.
Closing Statement
OSMH is a minimal fragrance workplace. We kindly ask all applicants to refrain from using scented products should they have the occasion to interview with the hospital.
As a condition of employment OSMH requires professional references, verification of academic training, professional accreditation and evidence of course completion. It is also a condition of employment that all new team members will be required to present an original vulnerable sector check within 90 days of commencing employment and must sign an Offense Declaration upon receipt of an offer of employment.
If you are interested in joining our team, please apply online before 11:59 pm on the posting close date. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
