PSW Day: Top 7 reasons to become a personal support worker

Personal support workers (PSWs) are an important part of our local health-care communities.

Sunday, May 19 is PSW Day, and we’re celebrating the dedication and meaningful work of all the students, employees and alumni from Georgian College’s Personal Support Worker program – and all PSWs out there.

As a member of an interprofessional health care team, PSWs assist with daily living and the provision of person-centred care to individuals with a range of health conditions and/or individuals experiencing responsive behaviours.

A person leans down and helps another person get up off a couch.

Here are our top 7 reasons to become a personal support worker:

1. Job security

Personal support workers (PSWs) are in high demand. The provincial government has estimated nearly 51,000 more PSWs will be needed in Ontario by 2032, according to a recent Canadian Press report.

2. Make a difference

No day is ever the same when you’re a PSW. You’re doing important work helping people with a variety of needs and helping serve community members with care and dignity.

3. Flexibility

This is a career where you can make your own schedule and work in a variety of locations. PSWs are needed everywhere!

4. Be part of a team

PSWs are an integral part of a health-care team, providing and facilitating clearly identified personal care and routine activities of daily living in order to assist clients in being as healthy and as independent as possible.

5. Different career opportunities

Graduates of Georgian’s PSW program may find employment in retirement homes, long term care facilities, homes for the aged, various community agencies (private and public), acute care facilities, as well as in independent practice.

6. Be appreciated

The valuable work PSWs do is appreciated by clients and their families. It’s a job, but it can make a world of difference in the quality of life for people who need assistance or their families who want to know their loved ones are in good hands.

7. Be proud of your career

Be proud that you’re helping people feel good about themselves, providing them with a comfortable, safe environment while assisting with personal care and home management. Supporting the restoration of people’s well-being and independence will make you feel good, too!

Learn more about Georgian’s Personal Support Worker program