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 Hospital’s Float Team. As part of the Float Team, the PSW is assigned to various patient care units to support clinical demand, patient flow, and operational needs across the hospital and may be reassigned as required based on patient care priorities.

The PSW assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) and supports their physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs on the assigned unit. Working as a member of the interprofessional care team, the PSW contributes to safe, respectful, and patient-centred within the assigned area. Care is delivered in accordance with unit specific expectations, 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 a positive patient experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides direct patient support within the assigned unit for each shift, adapting to varying clinical environments and team structures.
• 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
• 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 program manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Personal Support Worker 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 two (2) years' work experience in an acute care setting in the last 5 years or (2) years' experience within a long-term care facility, or residential home is preferred

Competencies:

• Must be able to perform all the duties in the position description
• Must be able to bend, stoop, push/pull without restriction
• Ability to work as a productive team member is required
• Demonstrated ability to organize patient care activities, remain flexible and able to adapt to change
• The successful candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills as evidenced by recent performance appraisals
• Demonstrated excellence attendance record

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 employees 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

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 employees 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.