Program Handbook Personal Support Worker Program Living Classroom - Riverside Glen/University Gates School of Health & Life Sciences and Community Services Conestoga College Academic Year 2016/2017 This is a companion document to the current Conestoga Student Guide This document can be found on the program shell of econestoga and the program specific page online Revised on June 28, 2016
Table of Contents Program Handbook... i Program Handbook Guidelines... vi Welcome... vii Letter to Students... viii Top Five Expectations of You... 1. Use MyConestoga To Connect To:... 2. Know and Plan Around Your Academic Schedule With Your Family... 3. Be the Professional You Wish To Become - From Day One... 4. Attend To Enhance Success... 5. Take Responsibility for Your Academic Status... Top Five Resources for You... 1. Your Teaching Team... 2. Counselling and Services for Personal Needs... 3. Accessibility Services... 4. Student Study Spaces and General Supports... 5. Services for Students... 1. Program Overview... 1 Program Description... 1 Program Philosophy... 1 Our Beliefs about Those Receiving Supportive Care... 1 Our Beliefs about Those Who Care For Individuals Requiring Supportive Care... 1 Our Beliefs Applied To the Personal Support Worker Program... 2 Our Beliefs about the Experiential Learning Experience... 2 Program Summary Map 2016-2017... 3 Program Outcomes... 4 Program Design for Your Cohort... 5 Pathways and Further Post-secondary Education Opportunities... 6 Employment Opportunities... 6 2. Relationships... 7 Communication and Contact Information... 7 Riverside Glen Living Classroom Faculty and Staff Contact Information... 7 University Gates Living Classroom Faculty and Staff Contact Information... 7 Contacting Program team members... 7 Student Email... 7 Program Team Members Availability... 8 Procedures for Meeting with Program Team Members... 8 Student Engagement... 8 Student Concerns/Issues... 8 Student Representation... 9 PAC (Program Advisory Committee)... 9 WIHSC (Waterloo Inter-professional Health & Community Student Collaborative)... 9 Student Feedback... 10 ii
Key Performance Indicators... 10 Student Appraisal of Teaching... 10 Class Cancellations... 11 Class Cancellation due to Faculty Absence... 11 Class Cancellations due to Inclement Weather... 11 Personal notifications of class cancellations... 11 3. Standards of Conduct and Professional Practice... 12 Guidelines for Student Use of Classrooms, Labs and Shared Spaces... 12 Program Standards for Professional Practice... 12 Preamble... 12 Safety and Security at the Village of Riverside Glen... 14 In The Event of a Fire Alarm/Emergency... 14 Parking... 14 Security Code... 14 Identification... 14 Safety and Security at the Village of University Gates... 15 In The Event Of a Fire Alarm/Emergency... 15 Parking... 15 Identification... 15 Remedial Use of the Clinical Learning Centre and Make-Up Labs... 15 Uniforms, Grooming and other Professional Standards... 17 Dress Requirements for Labs and Clinical Placements... 17 Dress Code for Agencies not requiring Uniforms... 17 Transportation of Uniform to and from Clinical Settings... 18 Footwear... 18 Identification... 18 Jewelry... 18 Personal Hygiene... 18 Hair... 19 Fingernails... 19 Fragrances... 19 Smoking... 19 Chewing Gum... 19 Food and Beverages... 19 Cellphones/Smartphones... 19 Academic Integrity and Plagiarism... 20 Copyright What Students Need to Know... 21 Cumulative Copying... 21 Safe Practice... 22 Professional Conduct - Use of Social Media and Cell Phones... 22 Social Media Policy... 22 Cell Phone Policy... 23 iii
Student Protection Acknowledgement... 24 4. Attendance and Student Success Strategies... 25 Characteristics of Successful Students... 25 Attendance... 25 Attendance for Evaluations... 26 Notification for Absence from Evaluations... 26 Follow-up after Reporting Your Absence from an Evaluation... 27 Religious Holidays... 27 Documentation to Substantiate Your Reported Absence... 28 Evaluations worth less than 20%... 28 Evaluations worth 20% or more... 28 Acceptable reasons for Absence... 28 Assignment and Testing Policies... 29 Written Assignments... 29 Submitting Assignments... 29 Working together on Group Assignments... 30 Importance of Test and Presentation Dates... 30 Test Procedures... 30 Faculty Returning Tests and Assignments... 31 Use of Time between Classes... 31 Methods of Evaluation... 31 Types of Evaluation... 31 Formative... 32 Summative... 32 Progress Note:... 32 Tracking Forms... 32 Summative Evaluation... 32 Evaluation of Clinical/Lab Skills... 32 Criteria for Tracking Clinical/Lab Skills... 33 Late Submissions of Practice Written Work... 33 Practice and Campus Clinical Attendance... 34 Clinical Remediation Process... 34 5. Academic Progress through the Program... 35 Academic Standing and Promotion... 35 Achievement... 35 Promotion Process... 35 Requirements for Taking the Clinical Practicum Courses... 35 Reasons for Students Progress Being Reviewed By Promotion Committee... 36 Supplemental Work and Program Standards... 36 Process for Readmission to the Program... 37 Withdrawal... 37 iv
Appeal... 37 Clearance of Academic Deficiency... 37 Special Timetables/Adding Dropped or Failed Courses... 37 Re-entry to the program... 38 Graduation... 38 Process for Resolution of Student Concerns... 38 Maintaining Student Files... 39 6. Field Placement Experiences... 41 Practicum Health Requirements... 41 Criminal Screening... 41 Safety in the Workplace Course... 42 Student Consent Forms... 42 WSIB... 42 Additional Requirements for Clinical... 42 Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)... 42 Basic Safety Training... 42 Concerns regarding the Safety of the Work Environment:... 43 Communication of General Concerns regarding Your Safety or The Safety and Care/Service for Clients... 43 Reporting of Incidents of Student Injury during a Practicum Experience... 43 Reporting of Student Involvement in Situations of Possible Injury:... 44 Clinical Placements Standards... 44 Transportation... 46 Parking Fees... 46 Additional Information for Students... 47 Change of Name, Address, and Telephone Number... 47 Guidelines and Expenses Incurred Relating to Clinical Practice... 47 Part-Time Work... 47 Reference Letter from Program Team Members... 47 7. Student Awards... 48 Awards Available for Personal Support Worker Students 2016-17... 48 Program Revision Log... 51 v
Program Handbook Guidelines The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with program specific details and other important information. The material in this handbook is accurate at the date of posting, and is applicable for the current academic year. Students will be informed of handbook changes that occur, if any, through college email. Program handbooks are updated yearly and students must check their program handbook for the current edition. vi
Welcome To the School of Health & Life Sciences and Community Services Your Bridge to Practice What Can This Mean For You? The opportunity to begin, today, to become the professional you aspire to be. The opportunity to learn in real-life settings and with real-life scenarios, rehearsing for the day when you will be in these real-life situations. A unique inter-professional opportunity, given the number of different disciplines in the School. You will learn with, about and from your future colleagues. An opportunity to take advantage of the unique learning opportunity of the LIVING CLASSROOM at the Villages of Riverside Glen or University Gates. Your goal of being viewed by employers as a preferred graduate is up to you; your professors, technologists, administrative staff and college services look forward to supporting you as you journey from Day 1 to your Graduation. vii
LETTER TO STUDENTS Welcome to the Living Classroom at Riverside Glen or University Gates In 2006, Conestoga College and Schlegel Villages developed a Living Classroom program in Long- Term Care (LTC). This innovative and collaborative program consists of classroom and clinical teaching for Practical Nursing (PN) and Personal Support Worker (PSW) students, all in a real LTC and Retirement Home environment. By participating in the Living Classroom program: You have all the benefits of Conestoga College s PSW and PN curriculum and credentials, and You have the additional benefits of learning at the Schlegel Villages of Riverside Glen or University Gates. The Living Classroom program embraces intentional interactions among you (students), the LTC and retirement living team, residents, and families. The program provides you with formal and active learning experiences in LTC and retirement living environments. The Living Classroom program includes: 1) a specifically focused collaborative gerontological curriculum; 2) intentional exposure to, and mastery of, knowledge, skills, and behaviours; and, 3) the fostering of a formal and informal learning in a mentoring environment. In addition to teaching and providing support for you as a student, Conestoga College PSW Program team members in the Living Classroom work together with the Schlegel Village team to integrate your learning with the activities in the facility, and create opportunities for your involvement. You are encouraged to take advantage of being in the Village by spending time with the residents and their families. The LTC and retirement Village also facilitates volunteering opportunities for you to assist residents and families. Furthermore, Schlegel Village teams receive special training on how to mentor and support you when you are in the Village. The outcomes of the integration between learning and caregiving are mutually beneficial: as a student, you gain more comfort and confidence in working with residents and families; the team actively participates in your training; residents are provided with care as well as social interaction; you feel respected and valued as a member of the team; the team and residents also feel valued as they are actively assist you with the learning and training process by sharing their own skills and experiences. viii
Schlegel Village of Riverside Glen Welcome Dear Student, I would like to welcome you to The Village of Riverside Glen. As the General Manager, it is my privilege to work with a strong team, that includes you, to provide the best possible quality of life for our residents living in Retirement and Long Term Care. I have been helping seniors in various capacities for the past 15+ years and love to see them find purpose and well-being in everything that they do. Our village is designed to foster a sense of community and we welcome you to become a stakeholder in our community; helping us to develop a best in class integrated health care team to provide best in class care and services to our residents. We offer students a unique opportunity to be trained in a living classroom environment, where enhanced learning can happen in both academic and social ways. We are looking forward to having you join us and trust that this experience will be the start of a fulfilling career in senior care. Warmest regards, Bryce McBain General Manager Schlegel Village of University Gates Welcome Dear Conestoga College Student, On behalf of the Team of The Village at University Gates we would like to extend a warm welcome to you. Our Village is a place where Residents, Family Members, Team Members, Students, Researchers, and our Community Partners are all valued. In the Village Neighbourhoods we can all have the opportunity to learn from each other and grow together. We trust you will enjoy your time learning in this unique living classroom environment. We wish you all the best as you begin this very rewarding career as a caregiver. Warmest Regards, Chris-Anne Preston General Manager ix
Letter to students Dear Personal Support Worker Student, Welcome to the Personal Support Worker (PSW) Certificate Program. You have worked hard to be accepted into the PSW Program at Conestoga College and we commend you on your success. This handbook has been prepared to provide further information about academic standards, guidelines and processes specific to the PSW Program at the Riverside Glen Schlegel Village in Guelph and the University Gates Schlegel Village in Waterloo. Reading, understanding, and following the information in this handbook, is an important first step in your continued success in this program and your chosen profession. The handbook has been compiled with careful consideration for your personal and professional growth during your time at the college. If you do not understand any of the information in this handbook, please ask any of our Program Team members or the Chair of Nursing for an explanation. Use the Table of Contents in this handbook as your guide and the contents as your continuous reference as you proceed through the program. The PSW program team will refer to the handbook often, but the responsibility for knowing the program standards is ultimately yours. In addition to the PSW Program Standards and Procedures Handbook, the Conestoga College Student Guide 2015-2016 outlines important policies and procedures for you to follow. The PSW Program Standards and Procedures Handbook is a supplement to, but not a replacement for, the Conestoga College Student Guide. We are here to help you have a successful journey. Should you experience difficultly or need assistance in any area of your studies, please talk to your program team members, Program Coordinator, or come to my office to seek direction to ensure your success in the program. All the very best to you in your studies. Sincerely, Lynn Voelzing, Chair, Nursing PSW Program Coordinator, Faculty and Staff x
xi Personal Support Worker- Living Classroom Program Handbook 2016-2017 Top Five Expectations of You 1. Use MyConestoga To Connect To: Your Conestoga Email: (e.g. John Smith, Student Number 1234567, jsmith4567@conestogac.on.ca) This is the official communication vehicle regarding your academic requirements. Check it regularly and respond as requested. econestoga: (Desire to Learn) This is your resource for all course-based program information and course-based communication with your faculty. Make econestoga your partner in learning; this is your guide to all course activity. Student Portal: Find your grade information, college tuition invoices, class schedules and absence reporting. Practicum Health Requirements: (Go to Services and find Practicum Services Link ) Keep track of your requirements; know that they are complete to allow you to go on your practicum. 2. Know and Plan Around Your Academic Schedule With Your Family Course Schedule: Your schedule has been planned with many people and multiple considerations in mind. Classes can be scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (note, times for practicums follow work place schedules). Changes may be considered but only for extenuating reasons (Please discuss with your Program Coordinator). The Academic Year has critical dates: please plan around these dates to ensure you are here when you need to be--including the potential need to be present for the two weeks after the semester ends if you might need to complete supplemental work to allow you to continue to the next semester. Program start and end dates, holidays and deadlines for course add/drop and withdrawal, are located in the Student Guide. Course changes (add/dropping) may also be made through the Student Portal under the My Courses tab. Fall 2016 Dates Winter 2017 Dates Fall Orientation Week Aug. 29 Sept. 2 Winter Orientation January 5 Fall Semester Classes Winter Semester Classes September 6 Start Start January 9 Student Success Week Feb. 27 - Mar. 3 Last Week of Semester December 12-16 Last Week of Semester April 24-28 Intersession (no classes) Dec. 19- Jan. 6/17 Intersession (no classes) May 1- May 5
Top Five Expectations of You 3. Be the Professional You Wish To Become - From Day One Civility, respect, and professional behaviors will be key to the quality of your learning experience and a future employer's first and lasting impression Professional Dress & Conduct: See section three of the Handbook for professionalism expectations for your program. The college s Student Guide sets out Student Code of Conduct for our community at Conestoga. Pre-practicum Health Requirements Complete as required; without these, you will not be able to progress to your practicum and your program completion will be in jeopardy (per your information in the Student Portal) Social Media: Use responsibly don t blow your future on ill-advised communication with the e-tools that we use so freely (see section three of the Handbook) 4. Attend To Enhance Success Please Review Attendance Expectations in See Section four of the Handbook: Attendance for class, labs and practicum underpins student learning and your experience as a future professional. Absence from Evaluations: Must be reported in the Student Portal before your absence to be eligible for a repeated evaluation. Request for Accommodation for Religious Holidays: Must be requested to your Program Coordinator in the first three weeks of each semester 5. Take Responsibility for Your Academic Status Student Records if you have questions about your student record, academic status and or program withdrawals, go to the Registrar s Office and speak to your Program Coordinator. Fee Payments: Payment is required to attend classes. Check your Student Portal for invoices. Credit Transfer/Exemptions: Conestoga supports the transferability of academic credits between programs and educational institutions through recognized transfer pathways, articulation agreements and course-to-course equivalences. Please refer to the Student Guide for more information. Student Forms: To access forms go to the Student Forms page. Academic Policies & Procedures: May be found under Policies and Procedures Student Affairs Polices & Procedures: May be found at the Student Affairs page. xii
Top Five Resources for You 1. Your Teaching Team Contact Information: Is posted on econestoga and in your Handbook (Section two in the Handbook) Appointments: Making appointments (in person, by phone, email) helps to ensure your desired resource is available. Email Inquiries: will be answered within two business days. Urgent Need for Help: Program Assistants are available to help you reach one of the Teaching Team (contact information in Section two of the Handbook) 2. Counselling and Services for Personal Needs College Counselling: Professionally-trained counsellors can help you achieve your educational goals for such common support as stress management, anxiety, depression, transition issues, family issues, etc. Counselling is free, voluntary and confidential. Arrange to see a Counsellor quickly if academic or personal problems stand in the way of your College success. Counselling is free, voluntary and confidential. To make an appointment, visit or call Doon--Room 1A101, 519-748-5220, ext. 3360, Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. Check the counselling services website for more information. Good2Talk: Confidential 24-hour phone line for stresses big and small 1-866-925-5454 Conestoga Security: Provides a safe and secure work and learning environment. 519-748-5220 ext. 3357. Refer to the Student Guide for Conestoga s Safety and Security Services and procedures. Student Financial Services: Student Financial Services can help you by providing you with options to finance your post-secondary education. CSI Food Bank: The CSI Food Bank is an emergency food relief program for current Conestoga students. Health Services: Your family doctor on campus. Check out the services that they offer on their website or call 519-748-5220 ext. 3679. Services available Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. Some same day appointments may be available by walk-in. A full-time health nurse is on site. Facility Information: Refer to the Student Guide for information on after-hours parking, classroom and computer labs. xiii
Top Five Resources for You 3. Accessibility Services Students with Documented Disabilities are encouraged to book an appointment with Accessibility Services to access accommodations EARLY in your program. Disability-related documentation will be required to book an appointment. Go to the Accessibility Services webpage for more information. Adaptive Technology Aids and Special Facilities: Adaptive Aids are arranged through Accessibility Services; handicapped accessible washrooms are located throughout the campus. Contact the Adaptive Technology Lab for more information on adaptive technology aids. Accommodation Disclaimer Conestoga adheres to the Ontario Human Rights Code and is dedicated to promoting an equitable environment for students and employees and opportunities for members of the community to have access to and participate in all aspects of college life. The Program Handbook is intended to provide general information in regards to program expectations. Individual students may have accommodations that create exceptions. Please note: 1) We recognize that extenuating circumstances may apply. Consult with your Professor. All exceptions based on extenuating circumstances must be approved by the Chair. 2) Some students, who are registered with Accessibility Services and whose accommodations indicate the need, may occasionally receive accommodations for missed or late evaluations. 3) Students with a documented disability, who have already provided a related accommodation, are not required to provide an additional doctor s note for a missed or late evaluation. Examples may include exceptional absences or extensions of absences. For information on Accessibility Services please visit our website or in person. Accommodations are made for students with disabilities, as determined by Accessibility Services. xiv
Top Five Resources for You 4. Student Study Spaces and General Supports Cowan Health Sciences Centre (F-wing) Student Lounge Space Enjoy seats on each of the three floors. Plugs for laptops and charging stations are located throughout these areas. Student Meeting Room Space Book through the Customer Service Desk for general access to 1F18 and 1F20 and spaces designated for degree programs. General Access Computers and printers are located in two areas: 1 st Floor in the student lounge area with photocopier 2 nd Floor at the Customer Service Desk and kiosk area Open Access Lab 2 nd Floor, 2F18. This is available on a come and go basis for health & pre-health programs practicing key skills. It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day. Book with an Open Access Nurse Technologist. Lockers available with your tuition; important to store your extra clothes and books, etc. so that you can be at your professional best in the lab. To learn how to obtain a locker, please click here. Information Technology-- New ITS Service Desk 1 st Floor Ewing (provides supports & general assistance with College-related needs such as email, Network accounts, connectivity & wireless printing. Go to the Web IT Service Desk for more information. xv
Top Five Resources for You 5. Services for Students Library Resource Centre: Located on 2 nd Floor B Wing; Go to the Library Resource Centre page for more information. International Office: Check out the International Education Office for services available to you. Learning Commons: Your ONE-STOP resource for academic services and resources, such as Math, Writing Skills, Peer Tutors and resources for APA. Check out their website or Access through MyConestoga. Student Life: Get involved and shape your experience. Visit the Student Life page or Connect to MyConestoga for your Co-Curricular Record. Student Financial Services: Your one-stop resource to apply for student awards and bursaries apply early to increase your chances. Bookstore: Your location to buy books (check out their options including used books), clothing for your program, general supplies. Find it in the A wing, just inside Door 1. Co-op and Career Advising: Your resource for Co-op Placements (if you are in a degree); your source of help to look for summer jobs or future careers and gain help preparing your resume. Check out the Co-op and Career Services site for more information. xvi
1. Program Overview Program Description Conestoga s Personal Support Worker 30 week Program offers an integrated plan of learning in which the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values critical to your goal of becoming a Personal Support Worker are presented in a logical sequence which builds on itself and provides the opportunity to integrate increasing knowledge with opportunities to apply theory to practice in more complex ways. Program Philosophy The philosophy of personal supportive care is based on the belief that the individual client and his/her family are unique individuals with unique experiences. Each individual and family have basic needs and the potential to meet their basic needs, however at times, assistance may be required because of age, environmental and health related factors. Values/Beliefs that Guide the Personal Support Worker Program Curriculum Our Beliefs about Those Receiving Supportive Care We believe that: The Personal Support Worker provides quality supportive care for individual clients and/or families throughout the lifespan and at various levels of health and wellness, utilizing a holistic approach. The Personal Support Worker recognizes the interrelatedness of the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of the individual and stressing optimum functional restoration. The individual client s right to respect, dignity, confidentiality, cultural integrity, independence, well- being, choice, and self-determination are supported and promoted by the Personal Support Worker to enhance quality of life throughout the life cycle. Our Beliefs about Those Who Care For Individuals Requiring Supportive Care We believe that: The Personal Support Worker is a valued contributing member of the interprofessional health care team and works under the direction of registered and or designated personnel, and in partnership with clients and/or their families, in institutional and/or home care environments. An atmosphere of mutual respect between all individuals is promoted. The Personal Support Worker learns in an environment that enhances personal and educational growth. Principles of adult education guide the teaching-learning process. Students accept responsibility for their learning, and the program team facilitates mastery of the student's learning needs. Legal, moral and ethical guidelines govern the practice of the Personal Support Worker. The Personal Support Worker recognizes that he/she will function in a continually changing society and health care system, which reflects an increasingly aging and multi-cultural population. 1
Our Beliefs Applied To the Personal Support Worker Program We believe that Conestoga College s PSW Program incorporates the above philosophy into our program by: Accommodating, to the best of our ability, individual situations, as appropriate for emerging adult learners. Encouraging and expecting students to develop behaviors necessary in the workforce and in the PSW profession, including: self-reflection, responsibility for self and own actions, honesty, integrity, and punctuality. Designing courses and experiences to support students in constructing knowledge about supportive care in meaningful ways. Modeling a variety of teaching styles, providing a variety of learning and practice experiences, and by using a variety of evaluation methods. Modeling communication and problem-solving skills as well as professional behaviours and attitudes required of personal support workers. Supporting the integration of theory and practice by providing students with opportunities to connect theory and its application in combination with practical experience. Facilitating students understanding to enable them to make sense of their practical experiences in view of theory. Engaging students actively in their learning process. Recognizing and appreciating the different styles and approaches to learning that an emerging adult learner may use/exhibit (multiple intelligences). Building on previous successes in order to enhance confidence of the student as a learner. Supporting students as they develop their professional philosophy. Mentoring students as they proceed through their journey of becoming a personal support worker in both the classroom, lab and through their clinical placement experiences. Offering general knowledge and generic skills, in addition to specific vocational skills. Endeavoring to support the PSW field and the local community, believing that learning is lifelong, and that personal support workers play a vital role in our society. Our Beliefs about the Experiential Learning Experience Experiential learning experiences provide: students with opportunities to develop skills to apply in a clinical environment; an environment of practice for students that supports a reflective, intentionally responsive philosophy; students with the opportunity to work with a team who support, evaluate, and mentor them as they work to acquire the skills and attitudes necessary of a Personal Support Worker; an environment where the teaching team and students work together to implement and evaluate new skills necessary to work in the health care field as a Personal Support Worker. 2
Program Summary Map 2016-2017 Program Map describes your learning journey with three important components: 1. All courses focus on you demonstrating development towards the program outcomes and capabilities through your program journey. 2. There are themes for your learning that will inform you on the courses you will take to develop program capabilities. 3. Each semester has a theme that creates milestones for your learning within a semester and your journey from one semester to the next semester and ultimately to your readiness to graduate. Phase Professional and IP Practice Resident Centred Care Supportive Care Practices LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 Week 1-7 Week 8-15 Week 16-19 Week 20-25 Week 26-30 Novice Engagement Advanced Engagement Emerging Professional Entry to Practice Prepared Professional Achieving Success in Pregraduate Your HC Career Professional Professional Practice 1 Consolidation Professional Practice II Communication Course Professional Practice II Community and Safety in the Workplace Practice II Community and LTC LTC (continued) (continued) (orientation) Resident Centred Care I Structure and Function of the Body for RCC Supportive Care Theory 1 Supportive Care Lab 1 Resident Centred Care 2 Palliative Care Supportive Care Theory 2 Supportive Care Lab 2 Resident Centred Care 2 Palliative Care 3
Program Outcomes Upon completion of the program, the graduate will: 1. Work within the PSW role in a variety of care settings including: long-term, community and/or hospital care settings in accordance with applicable legislation and employer s role and job description, policies, procedures and guidelines. 2. Practice professional work ethics and demonstrate professional behaviours in interactions with clients, families, care partners, supervisors, and interprofessional team members in a variety of care settings. 3. Act responsibly and be accountable for one s own actions while recognizing the boundaries of knowledge and skills within the PSW role that necessitates using problem solving, time management, stress management and critical thinking skills and strategies and requires collaboration with the client, family, care partners, supervisor and/or other members. 4. Participate as a member of the interprofessional care team and maintain collaborative working relationships, accept and integrate constructive feedback, and use effective and appropriate communication and relationship skills to provide supportive client-centred care in a variety of care settings. 5. Provide client-centred and client-directed care that promotes independence and is based on ethical principles, sensitive to diverse client and family values, beliefs and needs and which follows the direction of the interprofessional care team. 6. Assist clients across the lifespan with routine activities of daily living supporting clients rights and preferences and applying knowledge and skills of growth and development, evidence informed practice, common alterations in functioning, health and wellness promotion or maintenance, risk prevention and reduction, rehabilitation and restorative care. 7. Assist clients with medication and treatments in keeping with the plan of care/service plan and under the direction and/or monitoring of a regulated health professional or most accountable person and in accordance with relevant legislation and employer policy. 8. Assist with household management tasks and instrumental activities of daily living in accordance with the plan of care/service plan and considering the preferences, comfort and safety of the client, family and care partners as well as the safety of the PSW and the safe use of household equipment. 9. Assist family and care partners who are caring for dependent individuals, considering clients and family choices, the direction of the plan of care/service plan, and the PSW s professional boundaries. 10. Assist in the provision of client-centred, culturally relevant, palliative and end of life care to clients, their families and care partners including observing, reporting, documenting and transferring accountability in accordance with the plan of care/service plan. 4
11. Observe, report and document relevant client information using the appropriate mode of verbal or written communication and written or electronic documentation in a timely manner and in accordance with the required employer policies and procedures and applicable legislation. 12. Understand how to establish and maintain helping and professional relationships with clients, their families and care partners and support systems which reflect open communication, advocacy, professional boundaries, employer s policies and adherence to confidentiality and privacy legislation. 13. Promote and maintain a safe and comfortable environment for clients, their families, and care partners, self and others including recognition of environmental and personal safety risks, the implementation of infection prevention and control measures, and emergency first aid procedures that are in keeping with the plan of care/service plan and employers policies and procedures. 14. Identify and report situations of neglect and potential, alleged or witnessed/actual incidents of abuse of clients, family, care partners, and/or PSWs and respond in accordance with all applicable legislation and employer policies and procedures. 15. Use identified approaches and evidence-informed practices while providing client centred care to support clients experiencing mental health illness, cognitive impairment and/or responsive behaviours. 16. Apply knowledge of and commitment to continuous quality improvement and change initiatives, including the responsibility of ongoing and continuing professional development. Program Design for Your Cohort Students can find their program design on the student Portal by following the steps below: 1. Log in to Student Portal 2. Click on My Courses tab 3. Select View Progress Report button Courses are listed by level/semester. Students can also view courses for the most current program design for this academic year on the Conestoga College website. To find these courses, students need to scroll down the page to the Program Courses. 5
Pathways and Further Post-secondary Education Opportunities Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions. View the transfer agreement opportunities for this program. There are a number of different opportunities available to students who want to continue studying at Conestoga. Whether you wish to transfer to another program or apply to a new program after graduation, Conestoga has established pathways to help you meet your goals. Conestoga Pathways information is available on Conestoga s website. Employment Opportunities Personal support workers contribute to the quality of life of individuals by promoting their independence and dignity; social, emotional and physical needs; mobility; personal appearance; comfort and safety. Graduates understand the roles, responsibilities and limitations of the personal support worker and work as a member of the health-care team, communicating effectively, and observing and reporting changes in clients' conditions. For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website. 6
2. Relationships Communication and Contact Information Riverside Glen Living Classroom Faculty and Staff Contact Information Coordinator: Amy Stiles astiles@conestogac.on.ca University Gates Living Classroom Faculty and Staff Contact Information Coordinator: Sharon Clarke sclarke@conesogac.on.ca Practice Application Specialist: Marilyn Arsenault marsenault@conestogac.on.ca Program Administration Contact Information Chair of Nursing: Lynn Voelzing Lvoelzing@conestogac.on.ca 518-748-5200 Ext. 3434 Program Assistant: Megan Faulkner mfaulkner@conestogac.on.ca 519-748-5220 Ext. 3437 Contacting Program team members When contacting program staff outside of class time, please use Conestoga College e-mail or telephone. Your message should include the following information: First and last name, Course and level, Brief description of reason for contact, Telephone number where you can be reached. Student Email All students are supplied with a Conestoga e-mail address. Communications from program team members will be via your Conestoga e-mail address or posted on Conestoga s on-line Learning Management System econestoga. Official Conestoga communication via e-mail will use only your Conestoga e-mail address. Use only your Conestoga e-mail address or econestoga when communicating with program team members. Students are expected to check their Conestoga e- mail regularly. 7
If you are having problems accessing your Conestoga e-mail contact the Information Technology (IT) department at 519-748-5220 ext. 3444 as soon as possible. Program Team Members Availability Program team members are located in the program team office in the Conestoga area at Riverside Glen, on the lower level of the long term care building and in the Renard building (RIA), lower level at University Gates. Students are welcome to see individual program team members to discuss course work, assignments, or other matters related to their success at Conestoga. During the first days of the semester program team members will explain how you can contact them outside of class time. As program team members have diverse schedules, it is best to make an appointment to ensure they are available. Procedures for Meeting with Program Team Members Most program team members share space in an open office arrangement. In the interest of respecting the work environment for everyone in this area we ask students to confirm by phone that the program team members member they wish to see is at his/her desk before entering the program team members workspace area. We thank you for your cooperation in adhering to this procedure. Students are not permitted to enter a program team member s office or cubicle unless the program team member is present. Student Engagement Student Concerns/Issues We appreciate that concerns/issues may arise during the learning experience. Our goal is to collaborate students with faculty and staff to resolve situations of concerns quickly and to learn and improve from these situations. To achieve this goal, we need an effective problem-solving environment. This means: a. When a situation of concern arises, it needs to be raised immediately and discussed by the individuals involved. This is the most important area for effective problem solving. **Problem-solving closest to the individual associated with the learning is the place to start. b. Please see the Student Concerns/Issues section in the Student Rights and Responsibilities chapter of the college Student Guide for further details to be followed for the informal and formal procedures for the resolution of concerns and issues. c. Please note that issues and concerns related to a placement site, its operation or its employees should first be brought to the attention of the Conestoga Field Placement Supervisor, subject to the additional procedures outlined in the following Sections on Professionalism and Concerns Regarding Safety or Care/Service for Clients during a Practicum/Field Placement. 8
Student Representation CSI and Conestoga agree that a student has the right to invite a member of CSI to a student/faculty meeting, provided that 24 hours advance notice is given to faculty. This advance notice will ensure that all parties will have an opportunity to adequately prepare for the meeting. PAC (Program Advisory Committee) Each program at Conestoga has a Program Advisory Committee (PAC), which is made up of industry and academic representatives, as well as current students. They meet several times a year to discuss the direction in which that industry is heading and any improvements that can be made to keep the program current. This helps to ensure that students are learning material that is relevant to their industry. At the beginning of each year, the coordinator of the program will ask for student volunteers. The coordinator will decide which students will represent years one and two. The student representatives are expected to attend the meetings. Students must prepare and submit a report based on guidelines provided by the Program Chair/Coordinator which will be presented at the meeting. Students are expected to be professional, dress in business attire and engage in discussions. WIHSC (Waterloo Inter-professional Health & Community Student Collaborative) Conestoga College offers many unique and exciting opportunities for personal and professional growth. One of the things that contribute to the excellence of this college is the host of exciting extra-curricular opportunities that add to the culture of this fine institution. WIHSC (Waterloo Interprofessional Health & Community Student Collaborative) is one such club whose members strive to learn with, from, and about each other. Membership of this active group is comprised of students enrolled in health, community, and social sciences programs at the Doon campus. Some of the most popular initiatives that this group regularly engages in are interactive simulation exercises, peer-mentoring, guest speakers, paper case studies and monthly meetings. To find out more about this exciting opportunity, please visit the WIHSC website. The website includes information on past events (pictures and videos) as well as how to get involved. Get involved, have fun, and learn more about the team members you will work with upon graduation! For more information, please contact your Program Coordinator. 9
Student Feedback Student feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement process. Our opportunities for student feedback include: Key Performance Indicators All college programs in the province are evaluated using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. This survey is conducted each academic year. Strategic goals to improve the programs are developed from these results. This data and other data specific to the campus and the program/school are collected so that Conestoga College can continually improve quality. Student Appraisal of Teaching The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows direct feedback from students on teaching for a particular course. Completion of the SAT form gives teachers and academic managers valuable information, to use for improving teaching at Conestoga. The SAT process occurs at semester-end. One quarter of the faculty is appraised per term, and each has two courses selected by their academic managers for appraisal. All teachers have a SAT review at least once every two years. Students complete either an electronic or paper copy of the SAT. A summary of results is prepared by Institutional Research. The report is sent to the Academic Manager who shares the report with the faculty member AFTER all marks for the semester have been collected. Continuing Education students may have an opportunity to complete a SAT form at the conclusion of each Continuing Education course. 10
Class Cancellations Class Cancellation due to Faculty Absence All class cancellations due to faculty/staff absences will be posted in the Student Portal on the left hand side of first page which a student sees after logging in. These notices in the Student Portal will be the only general notifications of class cancellations due to faculty absences. Faculty/staff who will be absent will not be informing students of class cancellations through the econestoga, Learning Management System. Class Cancellations due to Inclement Weather College closure due to inclement weather will be announced on local radio stations (92.9; 88.3; 1460; 96.7, 105.3, and 1240). It is up to Associate Faculty and students to listen for campus closures. If the college is closed a message will be left on the campus switchboard after office hours. A notice will also be placed on the college website. Personal notifications of class cancellations Students have the option of receiving special emails or SMS text messages notifying them of class cancellations due to faculty absences. To receive such personal notifications students must subscribe to this special service. To subscribe: Log in to the Student Portal Select Notifications under the Profile tab Select the method by which you would like to be notified Click Update. Note: To change the email address to which these notifications will be sent, select My Addresses under the Profile Tab, and change the default email address. 11
3. Standards of Conduct and Professional Practice Guidelines for Student Use of Classrooms, Labs and Shared Spaces Classrooms, Labs and the Village spaces all make up the formal learning environment. For this reason it is expected that these spaces be considered an extension of the professional world you are aspiring to enter. In keeping with this, when using classrooms, labs, and shared spaces: Be mindful of your language and your attire; both choice of words and tone. Discussions of an unprofessional nature or of unrelated topics should not take place, and will be actively discouraged by Conestoga program team members and the team at Schlegel Villages. Be considerate of other students, residents, families and the team when walking through the halls or neighbourhoods by avoiding unnecessary noise. No food and only bottled water (with a cap) in classrooms. No food or drink in clinical lab areas, or in computer lab areas, or in shared spaces at Schlegel Villages. The materials and equipment from the lab must remain in the lab unless specific permission has been given to use them elsewhere and they have been signed out. Show respect for the learning environment, equipment, and shared spaces at Schlegel Villages. Come prepared for lab and to review the related theory prior to coming to lab. Leave rooms clean after each class. Permission must be given by program team members before using any of the materials or equipment in labs or classrooms. Please remember that the labs and neighbourhoods are clinical settings. The requirement for proper hand hygiene is always in effect. Note: It is expected that students will take the opportunity to practice lab skills between lab classes. Past experiences have shown that students who practice are more likely to be successful. Program Standards for Professional Practice Preamble You are now embarking on a career that will provide you with many personal and professional rewards, and challenges, and brings with it a great deal of responsibility. As a Personal Support Worker you will be delivering care to members of our society who are often the least able to care for themselves, and who are the most in need of the kind of care you will be able to provide. The type of care and support you provide will make a huge difference in the lives of those you care for, their families, and their friends. Conestoga College School of Health & Life Sciences and Community Services has been given the mandate to prepare Personal Support Workers. The Province of Ontario expects the college to graduate Personal Support Workers who meet the standards that have been established for the profession. 12
Personal Support Workers function in a dependent and interdependent environment. The majority of the time, the practitioner's involvement in the care at the recipient's side is of an independent nature, when direct supervision of an action is not always possible. There is an implicit trust by the client that the Personal Support Worker is an ethical, moral, and competent person. It is the responsibility of the School of Health & Life Sciences and Community Services to ensure that every graduate is capable of functioning in accordance with the professional standards expected of all health sciences disciplines. As students preparing to become professionals, it is imperative that behaviours and attitudes reflect standards that are endorsed by Conestoga College and your chosen profession. As a student of Conestoga College, you are a member of the college community and as such you have received a Conestoga Student Guide that includes Student Rights, Student Responsibilities, and the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Responsibilities section includes detailed information regarding plagiarism, cheating, and academic dishonesty. It is essential that you review this section and familiarize yourself with these responsibilities. It is expected that your conduct as a student will be reflective of the responsibilities listed. If you have any questions regarding any of them, please contact your Program Coordinator. Students are expected to behave in accordance with College policies in regard to behavior. These policies include: Academic Regulations and Policies Human Rights Students Rights and Responsibilities In addition to all Student Responsibilities found in the Conestoga Student Guide, PSW students have the following obligations: Complete the learning objectives, tests, assignments and all other forms of student work, with honesty and professional integrity; Attend class, lab and clinical placement as scheduled; Actively engage in classroom, lab, and clinical learning processes; Demonstrate ethical and professional behaviour while attending class, lab, the Villages of Riverside Glen and University Gates and clinical placement; protect the integrity of the Program and the college; Maintain the confidentiality of all classroom, lab, and clinical placement experiences, including use of any form of social media, and; Seek clarification from program team members/administration when unsure of any of these standards. A PSW student needs to: Contribute to positive team functioning and supporting colleagues; Conduct oneself in a way which promotes respect for the PSW role If a student's behavior/conduct interferes with the learning process or in any way jeopardizes the safe environment of the classroom, lab or clinical setting, the student will be required to leave the class lab or clinical session. 13