Personal support worker in home-care putting on a mask

Why You Should Become a PSW in a Pandemic

The demand for personal support workers (PSWs) is higher than ever before. In 2020, there were more personal support workers retiring than those starting their careers. This trend is expected to continue in Canada, with over 34,000 jobs opening up by 2026. This trend presents an issue for Canadians as the number of people needing supportive care steadily increases.

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed the government to look further into the state of long-term care facilities. The key issue within these facilities is the abundance of chronic understaffing of PSWs in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, an issue that continues to be ongoing.

It’s clear that the country is in urgent need of personal support workers; in connection with this, the province of Ontario is providing a $5000 incentive for recent PSW graduates. In this article, we will further discuss the overwhelming benefits of becoming a personal support worker amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you’re interested in kick-starting your career within the healthcare industry, you’re in the right place. Cestar College offers educational incentives for a career that boasts high job security and the satisfaction of helping those in need; continue reading to learn more!

Why You Should Become a PSW in a Pandemic

Long-Term Care Facilities Need Your Help

Chronic understaffing in long-term care (LTC) facilities continues to be one of the key issues identified by the government during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. By June 2020, more than 840 outbreaks were reported in LTC homes accounting for more than 80% of all COVID-19 deaths in the country.

Now, in the second wave of the pandemic, the numbers tell us a story of how long-term care homes are still bearing the brunt of the virus:

There are numerous factors as to why these incidents happened. On top of the elderly population being immunocompromised, chronic understaffing subjects elderly residents to added stress and less-than-adequate care.

It’s a heartbreaking reality for the residents and their families. Many senior residents in care facilities report feelings of uncertainty, fear, and painful isolation from loved ones.

By becoming a personal support worker in these times, you can truly make a difference by directly impacting the lives of your patients. You will be in the best place to show them the empathy they need and foster positivity in their lives by giving them a reason to smile amidst the uncertainty of these times.

Get Jobs with Competitive Salaries, Quickly and Easily

Due to the current shortage of PSWs, there is a high demand for workers to fill these roles. This statistic reflects positively on the market, with competitive salaries and higher job security. By becoming a PSW during these times, you will be privy to this benefit.

Additionally, you will have ample options regarding where you choose to work. Options include an assisted living community, long-term care facility, hospital, or private residence of your choice.

Work with Enhanced Safety Protocols

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you might have reservations about starting a PSW career due to its inherent risks. However, because we are now in the later stages of this pandemic, facilities and hospitals have adapted enhanced safety protocols to protect the residents and workers.

Now, there are additional safety precautions in place to minimize the spread of the virus and to protect everyone involved. These precautions include using effective PPE, stringent disinfection practices, visitor restrictions, active screening, and more.

In December 2020, the first vaccine in Ontario was administered to a personal support worker working in an LTC facility. As the vaccine continues to roll out, those at higher risk, healthcare workers, and Indigenous communities are first in line for dosages.

Why You Should Become a PSW in a Pandemic

Receive a $5000 Incentive as a New PSW in Ontario.

The province of Ontario is currently offering a $5000 incentive for new PSW graduates in order to increase employment in LTC homes and home community centres. This incentive is given in exchange for a six-month commitment to working for an eligible long-term care facility or home.

For a personal support worker to qualify, they must meet the following criteria:

Get Top-Notch PSW Training with a 70% Discount

To help fulfill the current COVID-19 PSW need, Cestar College’s NACC Personal Support Worker Course in Ontario, is offering their program at a discounted rate of $3000 (a 70% discount).

Furthermore, to help recruit PSWs for these times, we are also offering referral bonuses. For every friend that officially enrolls and starts the PSW program at Cestar College, we will reduce your fees by $500. Your referred friend will also receive a $500 discount from us. In this case, if you get six friends to join the program, your entire PSW program is completely FREE!
Please read these additional notes if you are interested in our referral program:

  • Each person can be referred by one person. Referral bonuses cannot be shared between multiple individuals.
  • Referral bonuses cannot be combined with any other offers; however, it can be applied to the reduced rate ($3000) currently in place.
  • For the promotional discount to be applied to your fees (and to your friend’s fees), both you and the person being referred must reference each other prior to the program start date.
  • The referral program is only valid if you and your referred friend(s) enroll and officially start the program for the Winter 2021 semester (estimated start date March 2021).
  • Extension of this promotion past the Winter 2021 semester will be at the full and sole discretion of Cestar College.

Learn More About the NACC PSW Course Today!

The NACC Personal Support Worker Course, offered by Cestar College, is one of the most well-recognized PSW programs in Ontario. The learning experience we provide is highly immersive and will equip you with the updated knowledge and skill sets you need to succeed in this rewarding profession.

And after just seven months of training with us, you can get started on your PSW career and make a difference in the lives of many. If you have any questions for us about our discounted course rates or if you’d like to take the next steps, please feel free to contact us!

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