PSW · Nursing Care Study Guide · Part 1 · Chapters 1–8

VLO 1: Work Within the Personal Support Worker Role +7PSW · Nursing Care · English

54 topics · Updated 2026-09-17

1.VLO 1: Work Within the Personal Support Worker Role

📌

Role of PSW in Person-Centred and Person-Directed Care

ethics

Identifying the personal support worker's role in the workplace setting in providing person-centred and person-directed care.

Key Rules
  • Identify and discuss the concepts and skills related to person-centred and person-directed care
  • Discuss the concept of reflection and quality improvement as it relates to the personal support worker role
📌

Roles of Unregulated Care Providers vs Regulated Professionals

ethics

Comparing roles and responsibilities between unregulated care providers and regulated health professionals.

Key Rules
  • Identify and discuss the roles and responsibilities of regulated/unregulated health providers as outlined by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007
  • Describe their own role as a personal support worker and discuss how they may interact with the tasks and responsibilities of other regulated/unregulated health providers
📌

Perform PSW Skills Safely per Legislation

ethics

Performing PSW skills proficiently and safely as set by applicable legislation, employer job descriptions and policies.

Key Rules
  • Identify and comply with legislation relevant to care settings including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990; Retirement Homes Act, 2010; Mental Health Act, R.S.O 1990; Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007; the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Home Care and Community Services Act, 1994
📌

Risks of Performing Tasks Outside Scope

ethics

Identifying possible risks and consequences of performing tasks other than in accordance with employer job description, policies, guidelines and legislation.

Key Rules
  • Locate and follow information, policies and guidance related to tasks performed as a personal support worker
  • Perform all tasks based on identifying and discussing potential risks to clients including the performance of any controlled acts in specified circumstances
📌

Adapt Skill Set to Different Care Settings

personalcare

Adapting the PSW skill set to meet varied role expectations in different facility-based and community-based care settings.

Key Rules
  • Identify and compare the skills and level of care required in a variety of care settings where personal support workers work
  • Discuss the impact of different care settings on the role expectations of a personal support worker
📌

Follow Employer Policies and Procedures

ethics

Locating, identifying and following employer's policies and procedures that apply to the PSW role.

Key Rules
  • Discuss a variety of employer policies and procedures, including the job description, that apply to the personal support worker role

2.VLO 11: Support Family and Child Care

📌

Identify and resolve interpersonal conflicts in care setting

familygrowth

The topic covers recognizing conflicts among clients, family members and support workers, attempting resolution with appropriate resources, and reporting to the interprofessional team.

Key Rules
  • Identify conflicts between clients, other family members and support workers, attempt to resolve using appropriate resources, and report to the interprofessional team
  • Identify and respond appropriately to the potential emotional impact on the client of the personal support worker's presence and duties, and report to the interprofessional team
📌

Assist families with provision of child care

familygrowth

The topic addresses supporting clients and families with child care in accordance with the established plan of care.

Key Rules
  • Identify and support basic child development and normal developmental milestones
  • Identify the role of the personal support worker in the provision of support to the family with children
  • Complete care of children including assisting with IADLs and ADLs
📌

Support family caregivers to balance care and rest

familygrowth

The topic covers assisting family members with strategies to balance caregiving and rest in accordance with the plan of care.

Key Rules
  • Describe common challenges associated with family caregiving including caregiver strain and/or altered family roles, and apply this knowledge to interactions with family members

3.VLO 1: Work within the PSW role in various care settings

📌

Identify the PSW role in providing person-centred care

ethics

Covers understanding the personal support worker's role in the workplace setting when providing person-centred and person-directed care.

Key Rules
  • Identify and discuss the concepts and skills related to person-centred and person-directed care
  • Discuss the concept of reflection and quality improvement as it relates to the personal support worker role
📌

Compare roles of unregulated and regulated providers

ethics

Covers identifying and comparing roles and responsibilities between unregulated care providers and regulated health professionals.

Key Rules
  • Identify and discuss the roles and responsibilities of regulated/unregulated health providers as outlined by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007
  • Describe their own role as a personal support worker and how they may interact with tasks and responsibilities of other regulated/unregulated health providers
📌

Perform PSW skills proficiently and safely per legislation

ethics

Covers performing PSW skills proficiently and safely as set by applicable legislation and employer job descriptions and policies.

Key Rules
  • Identify and comply with legislation relevant to care settings including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990; Retirement Homes Act, 2010; Mental Health Act, R.S.O 1990; Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007; Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Home Care and Community Services Act, 1994
📌

Identify risks of performing tasks outside role

ethics

Covers identifying possible risks and consequences of performing tasks other than in accordance with employer job description, policies, guidelines or legislation.

Key Rules
  • Locate and follow information, policies and guidance related to tasks performed as a personal support worker
  • Perform all tasks based on identifying potential risks to clients including controlled acts in specified circumstances following legislation, employer policies, worker's competence and supervision from regulated health professionals
📌

Adapt PSW skill set to different care settings

personalcare

Covers adapting the PSW skill set to meet a variety of role expectations in facility-based and community-based care settings within personal competence.

Key Rules
  • Identify and compare the skills and level of care required in a variety of care settings
  • Discuss the impact of different care settings on the role expectations of a personal support worker
📌

Locate and follow employer policies and procedures

ethics

Covers locating, identifying and following employer's policies and procedures that apply to the PSW role.

Key Rules
  • Discuss a variety of employer policies and procedures, including the job description, that apply to the personal support worker role

4.VLO 11: Family and Child Care Support (Elements D-E)

📌

Assist with provision of child care

familygrowth

Covers supporting clients and families with child care in accordance with the established plan of care.

Key Rules
  • Identify and support basic child development and normal developmental milestones
  • Identify the role of the personal support worker in the provision of support to the family with children
  • Complete care of children including assisting with IADLs and ADLs
📌

Support family members balancing caregiving and rest

familygrowth

Covers assisting family members as they follow strategies to balance caregiving and rest per the plan of care.

Key Rules
  • Describe common challenges associated with family caregiving including caregiver strain and/or altered family roles, and apply this knowledge to interactions with family members

5.VLO 12: Identify, Respond to and Report Abuse and Neglect

📌

Identify clients at risk for or experiencing abuse or neglect

ethics

The topic addresses recognizing clients at risk for or experiencing various forms of abuse and neglect and reporting observations promptly to supervisor.

Key Rules
  • Define abuse and family violence
  • Discuss and comprehend the concept of abuse as an issue of power and control applying to infants, children, spouses/partners, older adults, persons with disabilities, individuals with mental illnesses, cognitive impairment and their caregivers
  • Identify factors associated with abuse and family violence and report observations promptly to supervisor
  • Identify the indicators of various forms of abuse and report observations promptly to supervisor
📌

Actions and legal obligations for reporting abuse

ethics

The topic covers actions taken when clients are at risk of or have experienced abuse or neglect, including legal reporting obligations under applicable legislation.

Key Rules
  • Identify the role of the personal support worker if neglect and/or abuse are alleged or suspected, including the requirement to report to one's supervisor and to provide thorough documentation
  • Discuss and comprehend the legal obligation to report where clients are at risk of, or alleged/suspected to be victims of, or where neglect/abuse are witnessed
  • Discuss the practice of zero tolerance, the policies and legislation ensuring compliance, and whistle blowing protection
  • Identify appropriate resources and course of action if neglect and/or abuse are suspected in all settings where personal support workers are employed
📌

Identify risks of abuse or harm to the worker

ethics

The topic addresses identifying risks of abuse or personal harm to the personal support worker and reporting observations promptly to supervisors.

Key Rules
  • Identify relevant legislative provisions and requirements concerning safe working environments
  • Describe the personal support worker's right to a safe working environment free from verbal, emotional and physical violence
  • Identify situations where the personal support worker may be at risk for abuse or personal harm, including client refusal of treatment
  • Discuss and comprehend workplace bullying, sexual abuse and harassment, reporting mechanisms and policies including whistle-blowing protection
  • Discuss the implications and appropriateness of work refusal, its impact on the client, and required steps
📌

Report situations of neglect and abuse per legislation

ethics

The topic covers identifying and reporting situations of neglect and abuse involving client, family or caregiver following applicable legislation and employer policies.

Key Rules
  • Locate and adhere to agency policies related to the documentation and reporting of neglect and/or abuse
  • Adhere to legislation and employer practices and policies which promote zero tolerance of neglect and abuse and a violence free environment
📌

Identify clients at risk for or experiencing abuse

ethics

Covers identifying clients at risk for or experiencing neglect and various forms of abuse and reporting observations promptly to the supervisor.

Key Rules
  • Define abuse and family violence
  • Discuss and comprehend the concept of abuse as an issue of power and control applying to infants, children, spouses/partners, older adults, persons with disabilities, individuals with mental illnesses, cognitive impairment and their caregivers
  • Identify factors associated with abuse and family violence and report observations promptly to supervisor
  • Identify the indicators of various forms of abuse and report observations promptly to supervisor
📌

Identify risks of abuse or harm to the PSW

ethics

Covers identifying risks of abuse or personal harm to the personal support worker and reporting observations promptly to supervisors.

Key Rules
  • Identify relevant legislative provisions and requirements concerning safe working environments
  • Describe the PSW's right to a safe working environment free from verbal, emotional and physical violence
  • Identify situations where the PSW may be at risk for abuse or personal harm, including where the client refuses treatment
  • Discuss workplace bullying, sexual abuse and harassment, reporting mechanisms and policies including whistle-blowing protection
  • Discuss the implications and appropriateness of work refusal, its impact on the client, and required steps

6.VLO 2: Practice Professionally and Be Accountable

📌

Practice Independently and as Team Member

ethics

Practicing within the PSW role both independently and as a member of the interprofessional team.

Key Rules
  • Assume responsibility for one's own actions; acknowledge and report mistakes, take corrective action, and reflect and implement strategies to prevent repetition of mistakes
  • Recognize when actions and/or approaches exceed one's knowledge, skills and abilities and seek appropriate guidance
📌

Apply Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

cognitive

Applying principles of critical thinking to make decisions and solve problems as an individual and as a team member.

Key Rules
  • Use a systematic approach to problem-solving and critical thinking both as an individual care provider and as a member of the interprofessional team
  • Select and implement the most appropriate strategies based on care setting policies and consultation, as necessary
📌

Reflective Practice for the PSW

ethics

Identifying components and relevance of reflective practice for the personal support worker.

Key Rules
  • Identify gaps in knowledge and skills to support clients and take ownership and responsibility to find resources to address them
  • Identify personal strengths, needs, and areas of improvement
  • Refer issues beyond one's role to the appropriate member of the interprofessional team
  • Take initiative in pursuing lifelong learning
📌

Identify When Additional Training Is Required

ethics

Identifying when additional training is required, seeking guidance, and taking actions to attain required knowledge and skills.

Key Rules
  • Identify procedures that are not included in educational or training curriculum and thus require additional training, recognizing these additional skills may be taught in a specific work situation and may be specific to a client
📌

Exhibit Professional Success Behaviours

ethics

Exhibiting behaviours that contribute to professional success such as reliability, attendance, punctuality and appropriate appearance.

Key Rules
  • Give reasonable notice if changes need to be made in the work schedule
  • Treat the belongings of clients with respect and care
  • Complete work as assigned and notify appropriate person if unable to do so
  • Dress appropriately for safety and according to employer dress code guidelines
📌

Apply Time Management Skills

cognitive

Identifying and applying time management skills in day-to-day work.

Key Rules
  • Balance multiple demands within an assigned time frame
  • Set priorities in keeping with safe work practices
  • Use organizational skills to enhance work efficiency
  • Recognize when time constraints and complexity of duties requires extra time and notify client and/or appropriate person
📌

Manage Stress in the PSW Role

health

Identifying and using resources and techniques to manage stress in the personal support worker role.

Key Rules
  • Identify signs of stress in themselves, coworkers, clients and primary caregivers
  • Discuss potential sources of stress and physiological and behavioural manifestations of prolonged stress
  • Identify and apply appropriate techniques to manage personal stress
  • Identify and make use of workplace resources to achieve work-life balance
  • Encourage peer support opportunities

7.VLO 2: Practice professionally and be accountable for one's own actions

📌

Practice within PSW role independently and as team member

ethics

Covers practising within the PSW role both independently and as a member of the interprofessional team while being accountable.

Key Rules
  • Assume responsibility for one's own actions; acknowledge and report mistakes, take corrective action, and implement strategies to prevent repetition
  • Recognize when actions or approaches exceed one's knowledge, skills and abilities and seek appropriate guidance
📌

Apply critical thinking to decisions and problem-solving

cognitive

Covers applying principles of critical thinking to make decisions and solve problems as an individual and as a team member.

Key Rules
  • Use a systematic approach to problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Select and implement the most appropriate strategies based on care setting policies and consultation
📌

Identify components and relevance of reflective practice

cognitive

Covers identifying components and relevance of reflective practice for the personal support worker.

Key Rules
  • Identify gaps in knowledge and skills and take ownership to find resources
  • Identify personal strengths, needs, and areas of improvement
  • Refer issues beyond one's role to the appropriate team member
  • Take initiative in pursuing lifelong learning
📌

Identify when additional training is required

cognitive

Covers identifying when additional training is required, seeking guidance and taking actions to attain required knowledge and skills.

Key Rules
  • Identify procedures not included in curriculum that require additional training, recognizing these may be taught in a specific work situation or be client-specific
📌

Exhibit behaviours contributing to professional success

ethics

Covers exhibiting behaviours such as reliability, attendance, punctuality, time management, and appropriate appearance that reflect positively on the role.

Key Rules
  • Give reasonable notice if changes need to be made in the work schedule
  • Treat the belongings of clients with respect and care
  • Complete work as assigned and notify appropriate person if unable
  • Dress appropriately for safety and according to employer dress code
📌

Identify and apply time management skills

cognitive

Covers identifying and applying time management skills in day-to-day work.

Key Rules
  • Balance multiple demands within an assigned time frame
  • Set priorities in keeping with safe work practices
  • Use organizational skills to enhance work efficiency
  • Recognize when time constraints require extra time and notify appropriate person
📌

Identify resources and techniques to manage stress

cognitive

Covers identifying and using resources and techniques to manage stress in the PSW role.

Key Rules
  • Identify signs of stress in themselves, coworkers, clients and primary caregivers
  • Discuss potential sources of stress and manifestations of prolonged stress
  • Identify and apply techniques to manage personal stress
  • Make use of workplace resources for work-life balance
  • Encourage peer support opportunities

8.VLO 13: Palliative and End-of-Life Care

📌

Apply terms and principles of palliative care

health

The topic covers identifying and applying terms, principles and practices related to a palliative approach to care, palliative care, hospice care and end-of-life care.

Key Rules
  • Discuss the role of the interprofessional team and individual members in palliative care delivery
  • Describe common patterns of decline associated with dying
  • Define and discuss the principles, practices and benefits of a palliative approach to care, palliative care, hospice care, and end-of-life care
📌

Identify grief and strategies to support grieving

health

The topic addresses recognizing grief as a natural, adaptive, individual response to loss and identifying strategies to support clients and families in grieving.

Key Rules
  • Reflect on personal attitudes and experiences related to loss, grief, dying and death
  • Discuss how personal beliefs and attitudes can impact clients' care
  • Describe grief as an expected, natural, adaptive, whole person response to loss experienced uniquely by each person
  • Discuss grief as occurring from time of diagnosis through death and bereavement
  • Identify and discuss the impact of historical trauma and other factors that increase the risk of complicated grief
  • Discuss the impact of life-limiting/life-threatening illnesses and associated patterns of decline and dying
  • Reflect on the many dimensions and feelings associated with grief and dying
📌

Support clients and families with dying and death preparation

health

The topic covers supporting clients and families with the process of dying and preparation for death within the personal support worker role.

Key Rules
  • Develop and maintain supportive and therapeutic relationships through connecting, communicating, and establishing professional boundaries
  • Provide emotional support by considering every person as worthy of respect, connecting, listening, offering empathy, asking open-ended questions and being compassionate
  • Identify strategies to advocate for clients and families in collaboration with the interprofessional team
  • Identify and discuss the personal support worker's role when clients die suddenly
  • Identify the role of the coroner in situations of sudden and unexpected death
📌

Enable clients to direct care and maintain relationships

health

The topic addresses providing clients opportunities to direct their own care and maintain relationships with their families.

Key Rules
  • Identify clients' needs and right to maintain choices while living with life-limiting/life-threatening illnesses
  • Identify clients' and family needs by observing, listening, asking questions and seeking to understand unique perspectives
  • Support family relationships, help maintain roles, and support desire/plans for rituals and cultural practices
  • Support clients who wish to express wishes and concerns and discuss goals of care with the most appropriate health care professional
  • Respond to clients' inquiries about Medical Assistance In Dying (MAID) in accordance with legislation and employer policies, and respect client's rights
📌

Observe, record and report pain and symptoms

health

The topic covers observing, recording and reporting clients' signs and expressions of pain and other symptoms in accordance with the plan of care.

Key Rules
  • Observe, record and report on clients' level of ambulation, activity, self-care, intake, and level of consciousness using standardized and communication tools (e.g., flow sheets, graphs, SBAR)
  • Identify common symptoms experienced by the dying person
  • Use standardized tools to gather information, record and report clients' condition, pain, difficulty with breathing, and other symptoms
📌

Identify rights related to advance care planning and consent

ethics

The topic addresses identifying the rights of clients, family, substitute decision-makers or powers of attorney regarding advance care planning, goals of care discussions and consent in alignment with legislation.

Key Rules
  • Support individual and family choices pertaining to end-of-life care in alignment with the Health Care Consent Act and Substitute Decisions Act
  • Discuss the role of family members and substitute decision-makers in end-of-life care
  • Identify applicable legislation relating to substitute decision-makers or powers of attorney regarding consent to treatment
  • Discuss the ethical issues that may arise and bring them to the interprofessional team if beyond the scope of the personal support worker
📌

Support clients and families in last days and hours

health

The topic covers supporting clients and families in the last days and hours, including respect for spiritual and cultural practices related to dying, death and the afterlife.

Key Rules
  • Identify and report physical changes experienced in the last days and hours and signs of imminent death
  • Support clients and families by being present, and providing care and comfort measures during the last days and hours of life
  • Provide care for the body after death according to family direction/cultural practices, employer policy or plan of care
  • Provide support to families at the time of clients' death and following
  • Provide opportunities for the person and family to exercise religious, cultural and spiritual rituals throughout the illness trajectory and bereavement
📌

Terms, principles and practices of palliative care

health

Covers identifying and applying terms, principles and practices related to a palliative approach to care, palliative care, hospice care, and end-of-life care.

Key Rules
  • Discuss the role of the interprofessional team and its individual members in palliative care delivery
  • Describe common patterns of decline associated with dying
  • Define and discuss the principles, practices and benefits of a palliative approach to care, palliative care, hospice care, and end-of-life care
📌

Grief as a natural response and grieving support

health

Covers identifying grief as a natural, adaptive, individual response to loss and strategies to support clients and families in grieving.

Key Rules
  • Reflect on personal attitudes and experiences related to loss, grief, dying and death
  • Discuss how personal beliefs and attitudes can impact clients' care
  • Describe grief as an expected, natural, adaptive, whole person response to loss experienced uniquely by each person
  • Discuss grief as occurring from diagnosis through death and bereavement
  • Identify and discuss impact of historical trauma and factors increasing risk of complicated grief
  • Discuss impact of life-limiting/life-threatening illnesses and patterns of decline on clients, families and the PSW
  • Reflect on the many dimensions and feelings associated with grief and dying
📌

Support clients and families with the dying process

health

Covers supporting clients and families with the process of dying and preparation for death within the PSW role.

Key Rules
  • Develop and maintain supportive and therapeutic relationships through connecting, communicating and establishing professional boundaries
  • Provide emotional support by respecting every person, connecting, listening, offering empathy and being compassionate
  • Identify strategies to advocate for clients and families in collaboration with the interprofessional team
  • Identify and discuss the PSW's role when clients die suddenly
  • Identify the role of the coroner in situations of sudden and unexpected death
📌

Clients directing their own care and relationships

health

Covers providing clients opportunities to direct their own care and maintain relationships with their families.

Key Rules
  • Identify clients' needs and right to maintain choices while living with life-limiting/life-threatening illnesses
  • Identify clients' and family needs by observing, listening, asking questions and understanding unique perspectives
  • Support family relationships, help maintain roles, and support desire/plans for rituals and cultural practices
  • Support clients who wish to express wishes, ask questions and discuss goals of care with appropriate professionals
  • Respond to clients' inquiries about Medical Assistance In Dying (MAID) per legislation and employer policies
📌

Rights related to advance care planning and consent

ethics

Covers identifying the rights of clients, family members, substitute decision-makers or POAPC in relation to advance care planning, goals of care discussions and consent to treatment.

Key Rules
  • Support individual and family choices pertaining to end-of-life care in alignment with relevant legislation
  • Discuss the role of family members and substitute decision-makers in end-of-life care
  • Identify applicable legislation relating to substitute decision-makers or POA for personal care regarding consent
  • Discuss ethical issues that may arise and bring them to the interprofessional team if beyond the PSW scope
📌

Provide non-pharmacological comfort measures

personalcare

The topic addresses providing non-pharmacological comfort measures to clients experiencing symptoms as directed by the plan of care.

Key Rules
  • Identify and provide a range of non-pharmacological comfort measures (e.g., application of heat and cold, positioning, imagery, meditation/silence, music)
  • Seek input from clients for their comfort needs and preferences for comfort measures
📌

Report and record responses to comfort measures

health

The topic covers reporting and recording clients' responses to comfort measures.

Key Rules
  • Seek and record feedback from clients as to their responses to comfort measures and communicate concerns to the team immediately when symptoms are not settling
📌

Integrate self-care practices into daily routines

personalcare

The topic addresses integrating self-care practices into daily routines when caring for dying clients and their families.

Key Rules
  • Explore the rationale for self-care practices, especially when caring for dying clients and their family members
  • Describe emotions, thoughts and behaviours associated with compassion fatigue
  • Identify self-care strategies that prevent compassion fatigue
  • Develop a self-care plan to support health and wellness
📌

Provide culturally safe palliative care for diverse populations

health

The topic covers providing culturally safe palliative care for Indigenous people and minority and underserved populations throughout the illness trajectory and bereavement.

Key Rules
  • Discuss cultural humility, cultural sensitivity, cultural awareness and cultural competence in providing culturally safe palliative care
  • Incorporate First Nations, Inuit and Metis community specific protocols and practices into the provision of palliative care
💬

Culturally safe palliative care for diverse populations

communication

Covers providing culturally safe palliative care for Indigenous people and people from minority and underserved populations throughout the illness trajectory and bereavement.

Key Rules
  • Discuss cultural humility, cultural sensitivity, cultural awareness and cultural competence in culturally safe palliative care
  • Incorporate First Nations, Inuit and Metis community specific protocols and practices into palliative care

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← Back to the PSW study guide 2. VLO 3: Practice as an Engaged Interprofessional Team Member +53. Essential Employability Skills +84. VLO 8: Assist clients across the lifespan with activities of daily living +6

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