Top Reasons to Become a Personal Support Worker

Behind every smile of gratitude, sigh of relief, and moment of comfort for someone who needs it, stands a personal support worker. Their dedication to caring for others is rewarded with a career full of flexibility, security, and fulfillment.

Becoming a personal support worker (PSW) can be one of the most rewarding career paths to take. Read on to explore the reasons why you should consider this career. Or click below to listen to a full audio version. In both, we’ll highlight how Sundance College can set you up for this rewarding and meaningful journey. 

Listen to This in Podcast Form

You Can Make a Difference in the Lives of Others

Those who require the aid of a personal support worker, whether they are elderly, chronically ill, or coping with a temporary or long-term disability, need someone who can provide them with the care they require for as long as they need it.

Personal support workers not only aid their patients but also offer support to their families. With their high levels of empathy, patience, and kindness, PSWs have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others daily.

Seeing the impact of their support can be a rewarding aspect of the role of a PSW. Experiencing job satisfaction and improved mental well-being can result from feeling fulfilled and appreciated in your career.

Enjoy a Rewarding Career

If happiness is a recipe, then helping others is the secret ingredient. 

It is in our instinct to give to others- think of the happiness you feel when you have been there for a friend or family member when they needed you the most. Whether they were sick or injured, or simply needed some support: you were there in their time of need. Now, imagine being rewarded with that feeling ten times over when you’re helping others every day. 

Providing health and wellness support to patients you know on a personal level can have a significant impact on both your professional fulfillment and personal growth.

Work Right Away with a Fast-Track Health Career

A career as a personal support worker offers a quick path into the healthcare industry. Unlike the lengthy education process that doctors and nurses undergo, this role allows you to begin making a difference and earning a stable income in less than a year.

Programs offered such as Sundance College’s Personal Support Worker diploma program, are designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and experience you need to begin your healthcare career in under a year. 

You Can Enjoy Career Flexibility

Whether you are looking for a job that can fit around your lifestyle, or simply prefer a certain work environment, a career as a personal support worker gives you the freedom of flexibility.

Enjoy having control over your own career by working in your preferred setting during your preferred hours as a personal support worker.

Choose The Best Work Hours For You

Are you a morning person or an evening person? Would you like to work full-time or part-time? Do you want to work as a permanent employee or a contract employee? 

All these choices are available to a personal support worker. Personal support workers are required around the clock and in different capacities. Whether it’s checking in on a chronically ill client for a few hours or providing care for someone with dementia for the entire day, you can find what works best for you.

Perhaps you want to pick the most suitable hours to be available for family or social commitments, preserve your personal free time, or work in the hours you are most productive. 

When choosing a career, flexibility in work hours plays a crucial role in determining job satisfaction. As a personal support worker, you will feel rewarded with the time flexibility your career will offer.

Work In Different Health Settings

As a personal support worker, you also have the opportunity to choose which healthcare environment you work in. 

Here are a few of the most common work environments: 

Hospitals – PSWs work alongside nurses and other healthcare professionals to provide essential patient care.

Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities – PSWs offer direct care to elderly, disabled, or ill residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, under the supervision of licensed nurses.

Private Homes – Many PSWs provide in-home care services, assisting clients with their daily activities and providing support in the comfort of their own homes. They assist with daily tasks and may even accompany patients with outings.

Whether you’re supporting elderly patients, caring for those with a chronic illness, or assisting individuals with disabilities, you are rewarded with a variety of environments to choose from. 

Work in a Role with Job Security and Career Growth

When looking to start a new career, finding a stable and secure job is especially important. Personal support workers enjoy the healthcare career benefits of job security and a clear career path, avoiding the volatility found in other industries. 

The demand for caregiving services remains constant in our society. Therefore, the need for personal support workers will continue to stay in-demand and stable. 

Another factor that plays into the job security is the government support received. Healthcare is deemed essential work, with more than 70% of healthcare spending financed by tax revenue dollars. This further solidifies the job security for PSWs. 

Not only does the PSW career offer stability, but it also provides continuous opportunities for growth within the healthcare industry. Your efforts in staying up to date with the latest practices, honing your caregiving skills, gaining valuable experience will be rewarded with career advancement as you progress.

Enjoy Earnings Above Minimum Wage

The average salary of a personal support worker is $45,385. This is considered a very good increase from the minimum wages of any Canadian province. 

PSW earnings vary depending on factors such as part-time or full-time employment, level of experience, and location. This means you could earn beyond the estimated average salary in certain circumstances, and as your career progresses, you could see higher wages. 

Start Your PSW Journey with Sundance College

Now that you know why you should become a personal support worker, it’s time to learn how you can do it.

Enroll in a healthcare training program like a Personal Support Worker diploma program to gain the knowledge and skills needed to have a long and successful career as a PSW.

Sundance College’s Personal Support Worker diploma program can prepare you to become an excellent candidate in the job market in less than a year. 

The program curriculum, which includes a 7-week practicum, is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and experience you need to succeed with courses like:

• • Assisting with Medications
• • Household Management
• • Safety and Mobility

The courses, as well as many others, ensure that you’re ready to assist a wide range of patients with diverse care needs.

Connect with one of our academic advisors to learn more about how you can begin your career journey of care and compassion.