The scope of responsibilities for a PSW is as follows:
- Co-operates with all members of the health team
- Promotes safety and works in a safe manner
- Assists with walking, movement and positioning
- Assists with mechanical and physical lifts and/or transfers
- Assists with personal care, personal hygiene, dressing, including laundry related tasks
- Assists with meal preparation, grocery shopping, feeding, dietary planning, food handling
- Answers call bells
- Checks and records vital signs
- Teaches life skills
- Assists with range of motion exercise and other rehabilitative measures
- Practices universal precautions and maintains a clean working environment
- Provides emotional and social support services to care-receivers and their families
- Is aware of common allergies and related first aid measures
- Works as a supportive care worker for palliative care and hospice patients
- Observes and reports clinical and treatment findings, behavioural changes and changes in ongoing conditions.
- Maintains records, documents procedures