PNSW Code of Conduct
PNSW Scope of Practice
The Perinatal Support Worker is an advanced certification for Personal Support Workers (PSW) therefore all scopes and standards of a PSW would apply to a PNSW as well. The PSWs Scope of practise can be found HERE
In addition to the PSWs scope of practice, the PNSWs scope of practise is below.
*NOTE: it is not possible to function as a PNSW while maintaining another separate scope of practice. Only one scope of practice is allowed. A regulated scope of practice overrides an unregulated scope of practice such as the PNSWs. Unless it is made clear at the onset that a regulated health care professional is functioning strictly as a PNSW, it will be assumed that they are functioning in their professional roll and as such, they will be bound to their regulated scope of practice.
- Demonstrate integrity and ethical standards with other PNSWs, educators, professionals and parents.
- Encourage clients to assume and make educated decisions during their pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
- Keep all information in regards to clients, colleagues, educators and other professionals, confidential.
- Agree to make every effort to honor agreements and contracts for professional services.
- Treat all colleagues in an ethical, professional and respectful manner at all times.
- Pursue continuing education to ensure updated knowledge in the field of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.
- Ensure that they always practice with up to date liability insurance, police/back check & CPR
PNSW Scope of Practice
The Perinatal Support Worker is an advanced certification for Personal Support Workers (PSW) therefore all scopes and standards of a PSW would apply to a PNSW as well. The PSWs Scope of practise can be found HERE
In addition to the PSWs scope of practice, the PNSWs scope of practise is below.
- A PNSW facilitates physical, educational and emotional support as needed for their clients.
- A PNSW provides research and evidence based educational information to their clients as requested.
- A PNSW provides open-minded, non-judgmental, mindful support and/or facilitation for their clients.
- A PNSW provides non-therapeutic comforting touch for their clients as requested.
- A PNSW provides assistance with minor household chores as requested.
- A PNSW provides basic baby care for clients.
- A PNSW facilitates communication for their clients. A PNSW does not ever speak for their clients.
- A PNSW who is requested to provide services outside of their scope of practice must decline and refer the client to an appropriate resource.
- A PNSW behaves in a professional and respectful manner to all members of their clients' health care support team.
- A PNSW behaves in a professional and respectful manner to all members of the client`s family, friends and chosen support team.
- A PNSW behaves in a professional and respectful manner to all members of the PNSW community.
- A PNSW does not provide any clinical or medical care for the mother, baby or any family members.
- A PNSW does not recommend any clinical or medical treatment for the mother, baby or family
- members.
- A PNSW does not perform any invasive procedures or treatments for their clients.
- A PNSW may take blood pressure readings (maternal) temperature (maternal and fetal) or urine dip readings only under the direct supervision of a licensed health care provider (ie RPN, RN, RNP, MD).
- A PNSW does not provide transportation for their clients.
- A PNSW who is also a regulated health care professional is not allowed to provide services within their regulated scope of practice when functioning as a PNSW. In order to provide services within their regulated scope of practice they must not be functioning as a PNSW*
*NOTE: it is not possible to function as a PNSW while maintaining another separate scope of practice. Only one scope of practice is allowed. A regulated scope of practice overrides an unregulated scope of practice such as the PNSWs. Unless it is made clear at the onset that a regulated health care professional is functioning strictly as a PNSW, it will be assumed that they are functioning in their professional roll and as such, they will be bound to their regulated scope of practice.