Personal Support Worker: Natrice Rese

Posted in Aging at home Communicating Day to day living Guest Bloggers Planning for the future on March 17, 2011 by kathy

Natrice Rese PSW

Do you know what a PSW is?  I can tell you because I am one: a PSW is a Personal Support Worker. PSWs can work in either the community (home) or in LTC (Long Term Care) or even in Retirement homes and other settings.  We PSWs are being utilized more now than ever.

Personally I have cared for tiny babies with special needs, middle aged and elderly adults. I’ve seen the elderly and vulnerable on their good days, sick days and when end of life comes.  Every single working experience is one that teaches me something new and warms my heart.

Remembering details is an important part of the job.  When you remember how to fix their pillow, how high to turn the heat, how much of the curtain needs to be pulled in the afternoon sun, their favorite sweater or pair of slippers, all of these things add to the quality of the client’s day. It feels good to be able to help others: there is nothing like getting a thank you from your client – a hug, a smile, a warm handshake. Their appreciation comes in many forms.

A PSW needs several skills - high energy, ability to multi-task, patience, kindness, negotiating skills, compassion and being observant. PSWs go to school for 8 to 10 months and learn how to care for the elderly – and how to perform lifts, transfers and make a bed with a patient in it.  In the LTC setting, A PSW can make the difference for their residents in making skilled reports to their supervisors – and getting the resident quick medical attention.

It’s a job that can change on a dime.  You have good shifts, and complicated ones.   No matter the day or the circumstance, as a PSW I’m proud of the fact that I added dignity, companionship and a feeling of self-worth to the client or resident I cared for. I leave my shift with a feeling of satisfaction, a job well done, clients either tucked into bed at night or awake for the day.  When working in the community, a PSW walks away from a client’s home feeling that we’ve made a difference, given the client assistance that enables that person to remain in their own home and as independent as possible.

One day, I will be in the chair waiting for you, my PSW to come and assist me.  I will hope you smile, say hello, speak in a louder tone because I can no longer hear as well, hand me my glasses because I am blind without them, be patient as I try to rise from my chair alone (standing close to catch me if I lose my balance).  Will you make my tea the way I like it?  Will you listen to my stories again for the one hundredth time and act like it was the first?  I will depend on you to do the things I did for so many.  I am giving all I can to those that depend on me now – and when it is my turn to need help – you, my PSW, will be invaluable to me.

Comments (14 Comments)

1. Colleen Natarelli
   March 17, 2011

   Well said Natrice! A heartfelt thankyou on behalf of all PSW’s as well as their clients everywhere.

2. linda hann
   March 17, 2011

   well said Natrice!!we need more PSW’s like you my friend..

3. Laura Muñoz
   March 17, 2011

   An example of genre and dedication to others and at the same time a great opportunity for spiritual growth, congratulations Natrice and all the PSW.

4. sabina bicholls
   March 18, 2011

   Couldn’t have said it better myself…

5. free mp3
   March 20, 2011

   i be pleased it Personal Support artisa agent, Natrice Rese: the joy of helping | ingenuity 4 Life now im your rss reader

6. Megan Cleland
   March 23, 2011

   My sentiments exactly. It gives me great satisfaction when I meet a client/resident for the first time and they relax and start telling you their life history and they are smiling and confident they made the right decision in having home care. I leave with a smile on my face as well.

7. personal support worker
   August 15, 2011

   A personal support worker is a caregiver who assists people with daily personal care needs as they deal with the effects of aging, injury or illness. A PSW works under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse.

8. Terry Bugos
   November 16, 2011

   That is a superb ideas specifically to these new to blogosphere, temporary and correct information… Many thanks for sharing this a single. A should study report.

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   November 18, 2011

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    November 18, 2011

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    November 18, 2011

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    November 18, 2011

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13. Earl Bernitsky
    November 19, 2011

    he website was how do i say it… relevant, finally something that helped me. Many thanks

14. PSW
    December 4, 2011

    It’s nice to see a PSW (or in this case retired one) with a positive outlook. All too often I have come across burnout from various PSW’s, wishing they were in a different profession. Realizing that the care is important to the client makes things easier. I think you summed up things perfectly with the line:

    “No matter the day or the circumstance, as a PSW I’m proud of the fact that I added dignity, companionship and a feeling of self-worth to the client or resident I cared for.”

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