PCA’s are frontline healthcare workers and are valued members of the interprofessional team in long-term care facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, and the community.
PCA’s are responsible for providing support to residents and clients in all aspects of daily living through companionship, physical, spiritual, and psycho-social care. Also, they support families and residents for end of life issues.
We are important members of the nursing team in long-term care settings and community providing care to residents who are often complex and diverse, resulting from conditions as chronic illnesses of the frail and elderly. They provide care to residents and clients with physical and intellectual disabilities or mental illness.
Being a front/line worker on the healthcare team enables the PCA to be the healthcare worker with the most interaction with the resident\client; therefore, PCA’s are the direct communication line between resident/families/nursing staff.
PCA’s stand proud and dedicated as we uphold a crucial position in healthcare. They are competent, caring, compassionate professionals who contribute as part of the healthcare team providing care to people with healthcare needs.
Become a Professional PCA (SW) and to learn about all the great benefits of being a Professional PCA with the Canadian Support Workers Association.
I am currently working as a Personal Care Attendant in a long term care facility. I have been working as a full-time PCA for 12 years and part-time HSW for 10 years. Also worked as a first responder for 13 years prior.
I graduated with honours in the PCA program with Keyin college, and a diploma in Therapeutic Recreation.
I live in St Lawrence, NL with my husband Gary, teenage son Justin, and golden retriever Brandy! I love working with the elderly and am a strong advocate for them. I am a strong voice and advocate for PCA’s in NL and am hopeful as we join together to become members of CANSWA and be recognized as our own professional body!
Contact Daphne @ DBeck@canswa.ca
I was born in Kingston, Ontario. I moved to St. John’s Newfoundland in 2008 for my family and have been living in the St. John’s area ever since.
I have three diplomas, one in Ministerial Studies, one in Social Services, and another as a Personal Care Attendant. With these qualifications combined, I have found them very beneficial to aiding me in providing a holistic approach to my residents’ care.
Before I moved to Newfoundland, I worked as a Counselor with those with developmental needs and assisted those individuals with daily living activities, cooking, job coaching, and socialization.
In Newfoundland, I worked in Home Care and as a Youth Care Worker. I have been working in long term care as a Personal Care Attendant for 9 years. I worked in a private long-term care facility first and then for the past 8 years have been working for Eastern Health. I care deeply for all the residents I serve. I also enjoy working with and care about the staff who are employed with me.
I anticipate that with CANSWA, we will be able to provide the Personal Care Attendants and Homecare Workers of with the professional support they require.
