PSW Interview part 1 PDF

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POSSIBLE QUESTION AND ANSWER FOR PSW INTERVIEW...

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Q: Why did you choose to become a personal support worker? A: People become personal support workers for various reasons. While it comes naturally to some applicants, others see the profession as a way to make money. By asking this question, you can learn what motivates an applicant. What to look for in an answer:  Passion for helping others  Interpersonal and communication skills  Empathy and compassion Example: "From a young age, I always wanted to help people. When my father developed an illness, I had to learn how to care for and help him through it. I felt fulfilled every time I made him feel better or assisted in some way. As I grew up, I understood that helping others was my passion. That experience has shaped me into a compassionate personal support worker." Q: How would you explain your approach to providing personal support to patients? A: Personal support workers have different philosophies. When you ask this question, you can understand how an applicant manages thepatients they care for. Look for the following:  Willingness to make a difference  Passion for satisfying patient's care needs  Interpersonal skills Example: "My approach to providing personal support focuses on my patient's satisfaction. Therefore, I strive to make a difference by providing the quality services they need. Also, I request feedback so I can improve on my approach to providing personal support. While I sometimes get feedback from guardians or medical professionals, I believe my patients are the best people to tell me what to improve." Q: What experience do you have as a personal support worker? A: A personal support worker should have practical experience with various types of residents. By asking this question, an employer can learn about an applicant's previous roles and what they entailed. What to look for:  Confidence in work experience  Desire to transfer relevant experience to a new role  Lessons learnt during a previous role Example: "I have two years' experience as a personal support worker in Ontario. In my previous roles, I helped patients in nursing homes and hospitals get the quality care services they needed. I learned that humour is a personal support worker's greatest asset and time management skills are important." Q: As a personal support worker, how do you handle patient confidentiality? A: Confidentiality is essential when caring for people. Patients only share information with caregivers who they know would respect their confidentiality. By asking this question, an interviewer can assess an applicant's level of professionalism.  Ability to build trust  Communication and interpersonal skills

 Empathy and compassion Example: "As a personal support worker, I don't reveal a resident or patient's condition to anyone, unless they give me their consent. Some details are personal, and it's my job to ensure they remain that way. I know I can only build healthy relationships with patients when they trust me, so I never disclose their personal or sensitive information." Q: What policies would you use to protect vulnerable adults as a personal support worker? A: This question tests an applicant's theoretical and practical knowledge of how to provide personal support. Look for the following in an applicant's answer:  Definition of vulnerable patients  Example of how to protect vulnerable adults  Passion for helping others Example: "A vulnerable adult is anyone over 18 that suffers from a physical or mental illness and has reduced mental capacity or mobility. I would listen to such patients' complaints and provide them with the care and support they need. If I noticed signs of physical or emotional abuse, I would refer them to or directly contact medical professionals. I would also inform the patient of my decision to make referrals." Q: As a personal support worker, how would you handle an aggressive patient? A: Personal support workers meet various personalities. By asking this question, you can learn how an applicant manages the patients they care for. Look for the following in an applicant's answer:  Composure  Ability to resolve a dispute  Communication skills Example: "I would stay calm, make sure they're safe, and wait out their outburst by leaving the room. When the patient is calm, I would enter and listen to why they are angry. Then, I would try to understand their grievances and ask them open-ended questions. If the patient became aggressive again, I would call for help from my supervisor or an available medical professional." Q: How would you handle a client's condition upsetting you? A: The goal of asking this behavioural question is to learn how an applicant would respond to situations and keep their emotions in check. What to look for in an answer:  Composure  Ability to manage emotions  Interpersonal skills Example: "In my previous role, I lost a patient who was critically ill. I had difficulty sleeping and other emotional issues. During this period, I learned that although my job is to care for others, grief is bound to happen and I also have to deal with my emotions. I understand that keeping those emotions to myself could affect my work and make me less effective

in my role. Therefore, I would talk about my feelings with friends and a support group without disclosing the patient's condition and any sensitive or personal details." Q: How would you provide personal support to a patient who has dementia or Alzheimer's disease? A: People with dementia or Alzheimer's disease tend to suddenly become confused. By mentioning a specific illness, you can find out about an applicant's knowledge of how to handle such patients. Look for the following in an applicant's answer:  Ability to adapt  Composure  People management skills Example: "I know that patients with Alzheimer's disease or dementia can have good and bad days. I would be understanding with the patient and vigilant of their condition. Also, I would ensure that they have the care they need at all times. I would make sure they take their medications and use them according to the prescription. I would also try to reduce distractions to avoid unnecessary confusion." Q: What would you do if a patient has a heart attack? A: Patients can experience a heart attack while a personal support worker cares for them. The goal of this question is to discover how an applicant would react to such emergencies and if they have experience in similar situations. What you should look for in an answer:  Ability to respond to stressful situations and stay calm  People management skills  Knowledge of symptoms of heart attacks Example: "I would contact emergency medical care as soon as I notice a patient is experiencing a heart attack. I would also look out for symptoms such as nausea, shortness of breath, sweating, and chest pain. If the patient was still conscious, I would first give them aspirin and then a prescribed nitroglycerin pill unless they have a known allergy. If the patient was unconscious, I would perform CPR until the emergency medical care arrived." Q: Imagine a patient doesn't trust you to be in their room. What would you do? A: Patients may have trouble trusting personal support workers at first. By asking this question, you can find out how a candidate behaves in difficult situations. Look for the following in an answer:  Ability to provide quality care  Empathy and compassion  Listening skills Example: "I believe personal support workers must build trust and make sure patients know that we listen to them while respecting the decisions they make. I would tell a patient that I respect their privacy and give them a time when I would return to check on them again. I would also inform my supervisor of their decision and come up with a way to move forward that works for both me and the patient."

Q: How would you work in a team of personal support workers? A: Personal support workers usually work in a team of other caregivers. The goal of this question is to learn how an applicant collaborates with other team members. Look for:  Desire to work with others  Passion for helping colleagues when necessary  Interpersonal skills Example: "I am a team player who enjoys working with others. In my previous role, I worked with nurses, doctors, and nurse aides in a hospital. We often collaborated on the best ways to care for and support patients. There were also times when I helped a colleague who was running late to work or covered their shift when they were unavailable." Q: How do you handle several requests from various patients at the same time? A: The ability to manage multiple patients simultaneously is a skill personal support workers need to have. Asking this question explains how an applicant cares for several patients at the same time. What to spot in a candidate's answer:  People management skills  Communication skills  Ability to respect and care for each patient Example: "If I was busy caring for a patient, and the other patients' needs weren't urgent, I would finish the task before responding to other patients. However, I would reassure the other patients that I would be with them shortly. Then, I would explain why I couldn't answer the other patients immediately. As a personal support worker, I know it isn't respectful to switch between clients unless it's an emergency. If there was another available staff member, I would ask them to help the other patients until I was free." Q: Imagine a happy and calm resident suddenly becomes angry. What would you do? A: Patients tend to have mood swings, depending on their condition. By asking this openended question, you can understand how an applicant would manage patients withsudden mood changes. Look for:  Knowledge of the causes of mood changes  Communication and interpersonal skills  People management skills Example: "I would speak calmly to the patient and try to understand what made their mood change so suddenly. If the cause of their anger is something I can fix, I would provide them with a solution. However, if their anger is unusual, I would notify my supervisor or nurse of the patient's condition." Q: What would you do if a patient wanted a snack that is bad for their health? A: The goal of this question is to learn how applicants maintain professionalism when dealing with patients. Look for the following:  Communication skills  Empathy and compassion  People management skills

Example: "I would first seek to understand why they want the snack that's bad for their health. Then, I would explain the consequence of the snack on their health. I would also offer another alternative they could eat instead. If the patient remains consistent with their request, I would contact my supervisor or other medical personnel around." Q: How would you manage a conflict with another caregiver? A: Disputes may arise among caregivers, but they must not affect a patient's care. By asking this question, you can understand how an applicant would maintain quality care services. Look for:  Conflict resolution skills  Interpersonal skills  Professionalism Example: "I would have a calm, private conversation with them and ask them how we can move forward without allowing our dispute to affect our patients' care and support. Next, I would suggest some solutions to our issues and try to work with the other caregiver to come to a resolution. If the other caregiver doesn't want to resolve the conflict, I would reach out to our supervisor to help us manage the situation."

QUESTION: WHY DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER? Chances are you chose this professional because you like to help people and view this career as a way of making a difference. However, you can impress an interviewer if you include in your answer: – I find it personally rewarding to help people overcome health challenges and continue to live with dignity and independence – It is a career in which I can take great pride – I view this role as an excellent way to learn about the health care system and how to work with clients one-to-one – Based on my training (and volunteering, if you have done this) thus far, I feel that is a profession I would truly love – As seniors will always need assistance, there is excellent career stability – There are a number of populations I can work with in different locations (e.g., hospitals, private care homes, seniors still living at home, retirement living) – The flexibility in scheduling that is frequently available is appealing to me and suits my own lifestyle – My training for this role means that I am not restricted to working in just one part of Canada QUESTION: HOW WOULD YOU HANDLE AN AGGRESSIVE CLIENT? Your answers may vary depending upon the person’s state (e.g., do they have dementia?), but some basics would be: – Remain calm at all times – Let the client vent their anger or frustration but do not fuel their outbursts by losing your own temper – Found out what the problem is and try to offer a solution – Call for assistance, if my safety or the safety of others is at risk – Do not take personal attacks seriously by considering the circumstances and the person’s current state QUESTION: LET’S DISCUSS THE ONTARIO BILL OF RIGHTS FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN LONG-TERM CARE HOMES. WHICH RIGHTS DO YOU FEEL ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT? This answer is very much a judgment call on your part. If you are not sure, go through the list of rights and think about the ones that really speak to you. If you were a senior, which would you care about the most? This approach allows you to speak with passion and depth, thus providing the most satisfying answer.

QUESTION: DO YOU FEEL THAT YOU ARE A GOOD COMMUNICATOR? This is very important for a personal support worker. You need clear communication with your clients so that they understand what you can and cannot do for them. PSWs also need to possess an appropriate degree of patience as they will often deal with elderly people with hearing problems or communication issues resulting from strokes. In your answer, emphasize that you are a good listener and take the time to make sure you fully understand. Also, tell how you will ensure the client fully comprehends what you are telling them. If possible, provide a relevant example from your past that demonstrates this and how it was important to your development.

Q1. Tell me about yourself and why you want to become a Support Worker? “I have a strong work ethic, I have plenty of experience in helping people, and I also have the ability to follow rules, regulations and procedures. The experience I have gained in life so far, both personally and professionally, I feel, will ensure that I carry out the role of a Support Worker to the necessary standards. I want to become a Support Worker simply because it is a job I feel the most comfortable in. I really enjoy making a difference to people’s lives, and I also gain a tremendous amount of job satisfaction when I can visibly see the difference my work is making to others. I totally understand the level of responsibility that comes with being a Support Worker, and you can rely on me to be consistent in my work, be available to work the hours needed, and also maintain exemplary standards throughout.” Q2. Why do you want to work for our organization as a PSW? “I am always very careful about the organisation I work for as a Support Worker, as you have to have the support needed to carry out the work professionally. When I first saw this position advertised, I carried out a little bit of research to look into your care standards and also the code of conduct you expect your staff to adhere to. I feel if I am successful today at the interview, and I get to become a Support Worker for you, the standards you expect from your staff and the standards I personally work to, will be very much closely aligned. You are clearly a professional company who cares, and you also only employ people who want to provide the best service possible to patients and clients.” What are your strength as a PSW? A Personal Support Worker should have the ability to build clients' self-esteem and self-confidence, and should be able to encourage his or her clients/residents/patients to be as active as possible, and to be as independent as they possibly can within the confines of their physical or mental limitations.

What are the main duties and responsibilities of a PSW? Generally, PSWs:    

Care for people and families during periods of illness or recovery. Provide bedside and personal care to clients and help them move, bathe, groom and get dressed and undressed. Plan and prepare meals. Teach new parents to care for an infant. Can a PSW do dressing? 

Assisting with Wound Care There are many types of dressings that different clients will have depending on their situation. Under the supervision of an RHP, the PSW may help reposition the client for a dressing change to be done, or be asked to assist in the dressing change itself.

The Roles and Responsibilities of a Personal Support Worker When an individual has difficulty performing daily tasks, such as bathing, they may benefit from having extra help at home. Personal Support Workers are best suited to provide this type of care. Personal Support Workers are trained to perform lifts and transfers so that they can safely help patients with the following:  Bathing and grooming  Getting dressed  Toileting Personal Support Workers also provide the following services:  Light housekeeping and laundry  Meal planning and preparation  Medication reminders  Watchful companionship  Escorting to medical appointments and social events In addition to caring for individuals in their homes, PSWs can provide care in these common health care facilities:    

Hospitals Retirement homes and long-term care homes Community care centres Social and family service centres

A Personal Support Worker (PSW) in Canada is a caregiver who assists people with daily personal care needs as they deal with the effects of aging, injury or illness. A Personal Support Worker works under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Registered Practical Nurse (RPN). Major duties In most job postings you will find all or some of the following job duties:     

assists with all activities of daily living including bathing, toileting, dressing, mobility and feeding sorts and bags all soiled linen, makes and changes beds, cleans and tidies resident rooms supports client’s independence regarding medications recognizes and reports changes in a client’s behaviour/condition provides informal counselling, as needed Duties and skills to support clients at their homes or residences may include assistance with shopping, light cleaning, meal preparation and laundry. Continuing Care Assistants (CCA) provide vital services to people who need support in their daily activities. Can you see yourself helping an elderly person? Or making a difference for someone who is sick? If so, you may find your passion as a CCA. When you work as a CCA, your clients depend on you to provide direct care for their safety and well-being — and to enrich their quality of life. You help them participate in meaningful activities, including social interactions and recreation. You provide personal care and help your clients to live healthy. Your workplace may be a nursing home or residential care facility, or you may work in people’s homes. Often you work on your own but always as part of an overall care team.

What experiences and skills make you a great candidate for this position? The candidate should describe specific experience and capabilities that align with the qualifications detailed in the job description and demonstrate an understanding of the function the role performs. Look for answers that highlight:   

Relevant experience and training Understanding of the position applied for Consistent, purposeful pursuit of endeavors within the industry

What has been your most meaningful work experience? Listen for details of a project or challenge where the candidate showed competence and initiative, even if they weren’t ultimately successful. A great answer will include specifics of a quantifiable outcome or result from a successful experience or valuable insights and...