Re-assurance for the young at heart Support Worker specialization with Gladstone Academy of Health
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Gladstone Academy of Health is set to launch a distinctive educational facility which gives emphasis to a new notion which is currently alien to the country. The mastermind behind the breakthrough idea is the Chairman of the Gladstone Academy of Health,Education Consultant Kumar Shanmugam who mentioned that this is a hot commodity in most developed countries but a budding entry within the local circuit. He went on to give an elaborate account on the nature of the venture.
What are Personal Support Workers?
“Upon exploration of the potential of Sri Lanka, it was realized that there are certain areas which require assistance. One might ponder on what particular aspects are in need of such assistance. If the rural area community is given an opportunity to rise to the middle class level of the urbanized cities the entire country shall rejoice. The Personal Support Worker programme fulfills this need by opening up a plethora of job opportunities for many individuals. Without doubt, the Healthcare sector of Sri Lanka is up to international standards. The presence of highly coached surgeons, consultant physicians, general practitioners and physicians of notable caliber shine within the spot light. The aspect which goes relatively unnoticed is the contribution of the extremely handy matrons,nurse practitioners, nurses and orderlies. Between these recognized entities, there is one slot that is empty; the slot below nurses and above orderlies.”
In the past, when the country remained stagnant due to the civil war, people didn’t have the luxury to have opportunities thrown across their path. This course is a boon for students who had aspired to be a member of the health care sector, but had insufficient resources and grades to achieve it. In developed nations, the demand for that particular slot is immense.
There are 2 countries that have consistently filled that slot; Philippines and Morocco. What exactly do these Personal Support Workers do? They perform 3/4 of a nurse’s role and 1/4 of the role of an orderly.
They arrive in many developed nations as Overseas Foreign Workers and being unskilled, attend the course and subsequent job training in those countries and then seek out jobs with ease in this field. However, Sri Lankan Personal Support Workers would now have an advantage when they seek to enter these professions.
Importance of the profession
“The remittances that flow due to these workers have the potential to shift the country into the right track towards economic growth. The remittances made by the rural workers who travel overseas for destinations like South Korea, the Middle-East, Cyprus and Lebanon is the lifeline for the domestic economy.
They travel as menial labor or unskilled labor, thus earning the country that particular moniker. That is a cause for concern, since Sri Lanka is a nation rich with a highly educated and top notch work force. Those involved within this scope are products of impoverished areas where opportunities were scarce. It was evident that a dynamic change was required.”
The training programmes are centered in Sri Lanka and in the future if workers from Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Pakistan wish to fill those job slots, they have to have the training from Sri Lanka.
The foreign students pay an extra fee in comparison to the local residents. That factshould be utilized for the upliftment of the rural people by providing access to scholarships. The fees are waved if the student is from poverty stricken families.
The Personal Support Worker industry is a lucrative venture. Constant demand for such specialized persons are identified in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Canada, France, Spain, Italy, Ireland and the United States.
The pay is extremely worthwhile since the employers cover the worker’s living costs. Its a close knit relationship between the nursing community wherein middle class and affluent families hire these workers for home care for the aged, retirement homes or even rehabilitation centers where these students have the potential to secure jobs.As opposed to being visualized as servants, these individuals can embrace the employment with a sense of dignity and pride.
The programme is localized and structured, by offering the specialization in English and in Sinhalese. A collection of doctors gave the patronage to develop the programme with a strict curriculum and guidelines aligned with how the same programme operated in the other side of the world.
The result which was identified is that Gladstone Academy of Health is extremely competitive, and it provides the same training which is given in a Western College. The true essence of palliative care in embedded in the conscience of the students. On certain occasions hospitals feels that it is a burden to treat a terminal elderly patient. The patient is sent home for further care. The Personal Support Workers take the lead thereafter.
Sri Lanka has its own share of rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and retirement homes. It is safe to state that the demand is never lackluster. Students have the flexibility to work domestically, or chose to travel to a foreign nation to seek employment.
The theoretical and practical oriented programme is made available by proven medical professionals. Depending on the interests, the student has the ability to follow the programme in the native tongue which is used in the country that is envisioned by the programme participant to visit for further studies or to seek employment.
If a person does not achieve significant OL results, they might as well end up working in a communication store; this is a better option than that. The dream was to become a doctor or a nurse, but poor AL results detriment future progressions. Students should not be despondent and disheartened because the opportunities are ever present.”
What are the objectives of the programme?
“The Personal Support Worker Certification programme is designed to provide students with the necessary training and education to pursue a career in the traditional nursing assistant role in healthcare environments. Students learn practical support related skills such as assisting with routine daily living activities, personal care, mobility, safety, medications, medical conditions, household management, meal preparation along with interpersonal skills to deal effectively with clients, families and healthcare team members.
Sensitivity to individuals and their rights is a central theme of the instructions for the Personal Support Worker. Students will acquire the necessary skills to respond to the emotional and physical needs of patients, residents and/ or clients who are under their care. The students will face the final examination administered by the GAH at the end of their programme. Passing said exam is a necessary requirement for the PSW programme.”
What is the duration of the programme?
“The certification programme lasts for 36 weeks where time is equally shared between in-class education and clinical placements. Students have the freedom to attend either morning sessions or evening sessions. Classes are held on weekdays where each lesson has a duration of 5 hours.
Furthermore, a 3 month short programme or a 6 month extended programme is available if one wishes to seek further specialization in the Personal Support Worker stream. Candidates are required to travel abroad and enlist in foreign institutions in reputed countries like Canada, France, Ireland, Norway, Australia and New Zealand to pursue such courses.”
What are the steps taken to ensure PSW Clinical Placements?
“A clinical placement combined with practical classroom instruction ensures that students graduate with self confidence and enhanced practical skills.Gladstone Academy of Health has an excellent working relationship with various organizations for clinical placement. During the last 12 weeks of the programme the students will supplement their in-class training with an “on the job” clinical placement arranged by Gladstone Academy of Health. The placement provides an opportunity to apply the lessons learned within the classroom, boost confidence and unlock the doors to future employment. Successful completion of the 12 weeks of clinical placement is compulsory to receive the certification from the Personal Support Worker programme.”
What are the affiliated collages?
“Gladstone Academy is affiliated with Canadian colleges which provide the course content. The obligation is to adhere to the set roles. Gladstone Academy has intentions to apply for the Sri Lankan University Grant commission with immediate effect after the graduation of the first batch. Thereafter it would be renowned that Gladstone is the only institution which provides this opportunity.”
As a Personal Support worker, what potential opportunities are available?
“The demand for healthcare has a tendency to appreciate in proportion to the increase in the aging population. PSW is a field rich with lucrative opportunities. Graduates have the luxury of seeking employment in nursing homes, nursing residencies, Private hospitals, hospices, in-home care and within health care organizations. A graduate has the flexibility to secure a position on such designations: Personal Support Worker, Patient Service Associate, Continuing Care Assistance, Caregiver, Health Care Aide, Long Term Care Aide, Nurse Aide, Nursing Attendant, Patient Care Aide, Patient Service Associate and Psychiatric Aide.”
What are the admission requirements for the PSW programme?
“Students are expected to pass six subjects for their GCE OLs including science with minimum three credits. If a student is 18 years or over, the candidate has the option to apply as a mature student and face a unique entrance interview. Since this could potentially lead upto a future overseas employment, English proficiency is an essential skill that an applicant should strive to develop.
In terms of the students character and personality, the applicant should be either a Sri Lankan Citizen, Permanent Resident or an Immigration approval. A clean profile is expected which is clear from a criminal records check. This includes a clear vulnerable sector checkup. Additionally a medical report is to be presented while being up-to date on immunizations which are required for placement.
Students must be in a good physical and mental condition to handle the demands of being a PSW since it might seem taxing on certain occasions. Anyone who wishes to be a part of the programme should radiate positivity, with a positive attitude backed up with the genuine interest to aid people. The ultimate decision will be taken after an assessment interview.”
What is your message for the society?
“Dont always depend on the government and criticize its actions. Every one of us can move up the ladder, if we decide to do so. Legally educate yourself as much as possible. It is up to us to drive the country forward, because the government alone cannot shoulder the entirety of the burden. We are the agents who select the government, and similarly we (collectively and individually) have the power to move this country towards the future.”
The Sri Lankan doctors are extremely educated compared to a majority of other international countries. It is proven that Sri Lanka produces exceptional healthcare agents. Theoretically it is plausible that world class personal support workers honed and prepped by Sri Lanka will dominate the landscape under the tutelage of these veteran medical experts.
Those interested in information on this PSW course can
contact GAH @ 071 7750178
or 071 7760410
Randheer Mallawaarachchi