Staff rejuvenated after fourth annual PSW Conference

Professional development, networking and entertainment

After 15 years working as a personal support worker (PSW), Patricia Garringer says she was still able to discover several new ideas while attending Preferred Health Care Services annual PSW Conference.

“There was a lot to learn,” says Garringer, who works at Preferred Health Care Services. “There was some great speakers. There was some great hands on as well and group activities . . . I have already tried a couple of the ideas!”

Garringer was one of more than 200 PSWs who turned out for the fourth-year conference held in Markham. The event, which takes place during Community Service Week, is the first forum of its kind devoted entirely to PSWs and features educational sessions, presentations, musical entertainment and a marketplace exhibition.

Meagan Whitehorn, Preferred Health Care’s event planner, says the conference is the company’s way of showing reward and recognition for the important role PSWs play in long-term care homes, hospitals and the community.

“Thank you for doing such a great job — let us celebrate,” says Whitehorn, “and we celebrate through personal and professional growth.”

The keynote speaker at this year’s conference was Dr. Orville Brown, who presented on cultural competency. Delegates were able to participate in five learning sessions throughout the day and finished with a group drumming session.

Debbie Rivett, director of education at Leisureworld Caregiving Centre Scarborough, sent 15 PSWs to the conference and says the home benefits from sending PSWs to the event because it boosts morale and builds skills among staff members.

“Our staff put in a hard year and it is a bit of a reward and certainly staff development,” says Rivett, who has sent PSWs for the past two years. She says this year's conference was no exception with staff members coming back full of new energy and ideas such as suggestions to increase teamwork as well as a better appreciation of employee rights.

The conference was open to all PSWs and students with participants traveling from as far away as North Bay. According to Whitehorn, this year’s event had the highest turnout yet, which may also help the company continue to attract new staff members.

“It shows participants who don’t work for Preferred Health care or Leisureworld the importance that we place on our front-line staff members, that we would take the time and energy to put together this day to celebrate them.”

If you have feedback on this article, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051 or e-mail camille(at)axiomnews.ca.