Minute to Win It – “Personal Support Worker” Edition

Overview

This learning activity will use classroom materials and be simulated in a way that will reflect a Personal Support Worker’s (PSW) daily tasks or use specific skills essential in carrying out the PSW responsibilities. Students will learn about the role of a Personal Support Worker but will also be able to explore the environment and experience working in a Long-term care home.

NB Curricular Outcomes

Explore Your World K-2:

• Strand: Play and Playfulness – Big Idea: Exploration and Problem-Solving – Skill Descriptor: Negotiate, compromise, and work together.
• Strand: Well-Being – Big Idea: Emotional Health and Positive Identities – Skill Descriptor: Explore activities that foster enjoyment and well-being.

Personal Wellness 3-5:

• Strand: Career Connected Learning – Big Idea: Experiencing Potential Career Pathways – Skill Descriptor: Engage in frequent and ongoing career-connected experiential learning to learn about preferred career pathways and develop personal competencies.
• Strand: Relationships – Big Idea: Healthy Relationships – Skill Descriptor: Demonstrate acceptance of and appreciation for diversity.

What you’ll need

• Please find in the attached documents, the materials needed for each activity station.
• Minute to win it PowerPoint – PSW Edition

Instructions

1. Begin with a brief discussion about the role of a personal support worker to gage the students understanding.
   • Who are they? What are their job responsibilities? Where do they work?
2. Watch a short video about personal support worker. Below are a few video options (all under 5 minutes), please choose the one that you think would be best suitable for your class level.
   • Personal Support Worker – YouTube
   • Personal Support Workers: Making a Difference in Long-Term Care – YouTube
   • Virtual Tour of a New Brunswick Long Term Care (LTC) Home – Explore Careers in LTC | Centre of Excellence for Health (centresofexcellencenb.ca)
3. Go over the rules of the game and place students into groups of 4-5. Now it is Game time! The activity includes rotating stations.
   • Game rules and specific setup can be found in the attached document.
4. Reflect on the roles of a PSW again after watching the videos and completing the activity.
   • What are their job responsibilities?
   • What skills are used in their tasks?
   • Where do they work and who do they work with?

Career Connections

1. What are the consequences of having a shortage of PSWs in our province?
2. What interpersonal or technical skills are needed to become a successful PSW?

Please see the attached PDF for several choices on how you and your learners can reflect upon today’s activity. 

Global Competencies

1. Collaboration
2. Communication
3. Critical thinking and Problem-solving
4. Sustainability and Global Citizenship