How do the Personal Support Worker field placements work?
All PSW students must complete two field placements: an institutional practicum and a community practicum. (Please see the previous Q&A for field placement prerequisites.) Attendance at field placements is mandatory. You cannot complete the PSW program requirements until you have made up missed shifts. The institutional practicum consists of practical experience in a long-term care facility. We try to place you at a facility near your home, but you must be available to work from 7 am to 3 pm and from 3 to 11 pm. Four-hour and overtime shifts are not allowed. You must complete a minimum of ten 7 am to 3 pm shifts, and you must complete five of those between Monday and Friday of the first week. You must successfully complete your institutional practicum before you can progress to your community practicum. Community practicums may be assigned during weekday, evening and/or weekend hours.
