PSW Day: Step-sisters in Georgian’s accelerated PSW program excited to help people
May 19, 2021
PSWs are important members of our health-care community. To celebrate PSW Day, we check in with two students currently attending Georgian’s accelerated PSW program.
Helping others is a calling for Mackenzie Lloyd, 23, and Elle Roy, 22, step-sisters from Barrie.
So, they jumped at the chance to kickstart their health-care careers through Georgian’s accelerated Personal Support Worker (PSW) program in the April intake at the Barrie Campus.
Funded by the Ontario government, the limited, one-time program covers students’ tuition and compulsory ancillary fees.
Graduates will enter the workforce with full credentials after just six months.
The program is being delivered at six of Georgian’s seven campuses: Barrie, Midland, Muskoka, Orangeville, Owen Sound and South Georgian Bay.
How’s the accelerated PSW program going so far?
Elle: It’s pretty good. It’s different because it’s partly online, and I’ve never really done the online thing. I graduated high school in 2016 so it’s been a while since I’ve done any school stuff, but I’m really enjoying it. It’s nice because you can still see everybody on the screen. The classes are still interactive and fun and you learn a lot. The in-class portion is really great, too, because you can put what you learn into practice.
Mackenzie: I’m glad we have that in-person lab so we can talk to our teacher and ask questions if we need, and work with other people and get the experience of what it’s like being a PSW. I also like that I get to do it with my step-sister. I feel better knowing I have someone there with me who understands me if I’m struggling with something. We can kind of work together and practice with each other.
Why do you want to become a PSW?
Elle: I’ve always been a helper, whether it’s in my relationships, in my family. I knew that by doing this career path I would be helping people. Especially since becoming a mom, I’ve also learned I have a strong nurturing side. As well, becoming a PSW gets your foot in the door in the medical field and then there’s a broad spectrum of things you can do afterward. If I don’t want to stick with PSW, there’s other things I can go for using that as a stepping stone.
Mackenzie: I love helping people. Before I went into PSW, I was thinking of working with elderly people or with children. I also come from a big family with lots of younger cousins, so I naturally love helping out. When I started working at Amica Little Lake, a retirement home, I got some insight into what the PSWs do and was able to ask them questions and observe. I realized I’d love to make a difference for our seniors and help them in any way I can to make their lives easier.
How has the accelerated PSW program helped you?
Mackenzie: It helps me because it’s hard to be in school and also work a full-time job and make money to live. When I heard tuition was going to be covered, it removed a lot of stress. I can still make a little bit of money at work but I don’t have to worry about debts and loans and paying for books and wondering “how am I going to pay this bill?” I can focus on school.
Elle: I have a one-year-old daughter, Skarlett, so the money thing is a big deal to me. It was one of the main reasons I wanted to do this program. I want a better job so I can support my daughter better. It’s not as difficult as I imagined because it’s accelerated. I was foreseeing it being jam-packed with everything but it’s actually manageable.
Has the pandemic impacted how you view PSWs and the health-care industry?
Elle: It’s encouraged me to want to get out into the workforce faster. I want to help.
Mackenzie: Now more than ever, I realize how important PSWs are. They’re a staple in the health-care community. At my work, they’re always with their residents, always helping someone every day. They keep things going smoothly and play a big role in keeping seniors safe. I’m glad people have noticed more about how important they are in this pandemic.
Was it important to you to go to college close to home?
Mackenzie: Before the program opened up, I heard another college announced a similar program but it was too far away. My boyfriend and I only have one car right now so that would’ve been really tricky to commute. Then I heard they were doing it locally at Georgian and I thought, “this is perfect.” I live right around the corner. I didn’t have to commute as far. I’m excited. I’m just happy to be doing what I’m doing and learning more as the weeks go by.
Learn more about Georgian’s PSW program.