PSWs are trained to observe and report changes in a resident’s condition. They are often the first to notice signs of illness, discomfort, or behavioral changes. This vigilance is crucial for early intervention and can prevent minor issues from escalating into serious health problems. PSWs act as the eyes and ears of the healthcare team, ensuring that residents receive timely and appropriate medical attention.
In this webinar, Kimberly LeBlanc, an Advanced Practice and Certified Nurse specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence discussed the role of the PSW as part of the interdisciplinary team in helping to prevent skin tears and pressure injuries, what to observe and report re skin health, and strategies the PSW can use to improve skin health. She also addressed common misconceptions and provided current tips!
This was a wonderful learning experience. Invite your students and colleagues to listen to this session. Thank you to NSWOCC for sponsoring this session!
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the unique role support workers, health care assistants and caregivers play in maintaining skin health
- Identify how/what to report to the nurse re observations/concerns about skin health
- Identify strategies to maintain skin health, and to assist skin in healing.
- Describe a new and innovative online Skin Health program for Personal Support Workers and Caregivers
3 Responses
Very good class. I saw it live and I liked the comments made by the speaker. Congratulations! Greetings from Mexico
Excellent overview of the course! Very well presented and interesting.
Thank you for an excellent presentation. Nurses sometimes are perceived as dismissive when PSWs have reported their observations as shared to me by staff. So it’s critical that open trusting communication occur. In order work collaboratively to address skin issues. Minimally I made rounds at least twice a week assessing skin on each resident and providing education and guidance for staff reminding them they are my eyes ears and heart. One other strategy I’ve used is reminding residents sitting for long periods in wheelchairs is to shift sitting position every time I passed them and takes only seconds. Rhank you