New Brunswick Report

Title(s) Used

PSW (Personal Support Worker), PCA (Patient Care Attendant), RA (Resident Attendant)

Programs

NBCC (New Brunswick Community College)– School of Health and Wellness offers PSW-Acute Care course (32-week training at all 6 locations around the province of NB)

Depending on need and interest, NBCC does offer contract training in various communities around the province.

Students can apply for a transfer to PN seat; however, tends to be a waitlist

  • Additional Program offerings
    • Francophone education:  CCNB (Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick offers special care home support service (15-week training), nursing support service (35-week training)
    • Eastern College – private college offers 33-week training
    • Atlantic College of Applied Health Sciences (ACAHS) offers 30-week training
    • Various Home care agencies offer on-the-job training also

Registry

No PSW Registry or Directory

Regulation

Get Certified NB!

http://getcertifiednb.ca/psw-faq

Additional

The Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour has changed the guidelines of two programs (PSW and HSC) in order to get more personal caregivers working at adult residential facilities, special care homes and in the homes of those who need their services. This change is expected to help fill about 350 seats available for training in the personal support workers sector and about 150 seats available in the human services counsellor sector. It is funded by the federal and provincial governments through the Canada-New Brunswick Labour Market Agreements. Employers who need to train PSWs or HSCs may also be eligible for financial support. Up to 100 per cent of training costs will be reimbursed where approved training is necessary to maintain employment. For more information, employers can contact a workforce consultant at their nearest Working NB office.

Scope of Practice

Varies by setting, no standardized or formal scope of practice

Employment Prospects

Full time positions with a lot of overtime hours in casual, temporary positions

Educator Group

Currently in development (between NBCC and CCNB)

Challenges

Recruitment and Retention pre pandemic was challenging. Now even worse