QC
June 28, 2012 | Quebec
Two Settings, Different Realities, One Profession
Patient Service Associates, Orderlies, and home health and social services aides can work in a variety of settings throughout the health and social services network. Two of the most common are acute care, generally provided in hospitals, and long-term care, including CHSLDs (residential and long-term care centres) and other residential settings.
Although both environments focus on providing quality assistance to people who need support, they serve different needs and involve different day-to-day realities.
These different care settings are addressed in CDI College's Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS program, where students develop the interpersonal, technical, and professional skills needed to work in a variety of healthcare environments.
Acute Care
Acute care is intended for people who need treatment, care, or medical monitoring for a limited period. In Quebec, it is primarily provided in hospitals, for example, after surgery, illness, injury, or other health issues requiring hospitalization.
In this setting, Patient Service Associates contribute to people's comfort, safety, and well-being throughout their hospital stay. Situations can change quickly, and care teams work with people who have a wide variety of needs.
The pace is generally fast, requiring adaptability and ongoing collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
👉 Learn more: Why Do Patient Service Associates Play Such an Important Role in Hospital Care?
Long-Term Care
Long-term care is intended for people who need daily assistance over an extended period because of a loss of independence or a health condition. In Quebec, these services are provided in CHSLDs (residential and long-term care centres) and other residential settings offering similar services.
Patient Service Associates help people with activities of daily living while supporting their comfort, safety, independence, and quality of life.
Because they support the same people over a longer period, Patient Service Associates often build relationships of trust and become familiar with their routines, needs, and preferences.
👉 Learn more: Working in Long-Term Care: What Can You Expect?
Essential Skills in Both Settings
Although the day-to-day realities differ, many of the essential skills remain the same.
Patient Service Associates need to communicate effectively, have strong observation skills, respect people's dignity, and collaborate with care teams.
They also adapt their approach to each person's abilities and needs, regardless of the setting in which they work.
These skills help them provide safe, respectful assistance appropriate to each situation.
A Profession With Different Career Possibilities
Acute and long-term care are just two of the settings where Patient Service Associates can work.
They may also assist in people's homes or work in other settings throughout the health and social services network.
This variety makes it possible to explore different work environments over the course of a career and find the setting that best matches individual interests and professional goals.
👉 Learn more: Why Is Home Care Playing a Growing Role in Healthcare?
Training for Different Care Settings
CDI College's Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS program prepares students to support people with diverse needs across different care settings.
Through courses, hands-on labs, and practicums in professional settings, students develop the skills needed to provide appropriate assistance, collaborate with care teams, and respond to the realities of the health and social services network.
This approach gives students practical experience before they enter the workforce.
Two Different but Complementary Care Settings
Acute and long-term care involve different day-to-day realities, but they share the same goal: providing quality assistance to people who need support.
Whether they work in a hospital, a CHSLD, or another healthcare setting, Patient Service Associates contribute every day to people's well-being, comfort, and safety.
CDI College's Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS program prepares graduates to work confidently in these different environments and respond to the varied needs of the people they may support throughout their careers.
Explore Further
👉 Why Patient Service Associates Are in High Demand
👉 Why Do Patient Service Associates Need to Work as a Team?
👉 Why Do Patient Service Associates Need Strong Communication Skills?
