A Profession Built on Respect for People

Patient Service Associates or Orderlies support people who may be experiencing periods of significant vulnerability. Whether someone is living with a loss of independence, an illness, or recovering from a health issue, they need to be able to rely on professionals who act with respect, integrity, and professionalism.

Ethics is therefore an essential part of this profession. It guides decisions, behaviour, and interactions so that each person's rights, dignity, and independence are respected.

These professional responsibilities are addressed in CDI College's Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS program, where students develop the professional attitudes expected within the health and social services network.

Respecting People's Rights and Choices

Every person has their own values, routines, and preferences. For example, someone may prefer to get up at a certain time, choose what to wear, participate in activities of daily living they can still perform, or maintain routines that are important to them.

Even when people need assistance, they remain at the centre of decisions that affect them, to the extent of their abilities.

Patient Service Associates learn to respect people's choices, explain the assistance they are about to provide, and encourage their participation whenever possible.

This approach helps preserve independence, trust, and dignity.

Acting With Discretion and Professionalism

As part of their work, Patient Service Associates may have access to personal information about the people they support.

They need to exercise discretion and respect the confidentiality of the information they encounter in their work.

This responsibility helps maintain trust among the people receiving assistance, their loved ones, and the different professionals within the healthcare system.

👉 Learn more: Why Is Confidentiality Essential for Patient Service Associates?

Using Professional Judgment in Different Situations

No two situations in a care setting are exactly alike.

Patient Service Associates may sometimes need to respond quickly, adapt their approach, or report a concerning situation to other members of the care team.

Professional judgment, adherence to established procedures, and collaboration help them respond responsibly while supporting people's safety and well-being.

👉 Learn more: Why Do Patient Service Associates Need Professional Judgment?

Values Shared Across the Care Team

Ethical practice does not depend on the actions of one person alone.

It is part of the culture of health and social services organizations.

Patient Service Associates collaborate with other professionals to provide consistent, respectful, and person-centred assistance.

This shared responsibility contributes to a safe and supportive environment.

👉 Learn more: Why Do Patient Service Associates Need to Work as a Team?

Training for Professional Practice

CDI College's Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS program prepares students to work in accordance with the standards, responsibilities, and values that guide Quebec's health and social services network.

Through courses, hands-on learning, and practicums, students develop the technical and interpersonal skills needed to support different populations with sound judgment, respect, and professionalism.

Values That Guide an Entire Career

Technical skills are essential, but they are only one part of the profession.

Listening, respect, discretion, integrity, and a sense of responsibility are also important qualities that help Patient Service Associates build relationships of trust and provide quality assistance.

Ethics guides every interaction, decision, and professional relationship. That is why it remains one of the foundations of this people-focused and essential profession.

Explore Further

👉 Why Patient Service Associates Are in High Demand

👉 Why Must Patient Service Associates Respect People's Dignity?

👉 Why Do Patient Service Associates Need to Respect People's Daily Routines?

👉 Learn More About CDI College's Support for Assistive Services in Health and Social Services Institutions – 5905 DVS Program