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PSW and HCA
The PSWs and HCAs provide direct care that helps people in their everyday life. They help the patients and residents with bathing, washing, dressing and eating. As well, in their interactions with patients and residents they help provide some meaningful activities or conversation that adds to quality of everyday life.
The PSW and/or HCA works with the most stable patients and residents and always in partnership with a RN or RPN.
RN and RPN
The scope of practice of these two categories of nursing staff cannot be identified by tasks and activities as both RN and RPN can perform generally the same tasks or techniques. It is the complexity of care needs of the patient or resident that decide if a RN or RPN is assigned.
The RPN works with the anticipated, expected and normal care situation. The patients or residents whose care is not complex, whose outcomes are predictable and where the risks are lower, are the individuals that the RPN works with. The RPN may work exclusively with these patients or residents or in conjunction with a PSW or HCA partner. At Baycrest, the RPN works to full scope of practice, within this framework. The RPN reports directly to the Nurse Manager-Clinical Coach and not to the RN.
The RN works with the unanticipated, unexpected or abnormal care situation. The patients or residents whose care is complex, outcomes are less predictable and where the risks are higher are the individuals that the RN works with. The RN may work exclusively with these patients or residents or in conjunction with a RPN partner. At Baycrest, the RN takes a leadership role in enabling others to meet standards and expectations and to work to full scope of practice.
Like the PSW/HCA the RN and RPN are expected to provide physical, emotional and psychological care to the patients and residents and to work alongside the family unit.