On PACE to Transform Palliative and Resident Care

Six PSWs's professional development journey

In a testament to the dedication and passion of Perley Health's Personal Support Workers (PSWs), Marlen Villalba, Darlene Wright, Awa Keita Lamiraux, Musonda Calista Mushiki, Tinonla Agboh, and Tanya Holmes recently completed the prestigious “Palliative Care Education for Personal Support Workers” (PACE) program. This opportunity, made possible by the Perely Health Professional Development Fund and supported by the generosity of donors to the Perley Health Foundation, has not only enhanced their skills but also empowered them to further achieve excellence when it comes to the care they provide to residents and their families.

The PACE for PSWs is a national certification offered by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association and its partners. This rigorous program requires over 20 hours of coursework, which participants can complete at their own pace. Funded by the Palliative Care Quality Improvement Team (PCQIP), the group completed the challenging online course over three months.

Their commitment to professional growth is a driving force behind the adoption of evidence-based approaches at Perley Health and a catalyst for Perley staff to redefine how palliative care is provided within the community. All six have stated that completing the PACE program has elevated their skillset and confidence in the workplace, as well as having empowered them to advocate for residents at end-of-life (EOL), and their families. Here is what some of our PACE champions had to say about their experience and its impact:

Musonda Mushiki, PSW, and BPSO champion, reflected on her experience.

“Being a PSW who has completed this course means I have the knowledge and the skill set to be that link between myself, my coworkers, and the residents,” says Musonda. “We are not only champions, but we are the voice that is needed in providing the highest quality of life for the residents and their families. One thing that I love about working at Perley Health is that the staff has a great knowledge base, and they're amazing at what they do. It's so great to work with a team that's knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, and who always want to continue to get better. I'm always met with people who are willing to listen, eager to learn, and want to use best practices.”

The enthusiasm of these PSWs (and the Perley Health front-line staff in general) is reshaping the care landscape at Perley Health. The Perley Health staff continuously look for opportunities to expand their knowledge, learn new skills, and continually strive to move the baseline of “excellence” and best practices in healthcare. The professional journey Musonda, Marlen, Darlene, Awa, Tinonla, and Tanya have embarked on through the PACE program is a great example of the incredible impact Perley staff can have on residents, their loved ones, caregivers, and all those they support.

- Meg O'Connell

Perley Health's Personal Support Workers (PSWs); Marlen Villalba, Darlene Wright, Awa Keita Lamiraux, Musonda Calista Mushiki, Tinonla Agboh, and Tanya Holmes recently completed the prestigious “Palliative Care Education for Personal Support Workers” (PACE) program.