Gail Andrea Gittens
Toronto
Summary
Over five years of dedicated Personal Support Worker service with extensive experience at Bellwood Community Independent Living, adept in providing emotional support and mobility assistance. Excelled in building trust-based relationships and enhancing patient well-being through compassionate care and meticulous attention to personal hygiene. Proven track record in improving clients' quality of life, underscored by effective patient care and advocacy. Possessing essential caregiving and support skills in healthcare environment, demonstrating adaptability and empathy. Expertise in providing personalized care and managing daily living tasks, with focus on enhancing well-being. Seeking to leverage transferrable skills to transition into new field, bringing strong foundation of client-focused care and problem-solving abilities.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Personal Support Worker
Bellwood Community Independent Living
07.2017 - Current
- Assisted clients with daily living needs according to their personal baseline (e.g. spinal injury, stroke, Parkinson's and spinal bifida) thus maintaining self-esteem, general wellness, promoting independence and healthier wellbeing in normalized daily living activities.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing compassionate and attentive personal care through maintenance of personal hygiene such as bathing, grooming, and dressing tasks.
- Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
- Documented vitals, behaviors, and medications in client medical records.
- Conducted light housekeeping duties to maintain a clean and comfortable living space for patients.
- Transported individuals to events and activities, medical appointments, and shopping trips.
- Supported and assisted with feeding monitoring intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives, through meal planning and preparation according to dietary restrictions or preferences of the client.
- Turned and positioned bedbound patients to prevent bedsores and maintain comfort levels and also facilitated mobility assistance for patients requiring help with transfers or ambulation.
- Developed trust-based relationships with clients through active listening and empathetic communication skills and engage patients in meaningful conversation, socialization, and activity while providing personal care assistance.
- Monitored patient health status regularly, reporting any changes to the appropriate medical staff.
- Replaced colonoscopy bags, administered suppositories, and breath-stacking ICs to encourage proper breathing and oxygen levels.
- Promoted continuity of care by communicating effectively with other Personal Support Workers during shift changes or handoffs.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care, progress, and concerns, contributing to effective communication among healthcare team members.
Personal Support Worker
Birchmere Retirement Residence
05.2011 - 06.2011
- Provided safe mobility support to help patients move around personal and public spaces.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care, progress, and concerns, contributing to effective communication among healthcare team members.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Monitored patient health status regularly, reporting any changes to the appropriate medical staff.
- Supported clients with mental support and physical activities to accomplish quality of life and sustain needs.
Kitchen Attendant
Bendale Acres
10.1988 - 06.2011
- Helped chefs prepare and present food to event guests with strong attention to detail and presentation expertise.
- Improved kitchen efficiency by maintaining cleanliness, organization of all work areas and organized kitchen stations to promote team efficiency while adhering to Ontario food safety regulations and protocols.
- Cleaned and sanitized dishes and utensils, consistently keeping adequate supplies on hand for expected customer loads.
- Ensured food safety by adhering to proper food handling, storage, and sanitation procedures.
- Contributed to an enjoyable dining experience for guests through diligent behind-the-scenes efforts in the kitchen environment, tailoring the dietary needs of residents
Education
Personal Support Worker Certificate NACC - Personal Support Worker
Durham College
Oshawa, ONSkills
- Mobility assistance
- Dementia care
- Transportation services
- Personal hygiene assistance
- Emotional support and behavior management
- Social support
- Patient care
- Housekeeping tasks
- Meal planning and preparation
- Relationship building and client advocacy
- Compassionate care
- Recreational activities
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
- Adult CPR/AED certification – American Red Cross.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association.
- Work Health and Safety Awareness Ontario WHMIS
Timeline
Personal Support Worker
Bellwood Community Independent Living
07.2017 - Current
Personal Support Worker
Birchmere Retirement Residence
05.2011 - 06.2011
Kitchen Attendant
Bendale Acres
10.1988 - 06.2011
- Adult CPR/AED certification – American Red Cross.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association.
- Work Health and Safety Awareness Ontario WHMIS
Personal Support Worker Certificate NACC - Personal Support Worker
Durham College
Similar Profiles
Hailey ReynoldsHailey Reynolds
Home Health Aide at Bellwood Assisted LivingHome Health Aide at Bellwood Assisted Living
Christopher LincourtChristopher Lincourt
Certified Nursing Assistant at Sweetwood Independent Living CommunityCertified Nursing Assistant at Sweetwood Independent Living Community
Meagan CrumMeagan Crum
Housekeeper at Canyon Winds Independent Living CommunityHousekeeper at Canyon Winds Independent Living Community