PENNINNAH KAHANGIRWE-POTTER
Uxbridge,ON
Summary
Experienced personal support worker with a strong foundation in assisting clients with daily living needs and emotional support. Adept at documenting care activities and implementing tailored interventions to improve client outcomes in various health care environments.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER
HILLSDALE ESTATES / LAKEVIEW MANOR (BEAVERTON)
Oshawa, Ontario
02.2024 - Current
- Assisted residents with daily living activities and personal care needs.
- Maintained a clean and safe environment for residents and staff.
- Communicated effectively with residents to understand their needs and preferences.
- Documented resident care activities accurately in electronic health records.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss resident care plans and improvements.
- Developed trusting relationships with all clients by demonstrating respect for their rights and choices.
- Executed behavioral interventions with positive reinforcement strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of services provided and progress made by clients.
- Provided personal care services such as bathing, grooming and toileting to clients.
- Attended training sessions to stay up-to-date on best practices in patient care.
- Followed safe lifting and transferring techniques to transport residents.
- Reported concerns to nurse supervisor to promote optimal care.
- Built strong and trusting rapport with clients and loved ones.
PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER
GLENHILL TERRACE LTC
Whitby, Ontario
2023 - Current
- Supported residents with daily living activities and personal care needs to enhance their quality of life.
- Communicated effectively with residents to understand their needs and preferences.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress and reported any changes to supervisor or healthcare provider.
- Documented resident care activities accurately in electronic health records.
- Collaborated with other health professionals to coordinate the care of each client.
- Implemented strategies that encouraged positive behavior changes among residents.
- Managed challenging behaviors in a calm manner while following established protocols.
- Conducted home safety assessments to identify hazards that could put the client at risk.
Personal Care Aide (PCA) Causal worker
The Village of Taunton Mills
Whitby, Canada
05.2023 - 02.2025
- Provided personal hygiene assistance to residents, ensuring dignity and comfort during daily tasks.
- Provide companionship and emotional support to enhance resident well-being.
- Enhanced patient outlook and daily living through compassionate, individualized care and attention.
- Provided ongoing compassionate patient care for each client.
- Coordinated operations in retirement section to foster a supportive resident community and enhance social engagement.
- Observed changes in behavior or physical condition of clients and reported any significant changes promptly to supervisor and nursing staff members.
Final placement to complete PSW certificate
Hillsdale Estates
Oshawa, Canada
07.2023 - 08.2023
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, ensuring comfort and dignity through proper hygiene practices.
- Documented patient information promptly and accurately to support care continuity and compliance.
- Coordinated various tasks to streamline operations and maintain a smooth workflow.
- (Long Term Care)
Placement student (Durham College)
Lakeridge Health
Whitby, Canada
06.2023 - 07.2023
- Assisted with activities of daily living (ADLs) to support patient independence and comfort.
- Utilized manual lifts and supported safe transfer of patients using wheelchairs and walkers.
- Gained knowledge of communication protocols and systems at Lakeridge Health to enhance teamwork and patient care.
- Healthy aging/Level 4 West (completed 120hrs community care)
Practicum student (Durham college practicum internship)
Hillsdale Estates
Oshawa, Canada
03.2023 - 04.2023
- Facilitated safe patient transfers using mechanical lifts to enhance mobility and comfort.
- Executed manual patient transfers, prioritizing safety and comfort to enhance patient experience.
- Assisted patients with daily activities, promoting dignity and independence in bedmaking, feeding, hygiene, dressing, mouthcare, and shaving.
- (Long-Term Care)
Medical administrative Head (Uganda/Ivory Coast/Gabon Chapter)
Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association-Uganda
Kampala, Uganda
01.2020 - 12.2022
- Collaborated with healthcare providers and community members in Kampala, Uganda, to drive improvements in health outcomes.
- Enhanced community awareness of child cancer and non-communicable diseases through targeted outreach activities.
- Pre-surgery planning and communications, In-surgery correspondences.
- After surgery care, education to the health care team, family care persons.
- Continence care and palliative care and Play therapy.
Medical Administrative head (Tanzania/Mozambique/Zimbabwe/Malawi/Zambia Chapter)
Child Help International Belgium
01.2018 - 12.2020
- Trainer of trainees (counsellors, hospital teachers, social workers)
- Raised awareness of child cancer and non-communicable diseases, promoting early detection and intervention.
- Provided pre- and post-surgery care, ensuring patient comfort and recovery.
- Continence and palliative care and play therapy
- Supported health programs and projects at Africa Regional Office, improving regional health outcomes.
Public Relations Officer
Friends of Children with Cancer and NCDs
, Tanzania
01.2013 - 12.2017
- Facilitated community understanding of healthcare resources in various regions.
- Produced documentaries and captured photographs to showcase community stories and events.
- Secured sponsorships to support the organization's programs and initiatives.
- Engaged in development initiatives addressing community needs in Tanzania.
Lecturer in Journalism and communications
The Open University of Tanzania
, Tanzania
01.2011 - 12.2013
- Taught courses in media, communication theories, investigative journalism, and photo-journalism, fostering critical thinking and practical skills in students.
- Directed School of Journalism for two years, improving educational programs and increasing student engagement through innovative curriculum development.
- Delivered engaging lectures on diverse subjects to enhance student learning.
- Developed course materials and resources to support curriculum objectives.
- Facilitated discussions and encouraged student participation in classroom activities.
Education
Personal Support Worker -
Durham College
Ontario, Canada08-2023
Certificate - mind-up training
Heights and Minds Foundation
Kampala, Uganda04-2022
Certificate - Play Therapy
UK Play therapist and filial play coach / Muhimbili hospital
Tanzania08-2015
Certificate - Palliative Care for Health and Social Welfare Professionals
Muhimbili University of health and applied sciences
Tanzania01-2015
Certificate - Continence Care Management
Muhimbili Hospital Oncology Department
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania05-2014
Master's degree - Journalism and Communication
Makerere University
Kampala, Uganda01-2012
Certificate - 360 Leadership programs
Watoto Church
Kampala, Uganda12-2010
Bachelor's Arts Degree - Public Administration (Social Sciences)
Makerere University
Kampala, Uganda01-2009
Certificate - Leadership Skills
The East African Uongozi
Tanzania, Kenya08-2007
Skills
- Time management
- Client documentation
- Team collaboration
- Problem management
- Compassionate care
- Time management
- Conflict mediation
- Adaptability to change
- Rapport building
- Confidentiality
- Active learning
- Scheduling expertise
- Motivational techniques
- Medical office administration
- Patient assessments
- Empathetic communication
- Direct patient care and listening
- Record maintenance
- Medical record-keeping
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Progress documentation
- Disability support
- HIPAA compliance
- Patient management
- Cultural awareness
- Multitasking and organization
- Care plan management
- Records management
- EMR / EHR
- End-of-life care
- Communication proficiency
Accomplishments
- CPR and First AID Certificate, 01/15/23
- U-First Alzheimer Certificate, 02/03/23
- Safe Food handling certificate, 02/08/23
- Certification for Topical Treatments Application, 02/09/23
- Feed Manual Certificate, 02/11/23
- Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) in Dementia Care- Advanced Gerontological Education, 06/14/23
- Occupational Health and Safety, 01/19/23
- Chain of Transmission and Risk Assessment, 01/17/23
- Communicating Effectively, 05/04/23
- Handling Conflict with Care, 05/04/23
Timeline
PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER
HILLSDALE ESTATES / LAKEVIEW MANOR (BEAVERTON)
02.2024 - Current
Final placement to complete PSW certificate
Hillsdale Estates
07.2023 - 08.2023
Placement student (Durham College)
Lakeridge Health
06.2023 - 07.2023
Personal Care Aide (PCA) Causal worker
The Village of Taunton Mills
05.2023 - 02.2025
Practicum student (Durham college practicum internship)
Hillsdale Estates
03.2023 - 04.2023
Medical administrative Head (Uganda/Ivory Coast/Gabon Chapter)
Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association-Uganda
01.2020 - 12.2022
Medical Administrative head (Tanzania/Mozambique/Zimbabwe/Malawi/Zambia Chapter)
Child Help International Belgium
01.2018 - 12.2020
Public Relations Officer
Friends of Children with Cancer and NCDs
01.2013 - 12.2017
Lecturer in Journalism and communications
The Open University of Tanzania
01.2011 - 12.2013
PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER
GLENHILL TERRACE LTC
2023 - Current
Personal Support Worker -
Durham College
Certificate - mind-up training
Heights and Minds Foundation
Certificate - Play Therapy
UK Play therapist and filial play coach / Muhimbili hospital
Certificate - Palliative Care for Health and Social Welfare Professionals
Muhimbili University of health and applied sciences
Certificate - Continence Care Management
Muhimbili Hospital Oncology Department
Master's degree - Journalism and Communication
Makerere University
Certificate - 360 Leadership programs
Watoto Church
Bachelor's Arts Degree - Public Administration (Social Sciences)
Makerere University
Certificate - Leadership Skills
The East African Uongozi