May 9, 2023
Dan Masseo spent 17 years working in construction before taking the leap into health care.
In pursuit of a career that was more fulfilling, but in which he could continue to work with his hands, he enrolled in the Personal Support Worker (PSW) adult education certificate program offered by Thames Valley District School Board.
The final step of the five-month program is a hands-on placement during which each student has the opportunity to put theory into practice in a setting of their choosing. London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) was Dan’s first choice for his placement.
“The hospital was at the top of the list for me, and I got lucky being placed there,” he reflected. “I thought it would be my best chance at seeing the widest variety of professionals working together, and it was extremely diverse.”
During his two weeks at LHSC, Dan worked with the Resource Team providing care to various units including acute stroke, cardiac and orthopedic surgery. He was immediately struck by the teamwork and collaboration amongst his peers.
“Within the first few hours of completing my orientation and joining the care team on the floor, I noticed that everyone works together very well in the hospital,” he recalled. “Everyone was fully willing to help, not only with tasks that needed to be carried out, but with learning as well. At no point was anyone unwilling to help; everyone was extraordinarily nice and willing to teach.”
From one floor to the next, Dan was given the chance to see a broad scope of activity while collaborating with nurses, physicians, health disciplines, and other PSWs. His preceptors – Katie Alexander and Gloria Murillo Trujillo – helped create a welcoming atmosphere and ensured he was familiar with each new area and task.
“They were extraordinary,” said Dan. “Every step of the way, they made sure to show me everything. I couldn’t have asked for better preceptors.”
Most importantly, Dan’s placement helped validate his decision to pursue a career as a PSW.
“I like to help people,” he explained. “At the end of the day, I was looking for something that was fulfilling, and I have absolutely found the right job. It provides fulfilment every single day.
“As far as I’m concerned, LHSC is the best place to learn as a PSW,” Dan said. “Between all of the different professionals working on a daily basis and the diversity in patients, it is the best place to do a placement.”
