I was wondering if I anyone could extend some advice to a Nursing Student based in Ontario in their second half of the BScN program.
I recently had a job offer to care for a person in their home. It is a PSW/Caregiver position managed by the family for another family member.
Because this is not through an agency, and I am STILL a student - What are some of the things I should consider? I'm aware I am not supported under the CNO if I were to fulfill this position, so I am wondering if there are specific precautions I should take?
Some of the tasks I am being asked to perform are administering meds through a g-tube, as well as tracheotomy suctioning/care, and using a floor lift. The patient is also on a ventilator.
I was told I could train with other care givers, and that I will receive all the assistance and training I need until I am 100 percent confident to care for the patient.
The Ontario self directed employers are required to have WSIB insurance, as well as comply with the occupational health and safety laws, labour laws etc. I am curious what types of liability is covered, which insurance company is it through? It's not professional Liability Insurance, because unregulated workers are not professionals.
It is my understanding that I am covered for any liability of the delegated tasks I am trained on to perform for the client and checked off by our agency nurse and that I am, loosely speaking, borrowing her nursing license to do the work under her close supervision. While I am not a professional; the agency nurse is and is ultimately liable for my mistakes and our insurance covers this. I asked awhile back because I was a bit concerned about my protection. Since the OP is an unregulated worker; who is then liable for the mistakes she makes in Ontario? And what is her recourse?
Unregulated workers who work in clients home are not under a nurse's supervision at all times, in the op's case she is under the close supervision of the client. I don't believe insurance companies offer Liability Insurance for people who are injured in their own homes, no matter what the cause. There would not be much recourse for the client except termination of the employee's contract (which is often what agencies do as well). Many mistakes will be preventable through the client's own vigilance and ability to give clear direction.
@lpn2be, the idea that you are loosely covered under the nurse's license is a common misconception, if you investigate this further you will find it's not true. If the nurse delegated the task appropriately and found the unregulated worker was competent to do the task, but for some reason the unregulated worker later violated the policy associated with a task and it resulted in injury to a patient, the nurse is not responsible for the injury, the unregulated worker who did not follow the employer's policies and procedures is responsible.
LPN2BECanada
8 Posts
I have both, which is why I mentioned both. I also have WCB coverage for home support as well.