YOU SAID IT: Not just anyone can do it

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NOT JUST ANYONE CAN DO IT

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Re: Only 57% finished PSW pilot program; Province hoped to boost health-care workers after COVID, April 30

So let’s talk about the free PSW pilot program here in Ontario. They are wondering why only 57 per cent of the students graduated and 42 per cent are actually working in the field six months later. From my own experience within the health-care field, the No. 1 problem is that not anyone can work in this profession; this is not a government desk job. It takes a very exceptional person. First of all, you must be physically fit, have very good communication and organizational skills. You must be very caring, trustworthy, have empathy, emotional stability and deep compassion.

You need to learn the importance of enabling a client’s dignity and independence at all times. There are very few people who can deal with this type of care. You are dealing with people with mental dysfunctions, anxiety and aggression, including hearing, visual and mobility problems. You must also be able to assist with medical procedures and medication.

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You may work with clients within their own homes on your own, going from place to place all day long. So having your own transportation is definitely an asset. You must also be able to provide nutritious meals from what is on hand, as well as assist in everyday decluttering and cleaning.

If working in an institution, such as nursing home, retirement home or hospital, you must care for your clients and be able to work at different speeds as you are working along with numerous other people.

Concerning wages, it is not so much the money (which most unions only think about), but the working environment that is important. Ask anyone in the medical field and they will tell you they need more help on the floor.

You cannot just take people off the street to do this type of work. It takes an exceptional person with a calling to go into this profession, and they are hard to find.

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Brenda Houle

OTTAWA

(Thank you for sharing our perspective. And for doing the work you do.)

FILL UP THOSE SPACES

If the government wants to put “our” money where its mouth is for affordable housing, I have a suggestion. Empty government buildings will never be repurposed for government employees because of so many reasons related to COVID and other union issues, and on and on. Let’s face reality, please. Hire contractors to build affordable condos in all the excess properties.

Heck, after putting these together, the feds will be reselling these units, so the cost to renovate will be somewhat recovered. That’s not going to happen every day. The government recovers money?

I’m not in town anymore, but just thinking of Tunney’s Pasture as a place to live in an affordable condo would be really nice. I’m sure your readers know of a lot more wasted government locations, too.

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MIKE DEFALCO

ARNPRIOR

(Think of the red tape, committees and consultations that would need to be dealt with to make that happen.)

BANNED FOR A REASON

The news that Russia is deploying landmines in Ukraine despite them being banned by most countries is horrific. There is no reason to use landmines in a war apart from preventing people returning to an area and leaving any remaining people terrified of the dangers that visiting their own properties might bring.

They are banned for a reason and their use is just another example of why Vladimir Putin must be stopped and removed from power forever.

DENNIS FITZGERALD

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

(Would anyone really expect a person who has sparked a war to follow a ban?)