Welcome and congratulations on your acceptance into the RCW program on the Prince of Wales Campus of Holland College. You are about to begin a very exciting and busy new chapter of your life. Students are expected to attend and fully participate in all theory, lab, and clinical courses during the program.
The Resident Care Worker (RCW) program is intensive, challenging, and rewarding. The student learns theory and hands-on skills developed in the simulated laboratory setting prior to going into the clinical setting.
The overall purpose of the RCW program is to prepare the graduate with the skills and knowledge required to provide quality health care to clients in a variety of health care facilities. The student gains an appreciation for the role of the RCW in long term care and acute care with observational experiences in mental health care. The student also gains insight into how they can meet physical, psychological, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual needs of the client and their family. A range of interpersonal, communication, and personal care skills are required to fulfill this role.
Graduates of the RCW program work in long term, acute, mental health, and home care settings as vital members of the health care team. Each member of the multi-disciplinary team has unique and overlapping responsibilities. Teamwork, including quality interpersonal and communication skills, mutual respect, and maturity are some of the necessary personal requirements for the graduates of this program. In the multidisciplinary team, all members have the same focus, the client, and their family. The RCW participates as part of this team to promote Person Centered Care and to work along with other health care professionals to provide competent care for all clients.
To be successful in the program, several hours of study and preparation outside of scheduled class time is required each day which makes pursuing extracurricular activities and part-time work very challenging.
Please bring a pen and notebook to take notes.
Title / Edition |
Author |
ISBN |
Notes |
Mosby's Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker Package 5th edition (Hard copy of textbooks) |
Sorrentino, Remmert, Wilk Bard, MacMullin, Williamson |
ISBN: 9780443230479 |
This is a package of three items – the main textbook, a mental health textbook, and online skill videos. Purchasing these resources individually is often more costly than the package. |
Mosby's Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker Package 5th edition (E-book access for textbooks) |
Sorrentino, Remmert, Wilk Bard, MacMullin, Williamson |
9780443230448 |
This is a package of three electronic resources – the main textbook, a mental health textbook, and online skill videos. Purchasing these resources individually is often more costly than the package. |
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention 3rd edition Participant Workbook |
Crisis Prevention Institute Inc. Wisconsin: CPI |
PWKB20NCI |
|
GPA Participant Guide Basics 4th edition |
Advanced Gerontological Education |
978-0-9691020-8-3 |
Must be a new booklet. A used booklet is not acceptable. |
You will receive information about textbooks during the orientation and will need to purchase these books for classes on September 6, 2023. The textbook supplier has bundled the textbook, a workbook, and skill videos at a reduced cost for both hard copy and e-book packages. If a student chooses to purchase a used textbook, the online skill videos are not included and must be purchased individually. This is often more expensive and inconvenient for the student.
Information on uniforms and shoes required for the clinical setting in January 2024 will be provided on the first day of class. The items are not required prior to starting the program. Transportation to and from practicum and clinical sites is the responsibility of the student.
Before attending any practicum or clinical portions of the program, a student must submit a criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check. If this document indicates a criminal record exists, the student may not be able to complete portions of the program required for graduation. Any associated costs with the criminal record check are the responsibility of the student.
The RCW program is 30 weeks in length (September – April) and is divided into Semester 1 and Semester 2. Theory and clinical skills are acquired in the classroom and simulated laboratory environment in the first semester, with one short course delivered online. Lab practice prior to clinical courses reinforces skills to prepare students for actual bedside experiences in Semester 2 clinical courses. A four-week Practicum course completes the program as students prepare to transition to employment in the healthcare field. Students are required to achieve a passing grade in each course to be successful in the program and to meet the prerequisites for subsequent courses. Learning Managers and Clinical Supervisors guide the learning process to enhance opportunities for learning and providing each learner with timely and constructive feedback.
Jane MacPhee
Email Jane
Tel: 902-566-9328
Room 214-E, Charlottetown Centre, Prince of Wales Campus
Denise Proud
Email Denise
Tel: 902-566-9366
Room 219-E, Charlottetown Centre, Prince of Wales Campus
Rachel Batchilder, Program Manager
Email Rachel
Phone: 902-566-9672
Room 209E, Charlottetown Centre
Barb Boss, Administrative Support
Email Barb
Phone: 902-566-9564
Room 208E Charlottetown Centre
Michele Duckworth, Administrative Support
Email Michelle
Phone: 902-566-9554 Room 209 CAST