AURORA COLLEGE
Preceptors of the Year recognized on NWT Personal Support Worker Day

Each year, on the last Tuesday of June (June 27, 2023), the Northwest Territories recognizes the incredible contribution that Personal Support Workers (PSW) make to the health and well being of residents across the territory. Although there have different names for the position - Home Support Workers, Nursing Aides and Resident Care Aides - these caring individuals work in long term care, hospitals, supported living, home care and shelters to assist clients each day with activities of daily living. It takes strong, capable and compassionate people to dedicate their lives to the care of others.

Elham Mustafa, Preceptor award recipient (left); Nawal Al-Youfsy, Aurora College PSW graduate (middle); Jeffrey Lindaya, Preceptor award recipient (right)
 

In celebration and recognition of PSW day, Aurora College acknowledges the tireless efforts of all the Personal Support Workers in the NWT with the presentation of the Preceptor of the Year Award. This award honours a PSW preceptor who has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in client care and to student success. Traditionally, the award is presented to one support worker annually. However, this year, the two recipients were nominated by one student who felt they were equally deserving.

This year's recipients are Elham Mustafa and Jeffrey Lindaya, Home Support Workers at Home Care in Yellowknife. Both were nominated by their student (and now PSW graduate), Nawal Al-Yousfy.

Mustafa and Lindaya are dedicated, caring individuals whose kindness and supportive approach make them role models for all Personal Support Workers. Al-Yousfy describes the two as truly great preceptors: "The best thing about them is that they were always welcomed, respected and trusted by the clients and their families. For that, I was also welcomed, respected and trusted."

The Aurora College PSW Faculty is grateful Mustafa, Lindaya for sharing their knowledge, experience, and passion and for the support and mentoring provided by all of the Personal Support Worker preceptors, practicum supervisors and the facilities that support the learning and growth of students. Without them, graduates would not have the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience they do when they enter the workforce.

Aurora College would also like to recognize and thank the entire team at Home Care for providing students with a supportive environment for learning.