At Plan A, we’re always striving to do whatever we can to ensure that we’re providing the #BestJobEver for our PSWs and Nurses. Check out our “Ask an A Teamer” series where we asked our pool of health care professionals a few questions to learn more about them personally and their thoughts on being a part of The A Team! 

Paulette Doiron, PSW, Plan A Sudbury

1. What do you feel is unique about Plan A?

The fact that I choose my schedule is very unique!

2. What is the most rewarding part about being a PSW for Plan A?

Knowing that I am helping people make their day a little brighter – both staff and residents. 

3. Tell us about an experience that warmed your heart.

At dinner time a gentleman was watching me feed residents and he left his table and rolled over to me and said you have a really pretty smile, then he rolled back to his table and ate his supper. I love all the hugs and seniors knowing my name.

4. What were you most happy about attending because you were able to create your own schedule?

Vacations with my husband on his schedule.

5. If you could give one piece of advice to a new A Teamer what would that be?

When you go into a LTC that you have never been to before and you are very short staffed, just hang in there because it gets better, and always look for another Plan A worker and ask questions.

Lisa Ryff, PSW, Plan A Simcoe

1. If you could give one piece of advice to a new A Teamer what would that be?

Be patient! Once you get to know the homes the experience is fantastic.

2. What is the most rewarding part about being a PSW for Plan A?

You get paid well for a job you love doing.

3. Tell us about your story, what made you want to pursue a career in health care?

I have always had a good, caring quality about myself that I thought I would share with the world!

4. Why do you think now is the best time to become a PSW?

There is such a shortage of workers and such a high demand for PSWs.

5. What is the most meaningful part of your shift?

Taking care of each and every individual as if they were my own parents and hearing their life stories.

Sherrilyn Bylow, PSW, Plan A Simcoe

1. What do you feel is unique about Plan A?


Having the opportunity to choose where you go and the time that suits you.

2. If you could give one piece of advice to a new A Teamer what would that be? 


Breathe and don’t feel overwhelmed; you are there to serve the seniors and help out the team on that floor.


3. Tell us about your story, what made you want to pursue a career in health care? 


I am middle-aged and after having a brain injury and needing CCAC come in and help me, I realized I am not alone. When visiting the LTC homes you can see how you can make a difference and knowing my character and love for this age group I knew I could really be an asset to the residents as they travel from this life to the next. I just had to answer the call.

4. Tell us about an experience that warmed your heart.

I was on a floor and as I was walking by looking at the names and pictures of the residents so I could recognize my list, I heard someone humming and singing every other line. When It was time for that resident to get ready for bed, I had the patient sit and I combed her hair and I began to sing an old hymn I hoped she would know. She started to sing it with me and the smile on her face was so precious. I was totally moved because her voice is amazing still and after she said, “that was my favourite song, I couldn’t remember all the words until you came to sing with me”. She had tears of joy and said how well she will sleep as I had made her week! It was just beautiful for me to have been able to share that moment.