Taylor Booroff talks about what inspired her to become a PSW and how the pandemic changed the field.
Why did you decide to become a PSW?
I became a PSW because I feel it’s a privilege to be there for those going through the most vulnerable times in their lives. And that’s the most rewarding part for me — when you can see the impact your work has on people. When things just click, you realize, “Yes, this is why I’m here.”
As a PSW, what major changes and challenges did you notice throughout the pandemic?
The cost of the pandemic had an impact on our work and how our lives were affected. I saw firsthand system failure after system failure and how that weighed on those who needed us the most. I signed up to help those in vulnerable positions, but I also signed up to do my job properly.
How have you been taking care of yourself during the pandemic?
During those hardships, I was able to find the Ontario PSW Association and not only have them hear my concerns but become their spokesperson. I advocated not only for myself but for my colleagues and the health-care field as well. It was almost therapeutic being welcomed with open arms and being so accepted by a group of people. They cheered me on and supported my words on their platform. As a result, I can now speak my mind on a broader spectrum. It has been a full-circle moment in my career, and I wouldn’t change it. My heart is in this field.
