"In my previous role, I worked with a patient that was unable to carry out their personal care routine independently. Every morning, I would help them bathe, brush their teeth, and get dressed. Throughout the day, I would ensure they washed their hands. If I was working the night shift with them, I would help them undress, bathe again, change into clean pyjamas, and brush their teeth."

"The biggest challenge I face as a direct support professional relates to uncooperative patients. Sometimes, patients with disabilities become irate and uncooperative easily because they don't understand what's going on. I overcome this by being as patient and understanding as possible. I give patients time and explain everything I'm doing so they don't get confused."

"I started working with a new patient with autism that was non-verbal. Her previous direct support professional didn't tell me that the only movie she enjoys watching was Frozen, so I put on something else. The patient had an outburst and I couldn't figure out why. When I realized it was the movie, I showed her the screen with all the movie options. She pointed to Frozen, and calmed down when I played it."

"In my previous role, I was a live-in direct support professional for one patient. I spent the entire day with them, so I would assist with their personal care routine, cook for them, clean their house, take them to doctor's appointments, and ensure they were taking their medication."

"I love technology and think it allows patients to become more independent. I always suggest verbal patients get a voice-activated virtual assistant device, like Amazon's Alexa, and teach them how to use it. It allows them to do things like play music, check the weather or time, and even call their friends or family easily on their own."

"I was working with a non-verbal patient for a few months and tried different ways of entertaining her. I would play different movies and shows, go on walks with her, and play different kinds of music, but nothing seemed to work. On one of our walks, she saw someone playing the guitar and stopped to listen until he was done. The next day, I brought my guitar and played for her and she seemed to love it, so I continued to play for a bit every time I saw her."

"I have a developmental services worker diploma from Humber College. The program taught me about different types of developmental disabilities and how to support people with those disabilities. During the program, I completed a work placement and internship where I received on-the-job training. This allowed me to get my first role as a direct support professional. They required me to complete first aid training and get a background check, which I am happy to do again. "

"I became a direct support professional because I grew up with a brother that has autism. My parents had to spend a lot of time taking care of him, and when I was old enough, I did as well. I wanted professional training to learn how to care for him to help my parents more. I now want to help other families and people in the same situation by caring for their loved ones."

"Keeping patients safe depends on the environment we're in. If I'm in their household or a facility, I ensure there are no dangerous objects around, such as knives. I also ensure I lock medication away to prevent accidental overdoses. If I'm out with patients, I keep a close eye on them so they don't wander off and get into trouble."

"None of my patients have ever frustrated me. They have had hard days where they aren't as cooperative, but I just remain calm and help them work through any problems. If I become frustrated, patients can sense it and they will often get more agitated and uncooperative. Staying calm and being patient helps us get through tense situations faster."

"The biggest emergency I've had to deal with was when a patient I was taking out fell down in a restaurant. I was carrying our food, and he slipped on his way to the table. He hit his head, prompting me to call 911 and tell them we needed an ambulance. I then..."

"I am comfortable completing any tasks you require of me. I have experience with providing personal care, cleaning, cooking, administering medication, and taking patients to appointments, so I can adapt to any new responsibilities."

"I do see myself in this role in five years. I really enjoy taking care of people, so I find the work rewarding. I have been a direct support professional for five years already, and plan to carry on long into the future."

"I think my greatest skill as a direct support professional is my communication skills. I love to talk and get to know people, which really helps in providing the best care possible to patients."

"I prioritize my tasks based on the ones that will benefit my patient the most. For example, I would start by helping them prepare for the day and end with tasks like cleaning up or filling out paperwork. I create a daily to-do list as well which helps me stay organized and on track."