Have you ever wondered what being a patient care technician will be like? If you have then you must know that patient care technicians play an essential role in healthcare facilities! Patient care technicians focus on caring for patients while working under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. Patient care technician duties might include drawing blood, taking care of the needs of patients and more. Explore the patient care technician’s duties and responsibilities and see if this is a career you might want to consider!
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Some duties and responsibilities a patient care technician might have
Patient care technician duties and responsibilities can vary depending on where they work, however most tasks are focused on caring for patients.
Blood Draws:
Patient care technicians may draw blood from patients. During the blood draw process PCTs may explain what will happen to patients in order to calm them in advance. Blood draws are essential because they provide critical information for a diagnosis.
Performing an EKG:
Patient care technicians may prepare patients for an EKG by attaching electrodes to patients chest,arms, and legs. An EKG is designed to check a patient’s heart. The PCT will monitor and read patient wave signals on the attached computer screen and will take the data to assigned medical personnel. The PCT won’t interpret the results, rather, they will review to make sure they captured the info the doctor or healthcare provider may need.
Helping Patients with Daily Tasks:
Patient care technicians can assist patients in tasks they cannot do alone. PCTs are always helpers and do what their job title states – patient care! Patients may not be able to fulfill tasks such as walking, bathing, eating. This is where the help from patient care technicians comes into play.
Maintaining Accurate Records:
Accurate logs and records allow a medical team to stay up-to-date with each patient. Patient records are proof of quality care regarding treatment, maintenance, and can identify mental or physical problems in a patient. Patient care technician duties include PCTs being observant and concise in patient observations and records.
Interacting with Patients:
Interacting with patients is essential when it comes to patient care technician duties. Patient care technicians are often the sympathetic ear with patient’s concerns. Patient care technicians are one of the personnel who the patient looks to in terms of communication. Patients ask questions, and PCTs listen and help inform patients on what’s going on and/or communicate with nursing staff expressing patients’ concerns. If patients or families have in-depth questions or concerns, then PCTs relay that message to the appropriate, certified medical staff to provide further clarification.
Requirements patient care technicians might need to carry out their duties
Requirements patient care technicians might need to have to carry out duties can include, fulfilling physical requirements and having or obtaining PCT professional skills. Aspiring patient care technicians must meet education requirements and for most it is highly recommended to pursue certification.
Fulfilling Physical Requirements:
Patient care technicians often act as a patient’s primary caregiver. To be a caregiver, physical mobility is required to fulfill daily activities for a patient. Physical responsibility can require a PCT to be on their feet a lot and having to move, lift or transport patients that may be unable to move on their own. Some job descriptions for a patient care technician may state PCTs must be able to lift, carry supplies or equipment of a specified weight.
Professional Skills:
Having professional skills as a patient care technician is essential. These skills can help you succeed on the job. In addition, applying these skills as a PCT is a must when interacting with other staff and patients.
Professional skills that can be beneficial to master are:
- Having patience, and empathy for patients and those around you.
- Carrying out all duties and communicating in a professional manner.
- Being a team player.
Meeting education requirements:
To be a patient care technician, education requirements must be met. An aspiring patient care technician is usually required to have a high school diploma or GED and then complete a PCT program successfully. Individuals may have to pursue certification to meet their state requirements for employment.
Setting yourself up for success with a comprehensive Patient Care Technician program!
If you’re located in the greater Bridgeport, CT area or Danbury, CT area and searching for a patient care technician school in Connecticut, Training Direct can help you get on your way. At Training Direct the PCT program uses in-class instruction combined with a real-world, hands-on training approach that allows students opportunities to practice PCT duties and responsibilities. A hands-on training approach to learning how a PCT performs duties is key for students within the clinical portion of our program.
Graduates from the Patient Care Technician program at Training Direct may go on to challenge the National Health Career Association Exam in Patient Care Technician. If you’re ready to start helping people and make a positive difference in people’s lives each day, contact Training Direct to get started on the road to a new career as a patient care technician!
