PCT – Patient Care Technician
Patient care technicians (PCTs) are essential to the medical industry because they work behind the scenes to take care of the technical details that make a huge difference in patients’ lives. Working as a PCT can be a stepping stone toward becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).
Health care jobs are in demand, as it is projected to have more growth (16 percent between 2020 and 2030) than any other industry, with the addition of 2.6 million new jobs. A career in health care can also be rewarding, especially if you enjoy interacting with and caring for patients on a daily basis.
A patient care technician (PCT) is a healthcare technician working under the supervision of a nurse, doctor, or other health professional to administer basic care to patients. This position involves interacting with patients face-to-face and aiding with daily tasks.
A Health Care Assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring that patients are not only comfortable, but also have their personal needs met. They also keep the managing Nurse updated with the information about the conditions and mental states of the patients. Their daily duties and responsibilities can include:
- Helping the patient with exercises
- Turning a bedridden patient on a schedule
- Feeding the patients and helping them drink
- Cleaning patients teeth and assisting them during a shower and bath
- Making the patient’s bed, changing the bedding and providing them with toileting assistance
- Keeping patient records up to date and taking their medical histories
- Reporting all changes on the patients and other important observations to the Nurse
- Monitoring patient vital signs and health
- Adhering to professional standards, following policies and procedures and aided by government regulatory requirements, as well as Nursing standards