Have you ever been a patient in a hospital or medical facility and wondered about the people who help take care of you? Well, one group of individuals who play a vital role in providing quality patient care are patient care technicians.
These healthcare professionals are essential members of the healthcare team.
They work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare personnel to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at who patient care technicians are, what their roles and responsibilities entail, and how they contribute to the overall success of healthcare settings.
What are patient care technicians?
Patient care technicians (also known as nursing assistants or nurse aides) are healthcare professionals who work in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and clinics.
They work under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and provide direct care to patients.
To become a patient care technician, you’ll need to complete a PCT training program.
Some of the topics covered in a typical PCT training program include nursing care, phlebotomy, and EKG/ECG.
Even career changers who are completely new to the healthcare field may complete their PCT training within just a few months.
And because many PCT programs offer flexible class schedules and payment options, it’s easier than ever for students to fit their training into their busy lives.
During a PCT training program, students will learn about the various duties and responsibilities of a patient care technician.
The average salary of a patient care technician can reach $48,079 (in Vermont)
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However, it fluctuates based on several factors.
Factors such as geographic location, workplace, qualifications, and years of experience can influence their base pay.
Duties of a patient care technician
One of the primary roles of patient care technicians is to assist with the daily living activities of patients who are unable to perform them on their own.
These activities may include:
- Bathing and grooming: Patient care technicians help patients bathe, brush their teeth, and groom themselves.
- Dressing and undressing: Patient care technicians assist patients in putting on and taking off their clothes.
- Feeding: Patient care technicians may help patients eat and drink, especially if they have difficulty doing so on their own.
In addition to assisting with daily living activities, these healthcare workers also help with medical procedures and treatments.
Some of their duties include:
- Vital signs monitoring: Patient care technicians are responsible for monitoring patients’ vital signs, including blood pressure, temperature, and pulse rate.
- Assisting with medical procedures: Patient care technicians may assist with simple medical procedures such as inserting catheters, changing wound dressings, and administering enemas.
- Moving and positioning patients: Patient care technicians help move and position patients to prevent bedsores and promote comfort.
PCT importance in a healthcare setting
Sure, doctors and nurses get a lot of attention, but PCTs are super important too.
They’re the ones who are there day in and day out, providing the hands-on care and support that patients need to heal and recover.
They’re the ones who make sure that patients feel seen, heard, and cared for, even in the midst of a busy hospital.
Think about it…when was the last time you thanked a PCT for all that they do?
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These healthcare professionals may not have the same level of training as doctors or nurses, but they’re just as crucial to the healthcare team.
PCTs are the ones who help patients with basic nursing care (the duties of a patient care technician we mentioned before.)
They’re the ones who monitor vital signs, ensuring that patients are stable and healthy.
They’re the ones who help with mobility and positioning, making sure that patients are comfortable and safe.
And all of this is done with a kind and compassionate heart, bringing comfort to patients during difficult times.
But the impact of PCTs goes beyond just physical care….
They also provide emotional support to patients and their families, helping to ease the stress and anxiety that often comes with a hospital stay.
They listen to patients’ concerns, offer reassurance, and provide a friendly face when patients are feeling scared or alone.
And in many cases — they become a source of comfort and support for patients and their families throughout the care journey.
To wrap it up!
Since they are that important to a healthcare setting, the demand for patient care technicians is high.
This is particularly true for hospitals and kidney care centers, where they can take on routine medical tasks and free up RNs to focus on higher-level duties.
Working alongside experienced healthcare professionals can help PCTs gain valuable insight and clarity about their career aspirations.
It’s not uncommon for a PCT to decide to continue their nursing training by completing a PCT to LPN training program.
But…overall, the career path these healthcare workers offers both personal and professional growth opportunities and serves as a rewarding entry point into the healthcare field.
