Chapter 1 Role of Patient Care Tech

Chapter 1: The Role of the Patient Care Technician

Key Tasks of a Patient Care Technician

• Assisting with Patient Admission

  • Preparing patient room before arrival.

• Personal Care

  • Assisting patients with bathing, grooming, and elimination.

• Vital Signs Measurement

  • Taking temperature, pulse rates, respiratory rates, and blood pressure.

• Patient Transfers

  • Moving patients from bed to gurney and vice versa.

• Exercises and Mobility

  • Assisting with range of motion exercises and ambulation.

• Specimen Collection

  • Aiding in timed tests like 24-hour urine tests.

• Blood Work

  • Drawing blood.

• Point-of-Care Testing

  • Performing tests that can be done at the patient’s bedside.

• Cardiac Monitoring

  • Conducting EKGs and setting up cardiac monitors.

• Surgery Preparation

  • Assisting patients before and after surgical procedures.

• Room Maintenance

  • Making beds and changing linens.

• Supplies Management

  • Caring for medical supplies and equipment.

Healthcare Settings for Patient Care Technicians

• Long-term care (LTC)

• Assisted living facilities

• Home health care

• Traditional hospitals

• Specialty hospitals

• Inpatient mental health facilities

• Rehabilitation centers

Important Terms to Understand

• Long-term care (LTC): Care provided to those needing 24-hour skilled care.

• Point-of-care tests: Tests done at the bedside, e.g., fingerstick blood glucose testing.

• Liability: Legal term implying responsibility for harm caused to another individual.

Healthcare Team Members

• Importance of collaboration among care team is critical.

• Each team member plays a role in providing patient-centered care.

Working as a Patient Care Technician

• Always adhere to the chain of command.

• Understand the scope of practice.

Texas Government on PCT Programs

• Patient Care Technician role includes assisting with daily living activities (bathing, eating, dressing, walking).

• PCTs interact closely with nurses and other medical staff, playing a vital part in the healthcare team.

• Domains and competencies for PCT exams include:

  • Direct patient care

  • Phlebotomy

  • EKG/ECG procedures

  • Safety and infection control

• Employers should select an exam provider aligned with regional needs.

Understanding Delegation and Scope of Practice

• Clarify who can delegate tasks to PCTs and what tasks can be delegated.

Professional Behavior in Healthcare

• Reflection on personal experiences in healthcare settings:

  • Examples of professional behavior observed and personal encounters with unprofessionalism.

Professionalism Defined

• Professional Behavior: Conduct related to job responsibilities.

• Personal Behavior: Relating to one's life outside work.

• Professionalism: Appropriate behavior in a work setting.

• Policy: Established courses of action for specific situations.

• Confidentiality: Maintaining privacy of patient information.

• Procedure: Specified methods for tasks.

Qualities of a Professional PCT

• Compassionate: Caring and empathetic nature.

• Empathy: Understanding others' feelings.

• Sympathy: Sharing the feelings of others.

• Tactful: Sensitivity in dealing with others.

• Conscientious: Committed to doing one’s best.

• Dependable: Reliability and timeliness.

• Organized: Effective time management and planning.

• Respectful: Valuing individuality and treating others well.

• Unprejudiced: Providing equal care to all, regardless of their background.

• Proactive: Anticipating needs and potential issues.

• Honest: Integrity in work conduct.

Building Professional Relationships with Patients

• Patient-Centered Care Practices:

  • Upholding a positive attitude and confidentiality.

  • Performing assigned tasks without overstepping.

  • Engaging with patients respectfully, using their proper names.

  • Maintaining professionalism in communication and actions.

Professional Relationships with Employers

• Focus on efficiency and policy adherence.

• Importance of clear documentation and communication.

• Participating in staff development and maintaining a positive presence.

Inspiring Confidence in Patients

• Importance of personal hygiene and grooming:

  • Daily bathing, oral hygiene, and neat hair.

  • Appropriate dress and shoe attire to convey professionalism.

  • Limited personal decorations and accessories in the workplace.

Goals of Appropriate Dress and Grooming

• Project a positive and confident image to enhance patient interactions.

• Nonverbal cues play a significant role alongside verbal communication.

• Respect and compliance with facility grooming policies is crucial.

NHA Requirements for PCT Certification

• High school diploma required upon program completion.

• Certifications in Phlebotomy and EKG may be necessary.

• Successful completion of classes and required clinical skills.

• Passing a national certification exam for PCT.

Certification Process for PCT

• Continuing Education (CE):

  • Ongoing educational efforts to stay updated in healthcare practices.