Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals rely on patient care technicians/assistants to assist with the critical day-to-day care of patients.
PCTs are required to observe, record and report temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiration rates, a patient’s physical, mental and emotional condition.
A patient care technician must also be able to perform electrocardiograms (EKGs), collect blood samples (phlebotomy) and perform other clinical duties.
The routine tasks of a PCT include:
- responding to patient calls and requests for assistance.
- bathing and dressing patients.
- assisting with personal hygiene.
- serving meals.
- monitoring/recording vital signs.