Patient Care Technician

PCTs provide hands-on care under nursing supervision.

• Assist with ADLs (activities of daily living): bathing, feeding, mobility.
• Measure and record vital signs.
• Provide comfort, positioning, and emotional support.
• Report changes in patient condition promptly.

PCTs follow rules that keep patients and staff safe.

• Work within scope of practice and protect patient rights.
• Follow HIPAA and maintain confidentiality.
• Use proper body mechanics and safety protocols.
• Document accurately and communicate professionally.

Preventing infection is central to patient care.

• Follow the chain of infection and break it with hand hygiene.
• Use standard precautions and PPE.
• Practice proper isolation and disinfection techniques.
• Follow bloodborne pathogen standards.

PCTs may collect blood specimens.

• Perform venipuncture using correct technique and tubes.
• Verify patient identity and label specimens correctly.
• Follow the order of draw and safety precautions.
• Handle and transport specimens properly.

PCTs perform electrocardiograms to record heart activity.

• Correctly place the 12 leads on the patient.
• Recognize a normal sinus rhythm and basic abnormalities.
• Ensure a clean tracing free of artifact.
• Report dangerous rhythms immediately.