Hire Patient Care Technicians
For patients admitted to hospitals and other healthcare facilities, facing health problems can be a stressful experience. From health checks, laboratory tests, exams, and surgeries, the hours can be tedious and tiring. Patient care technicians are members of the healthcare team who engage with patients directly. They assist with their daily needs and coordinate with nurses and doctors about the patient’s response and progress.
Before hiring a patient care technician, find out about the hospital or healthcare facility’s requirements. As a patient care technician’s responsibilities may vary from state to state, it is best to determine what the guidelines are for the state where the facility is. Patient care technicians work in different settings like hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.
A job description allows you to introduce your organization to candidates. Make the posting appealing by writing an accurate description that will answer questions candidates will have about the job. What are the specific duties of a patient care technician in your facility? Will there be on-the-job training provided? What benefits are available? Do they take effect on the first day of work? A hiring manager must think like a candidate to write a great job description.
Posting job announcements on hiring platforms, healthcare groups, and in community groups. Announce the job vacancy on your facility’s website and social media platforms. Your ideal patient care technician candidate may already be in your network.
Patient Care Technician Responsibilities
Patient care technicians directly care for patients during their hospital stay. Their primary responsibility is to help patients with their daily living tasks. These activities include eating, using the bathroom, bathing, and grooming. Patient care technicians ensure that patient rooms are clean and tidy, with essential items within the patient’s reach. Additionally, patient care technicians are responsible for obtaining vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate) and other pertinent health information. They can also get samples and specimens from the patient for testing if needed. Similarly, they monitor the patient’s input and output and eating patterns. In the case of any variations or changes in the patient’s usual measurement or behavior, a patient care technician informs the nurse right away.
Patient care technicians also assist nurses and doctors in administering treatments and procedures. Should a patient need to be transported to a different part of the hospital for an exam, the patient care technician organizes the transfer. Documenting vital signs, data, and other observations is another responsibility of a patient care technician. They must be proficient in the hospital’s computer software to avoid any errors in recording. Patient care technicians frequently coordinate with nurses, doctors, and other members of the health team. They also support the patients and their families by listening to their concerns, answering their questions, and giving them accurate information.
Patient Care Technician skills and qualifications
Candidates for the role must have a high school diploma or GED and must have completed a training program to become a patient care technician. Certification for the same role is required. As daily patient care is involved, an ideal candidate is patient, helpful, and compassionate. Excellent written and verbal communication skills will come in handy as patient care technicians work as part of a larger healthcare team. Certification in CPR is ideal as well as a good grasp of health and safety standards. Lastly, candidates must be willing to work in shifts, on weekends, and holidays.
