Patient Care Technician skills for your resume and career

Patients are individuals who receive medical care and attention. Patient care technicians interact with patients daily, managing their medical records, assisting with daily living activities, and monitoring vital signs. They also schedule appointments, administer medications, and provide emotional support. As Shelly Wells Ph.D., Chair and Professor of Nursing at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, puts it, "New nurses must be good listeners, critical thinkers, effective communicators, and problem-solvers to advocate for their patients, profession, and themselves."

Vital signs are measurements of the body's basic functions, such as pulse, breathing rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Patient care technicians use vital signs to monitor patients' health. They record accurate and timely information about vital signs, which helps doctors and nurses make decisions about treatment. They also use vital signs to identify any irregularities or changes in a patient's condition. For example, they might check a patient's blood sugar levels and report any changes to the doctor.

Phlebotomy is the practice of drawing blood from a patient for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Patient care technicians use phlebotomy to collect blood samples for laboratory testing. They follow hospital policies and procedures to perform this task. This can include inserting peripheral intravenous lines and centrifuging blood. They also deliver the specimens to the lab for analysis.

CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is a lifesaving technique used to restore blood circulation and breathing in a person who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped functioning. Patient care technicians use CPR to respond to emergency situations, such as cardiac or pulmonary arrest. They may initiate basic CPR measures, including breathing for the patient and chest compressions, until medical professionals arrive and take over. They also maintain CPR certification through training and continuing education courses.

Direct patient care is the hands-on support and treatment provided to patients by healthcare professionals. Patient care technicians use direct patient care by assisting with activities like vital signs, wound care, and personal care. They also support nursing staff with tasks like admissions and discharges. This care is often provided under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Patient care technicians use blood pressure by monitoring and recording it during dialysis therapy, treatments, and examinations. They also use it to assess patients and set up machines for treatment. This is done using manual or electronic blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, scales, and thermometers.

Direct supervision is the act of overseeing someone or something directly. Patient care technicians use direct supervision when they perform assigned patient care duties and assist licensed nursing staff. They work under the direct supervision of a Patient Care Manager, therapists, or registered nurses. This supervision involves conducting maintenance therapy programs, providing direct patient care, and performing basic functions as a nurse's assistant.

Patient rooms are the areas where patients stay and receive treatment in a hospital or healthcare facility. Patient care technicians use patient rooms to maintain a safe and clean environment, prepare and set up supplies, assist in routine upkeep, and restock personal hygiene items. They also use patient rooms to take vital signs, assist nurses, and transport patients as needed.

Patient treatment is the care and therapy given to a patient. Patient care technicians use patient treatment by initiating and terminating it according to physician orders, documenting information related to the treatment, and monitoring patients during the process. They also assist other medical professionals with complicated treatment procedures and maintain lab specimens for collections.

An EKG, or electrocardiogram, is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. Patient care technicians use EKGs to help doctors diagnose heart problems. They operate EKG machines, perform the tests, and analyze the information. They also deliver the results to cardiologists for final interpretation. In addition, they use EKGs to respond to critical cardiac emergencies and monitor vital signs.

Medical equipment is any device or tool used to help diagnose, monitor, or treat patients. Patient care technicians use medical equipment in many ways. They set up, operate, and maintain it effectively. They also clean and sanitize the equipment, transport patient specimens to clinical laboratories, and stock general emergency room supplies. They even perform basic maintenance and repairs to ensure the equipment is working properly.

Patient care is the process of providing support and assistance to patients in their daily activities. Patient care technicians use patient care by providing high-quality support in surgical, acute-care, and rehabilitation settings. They also manage supplies, document patient care, and assist physicians during medical examinations. They provide total patient care while incorporating patient safety.

A catheter is a thin tube inserted into a patient's body to drain fluids, deliver medication, or monitor vital signs. Patient care technicians use catheters to collect urine specimens, perform catheter care, insert or remove them, and assist with patient discharge. They also use catheters to monitor intake and output, apply sterile and non-sterile dressings, and help with wound treatments.

Home health involves providing medical care or assistance to patients in their own homes. Patient care technicians use home health by providing compassionate and professional care, helping with daily activities, and assisting with medication. They also coordinate patient schedules, educate patients on basic home health care, and even supervise home health aides.