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Landry
Student
Midland, Texas
2
Questions
Asked
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I was looking at entry-level jobs in healthcare the other day and saw PCT’s. There were a few different areas to work in, for example oncology and rehab. I was just wondering if different PCT’s focus on a certain scope of practice, or if they’re really all the same but just have different names.?
I’m a senior with a 4.0 GPA just looking to get a jumpstart on my career.
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1 answer
Atri Bhatt
Worker's Compensation Nurse Medical Case Manager
8
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Atri’s Answer
Hi Landry!
So PCT's essentially have a Certified Nursing Assistant license, unless you're in nursing school then you can work in a PCT role without having a license. So PCT's do what CNA's do. They focus on patient care such as assisting with activities of daily living which include dressing, showering, grooming, bathing, perineal care, etc. They also do vitals, report to the nurse any changes with the patient if they see any, and assist nurses with procedures. Essentially your scope of practice is foundational for nursing but you are not licensed to administer medications, offer medical advice, develop treatment plans. Per the unit you work on, such as oncology as I was an oncology RN, you may have certain different unit policies and procedures such as hygiene policies as oncology patients are immune compromised. Other than that, there aren't too many different job duties or "scope of practice". Hope this helps!
So PCT's essentially have a Certified Nursing Assistant license, unless you're in nursing school then you can work in a PCT role without having a license. So PCT's do what CNA's do. They focus on patient care such as assisting with activities of daily living which include dressing, showering, grooming, bathing, perineal care, etc. They also do vitals, report to the nurse any changes with the patient if they see any, and assist nurses with procedures. Essentially your scope of practice is foundational for nursing but you are not licensed to administer medications, offer medical advice, develop treatment plans. Per the unit you work on, such as oncology as I was an oncology RN, you may have certain different unit policies and procedures such as hygiene policies as oncology patients are immune compromised. Other than that, there aren't too many different job duties or "scope of practice". Hope this helps!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Landry