What is a PCT allowed to do on a PEDS unit?

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 7, 2014

This is really going to be facility dependent. Some facilities allow PCTs to do more than others. In some facilities, PCTs are only allowed to do things such as stocking and cleaning (interviewed for a PCT position in L&D that was exactly that, no patient interactions at all). Others will allow PCTs with training to do invasive skills. Not sure about my facility's peds department, but PCTs in ICU and the ER are allowed to do lab draws. Once upon a time, they were also allowed to insert foleys (since taken away due to CAUTIs). The best place to get the answer is from the facility where you are applying.

dreamer30 · Dec 7, 2014

This is really going to be facility dependent. Some facilities allow PCTs to do more than others. In some facilities, PCTs are only allowed to do things such as stocking and cleaning (interviewed for a PCT position in L&D that was exactly that, no patient interactions at all). Others will allow PCTs with training to do invasive skills. Not sure about my facility's peds department, but PCTs in ICU and the ER are allowed to do lab draws. Once upon a time, they were also allowed to insert foleys (since taken away due to CAUTIs). The best place to get the answer is from the facility where you are applying.

Thank you! I hope its not stocking and i get to do some things.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Dec 8, 2014

It depends. I have been able to do straight cath ekgs, and straight stick for blood in the ER but other places they only let them straight stick if they were a phleb or at least an EMT-I. Also, in many states a PCT is not a regulated position. In my state, it's not regulated. See if HR can provide you with an office job description.

runnerdoug87 · Dec 11, 2014

I know a few hospitals here only hire PCA/PCT or Paramedic. Our state it is regulated I think don't quote me on his some of the hospitals can let the Medic who is a tech in scope of practice start a line but that is only in the ER.

The PCAS are trained in phlebotomy, EKG, and a few other advanced skills. For the PEDS not sure about the NICU know PCAs and Medics can wirk there. Also have to have ALS and PALS certification in addition to CPR and all that fun stuff.

I remember a lot of aging PCAS at my previous hospital wanted to work in the ICU. Stating minimal lifting and toileting was bathing the patient. You were trained to watch the monitor for any changes alert the Nurse's.

dreamer30 · Dec 11, 2014

I ended up getting the job! The nurses do labs but I can do anything else! Im super excited!

NewGrad2015 · Jan 9, 2015

I am currently a PCT on the floor I was a nurse extern this summer (Cardiac Step Down Unit, pediatric hospital). Some of my responsibilities include vitals, administer feeds (PO and tube), assist with procedures (and sometimes get to just watch the more complicated ones), and accompany kids to imaging studies. Depending on the nurses that I am working with, they'll work with me to improve my assessment skills, which is awesome. Last (and definitely not least), sometimes I just get to play with the kids.

MommaTy · Jan 14, 2015

Depends :) I work as a PCT on a pediatric unit. I am allowed to do patient care, vitals, charting for intake and output, empty jp drains, ostomies, check blood sugars, bladder scan, collect urine, stool, sputum samples, feed and change babies, put babies/children on monitors for resp, hr, and oxygen. It depends on the place where you work. When flex PCTs come to our unit the do everything we do. Again it depends on your hospital. You may just have to ask the unit.