With the advancements in technology, we have started looking for everything online. Consequently, job hunting has become easier with the help of the Internet and online job portals. However, as a travel patient care technician, choosing assignments carefully is one of the most important things to ensure career security.
It’s certainly true that different people have different priorities. Yet some common factors come up repeatedly when traveling patient care technicians are asked what they look for in an assignment.
Let us take a look at these common responses:
Location, Location, Location
One of the best aspects of working as a traveling patient care technician is the opportunity it affords to see more of the world—while being paid to do so. As a result, many people tend to focus on destinations that fit a personal interest.
For example, avid skiers might look to Aspen, Jackson Hole, or Reno in the winter months. Others might be more interested in staying within driving distance of their home bases while meeting the requirements of being considered traveling healthcare professionals. To get jobs in close proximity, you need to ask your recruiters, “What PCT jobs near me are open?”
Pay and Benefits
Most of us want to maximize the return we get on our time investments. It can dovetail with the location factor. Some pay more than others, owing to the local cost of living. Conversely, the most desirable or exotic locations may pay less because they can take their pick of patient care technicianapplicants. When pay is a prominent factor in your decision-making, keeping these elements in mind will ensure your compensation matches your expectations.
Did you notice we used the word compensation there? That’s because there’s more than just the money. You will also get bonuses and other benefits with your patient care technician assignment. These may include referral and retention bonuses from your facility, food, travel, and housing allowances from your agency, and reimbursements for job-related expenses.
Moreover, it is important to consider the availability of health insurance from the agency with which you sign your contract.
Guarantee of Hours
Logic might lead you to believe a facility you’re considering must be short-staffed if they’re hiring traveling professionals. It, in turn, could lead you to the conclusion that hours are guaranteed. However, administrators will sometimes bench traveling professionals in favor of permanent staff when patient counts are low.
With this in mind, some contracts guarantee travelers hours. In contrast, others give the facility the latitude to cancel a set number of shifts over the course of a 13-week assignment. It’s important to sift through the details to know where you’ll fall on that spectrum if you accept an assignment.
Floating Requirements
Being told to serve in a role for which you feel under-equipped can be stressful. Meanwhile, some people are only interested in working in their fields of specialization. If either of those sentences describes you, problems will arise if you accept an assignment in a facility in which indiscriminate floating is expected.
No facility should expect a healthcare professional to work in an area in which they are not trained, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. It’s a good idea to find the floating policy of the facility and whether travelers or perms are expected to float first.
Make the Right Choice!
All patient care technicians must research and select suitable assignments thoroughly. You can prioritize these four factors when the subject of choosing traveling patient care technician assignments comes up. Paying specific attention to the location, pay and benefits, guaranteed hours, and floating requirements will help ensure your job satisfaction potential remains high.
Take the first step towards your patient care technician journey and visit Wanderly. We are offering a transparent marketplace for the healthcare staffing industry. Using blockchain, big data, and machine learning, we aim to bring travel healthcare professionals and agencies together in an ecosystem to foster meaningful connections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is a patient care technician?
A healthcare technician works under the supervision of a nurse, doctor, or other professional to administer basic care to patients. They provide basic care and support to patients, assisting with activities such as bathing, feeding, and monitoring vital signs.
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What is a typical Patient Care Technicians’ salary?
As of Oct 2023, the average hourly pay for a Patient Care Technician in the United States is $18.10 an hour. Please note that salary figures may vary on the basis of factors such as experience, location, and employer.
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Are PCTs in demand?
The outlook is promising, with an anticipated growth rate of eight percent between 2020 and 2030. This demand is driven by the aging population and the increasing need for healthcare services. As a result, pursuing a career as a Patient Care Technician can offer excellent job prospects and opportunities for professional growth.
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Can Patient Care Technicians pursue further education to specialize in advanced healthcare roles?
Yes, Patient Care Technicians can pursue advanced education to specialize in various healthcare roles. Many choose to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs) through further education and certification exams. Additionally, some PCTs opt for specialized training in areas such as phlebotomy, EKG technology, or medical assisting. It opens doors to more specialized and advanced positions within the healthcare industry.