What should a patient care technician do with a patient's valuables after the patient has died?

After a patient has died, the primary responsibility of a patient care technician regarding the patient's valuables is to ensure their security. This includes taking appropriate measures to safeguard any items of value the deceased may have had with them. The correct action of securing the valuables helps to prevent loss or theft and respects the dignity of the patient.

While returning valuables to the family, disposing of them according to hospital policy, or documenting them in the patient’s chart can all be relevant actions in specific circumstances, the immediate priority is to secure the possessions safely. Proper protocols usually include making sure valuables are locked up or otherwise protected until they can be handled appropriately according to hospital procedures and family wishes.