ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Patient Observation Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

UnityPoint Health

Patient Observation Technician

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Overview UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital Patient Observation Technician Full-Time Benefits: .90 FTE; 7pm-7:30am; holiday rotation The Patient Observation Technician provides patient monitoring ...

UnityPoint Health

PCT - Observation Unit

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Patient Care * FTE/Hours per pay period: 0.9 * Department: Other - Central Monitor- Logan * Shift: 72/7p-7:30a * Job ID: 184623 Overview UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital Patient Observation ...

UnityPoint Health

PCT - Observation Unit

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Patient Care * FTE/Hours per pay period: 0.4 * Department: Telesitter Monitoring * Shift: Nights ... This role is accomplished through observation via camera, typically on site in the hospital. Why ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPatient Observation JobsPatient Observation Jobs in Iowa

Patient Observation information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$15

$19

How much do patient observation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observation in Iowa is $15.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $16.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Patient Observation Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patient Observation Technician, you need attention to detail, basic patient care knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hospital safety protocols, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and basic monitoring equipment is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring patient safety, accurately reporting changes, and supporting clinical teams in delivering quality care.

What are Patient Observation jobs?

Patient Observation jobs involve monitoring patients in healthcare settings to ensure their safety and well-being. Individuals in these roles, often called patient sitters or observers, watch over patients who may be at risk of harming themselves or others, or who require close supervision for medical reasons. They report any changes in a patient's condition to nursing staff and may assist with basic non-medical tasks. Patient observers play a crucial role in preventing falls, injuries, and other incidents within hospitals and care facilities.

Is patient experience a good career?

Patient observation is a vital role in healthcare, involving monitoring patients' conditions and reporting changes to medical staff. It offers opportunities for entry-level employment, requires attention to detail, and often involves shift work in hospitals or clinics. The career can lead to advancement into nursing or healthcare support roles with additional training and certifications.

What does a patient observer do?

A patient observer monitors patients who are at risk of harming themselves or others, often in mental health or hospital settings. They observe patients continuously, document behaviors, and alert medical staff to any concerning changes, requiring attention to detail and sometimes specialized training. The role typically involves working in shifts and maintaining patient safety and well-being.

Is patient sitting a stressful job?

Patient observation is generally a low-stress job that involves monitoring patients' conditions, often in healthcare settings like hospitals or clinics. However, it can be physically demanding and requires alertness, attention to detail, and sometimes dealing with distressed or uncooperative patients, which may contribute to stress levels for some individuals.

What is the difference between Patient Observation vs Patient Care Assistant?

AspectPatient ObservationPatient Care Assistant
CertificationsBasic training, CPR certificationCPR, First Aid, sometimes CNA certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, long-term care facilitiesHospitals, nursing homes, assisted living
Job ResponsibilitiesMonitoring patient vitals, reporting changesAssisting with daily activities, basic care
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare facilities focusing on patient safetyDirect patient support and care

Patient Observation focuses on monitoring patients' health status and reporting changes, often requiring basic certifications. Patient Care Assistants provide hands-on support with daily activities and basic care tasks. While both roles work in healthcare settings, Patient Observation emphasizes monitoring, whereas Patient Care Assistants are involved in direct patient care.

What are some common challenges faced by Patient Observation staff, and how can they be managed?

Patient Observation staff often encounter challenges such as maintaining constant vigilance, managing unpredictable patient behaviors, and balancing the need for patient safety with respecting privacy. These challenges can be managed by receiving thorough training in de-escalation techniques, using clear communication with the healthcare team, and practicing self-care to prevent fatigue. Working closely with nurses and other clinical staff also helps address concerns quickly and ensures the best care for patients.

What is the most chill healthcare job?

Patient observation roles are often considered among the most relaxed healthcare jobs, involving monitoring patients' conditions with minimal physical activity. These positions typically require attention to detail and communication skills but usually have predictable schedules and lower physical demands compared to other healthcare roles.
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Patient Observation jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Patient Observation job openings:
Patient Observation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Observation job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,652 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Patient Observation Technician

UnityPoint Health

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital
Patient Observation Technician
Full-Time Benefits: .90 FTE; 7pm-7:30am; holiday rotation
The Patient Observation Technician provides patient monitoring services through the central monitoring center in order to provide a safe environment for patients.
Why UnityPoint Health?
At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We're proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.
Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you're in. Here are just a few:
  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.
And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.
Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.
Responsibilities
  • Demonstrates understanding and proficiency of the use of the patient monitoring software while functioning as a remote monitoring technician. Maintains visual observation at all times. Verbally redirects patient over digital 2-way audio device that is in patient room
  • Provides 1:1 direct observation to assigned patient to prevent patient self- injury in situation where patient/family is unable to do so.
  • Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide the appropriate care to a patient population based on the patients individualized treatment plan as delegated by the RN.
  • Accesses assigned nursing/nursing support staff on assigned area immediately in case of emergency, or as needed to provide patient care on routine basis.
  • Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others.
  • Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patients when arriving on unit/work area and upon completion of shift assignment.
  • Coordinates meal and break times with team and informs appropriate team members prior to leaving monitoring station for any reason to ensure constant patient observation.
  • Participates in a collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues.
  • Seeks assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room and reports findings to Charge Nurse.
  • Demonstrates safe work practices and attitudes, follows safety rules, works to prevent unsafe conditions and behaviors, and participates in organizational and department safety programs.
  • Demonstrates initiative to improve quality and customer service.
  • Balances team and individual responsibilities, objective and open to other's views, gives and welcomes feedback, contributes to positive team goals, puts success of team above own interest.

Qualifications
  • High School graduate or GED.
  • Familiarity with healthcare environment preferred.
  • Basic computer skills required Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
  • Multicultural sensitivity.
  • Microsoft Office - basic computer skills.
  • Customer/patient focused.
  • Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.

What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

UnityPoint Health logo

About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995

View All UnityPoint Health Jobs

Apply