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Patient Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VPNE

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Patient Observer

Lebanon, NH · On-site

$20/hr

Position Summary The role of the Patient Care Support (PCS) Companion (Patient Observer) is to provide constant safety observation of a patient identified to be at risk for causing unintentional or ...

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VPNE

Patient Observer

Lebanon, NH · On-site

Position Summary The role of the Patient Observer is to provide constant safety observation of a patient identified to be at risk for causing unintentional or intentional injury to oneself or ...

VPNE

Patient Observer

Lebanon, NH · On-site

Position Summary The role of the Patient Observer is to provide constant safety observation of a patient identified to be at risk for causing unintentional or intentional injury to oneself or ...

VPNE

Patient Observer

Lebanon, NH · On-site

Position Summary The role of the Patient Observer is to provide constant safety observation of a patient identified to be at risk for causing unintentional or intentional injury to oneself or ...

VPNE

Patient Observer

Lebanon, NH · On-site

$20/hr

Position Summary The role of the Patient Observer is to provide constant safety observation of a patient identified to be at risk for causing unintentional or intentional injury to oneself or ...

VPNE

Patient Observer

Lebanon, NH · On-site

Position Summary The role of the Patient Observer is to provide constant safety observation of a patient identified to be at risk for causing unintentional or intentional injury to oneself or ...

Waterbury Hospital

Patient Observer

Waterbury, CT · On-site

The Patient Observer provides continuous bedside monitoring and observation for assigned high risk patients to ensure safety and prevention of injury. The Patient Observer must react quickly to ...

Waterbury Hospital

Patient Observer

Waterbury, CT · On-site

The Patient Observer provides continuous bedside monitoring and observation for assigned high risk patients to ensure safety and prevention of injury. The Patient Observer must react quickly to ...

VPNE Parking Solutions

Patient Observer

New Haven, CT · On-site

Patient Observer Position Working collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team, the Patient Observer works under the direction of a Registered Nurse, participating in carrying ...

Waterbury Hospital

Patient Observer

Waterbury, CT · On-site

The Patient Observer provides continuous bedside monitoring and observation for assigned high risk patients to ensure safety and prevention of injury. The Patient Observer must react quickly to ...

Prisma Health

Patient Observer

Easley, SC

Job Summary Assumes responsibility for constant observation and ensures patient's safety while actively preventing self-harm or harm to others. Assists with meeting limited patient needs under the ...

Waterbury Hospital

Patient Observer

Waterbury, CT

The Patient Observer provides continuous bedside monitoring and observation for assigned high risk patients to ensure safety and prevention of injury. The Patient Observer must react quickly to ...

Waterbury Hospital

Patient Observer

Waterbury, CT · On-site

The Patient Observer provides continuous bedside monitoring and observation for assigned high risk patients to ensure safety and prevention of injury. The Patient Observer must react quickly to ...

Prisma Health

Patient Observer

Easley, SC · On-site

Job Summary Assumes responsibility for constant observation and ensures patient's safety while actively preventing self-harm or harm to others. Assists with meeting limited patient needs under the ...

Sanford Health

Patient Observer

Bismarck, ND · On-site

No Department Details We are seeking a reliable and attentive Patient Observer to provide continuous monitoring and support for patients requiring close supervision. This role is critical in ...

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Patient Observer information

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$11

$16

$20

How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in the United States is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectPatient ObserverPatient Care Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training providedHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification may be preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, psychiatric facilities, or clinics; monitoring patientsHospitals, nursing homes, or clinics; assisting with daily patient needs
Job DutiesMonitoring patients for safety, reporting changesAssisting with hygiene, mobility, and basic care
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare facilities focusing on patient safetyLong-term care, hospitals, outpatient clinics

While both roles involve patient monitoring, a Patient Observer primarily focuses on safety and supervision without providing direct care, whereas a Patient Care Assistant offers hands-on support with daily activities. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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

To thrive as a Patient Observer, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic healthcare knowledge, and strong observational skills. Familiarity with hospital safety protocols, patient monitoring systems, and documentation tools is often required. Attention to detail, patience, and effective communication make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for ensuring patient safety, timely intervention, and accurate reporting in healthcare environments.

What are patient observers and what do they do?

Patient observers, also known as patient sitters or safety attendants, are healthcare workers responsible for closely monitoring patients who may be at risk of harming themselves or others, such as those with confusion, suicidal tendencies, or fall risks. Their primary role is to ensure patient safety by staying in the room, observing the patient’s behavior, and alerting medical staff if immediate assistance is needed. Patient observers do not provide medical care but play a critical role in maintaining a safe hospital environment, supporting nursing staff, and helping prevent incidents.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Patient Observer, and how can they be effectively managed?

Patient Observers often encounter challenges such as managing patients with unpredictable or aggressive behaviors, maintaining constant vigilance during long shifts, and balancing empathy with professional boundaries. Effective management involves staying alert, practicing strong communication skills with both patients and healthcare staff, and following established safety protocols. Regular training, support from the healthcare team, and self-care strategies are essential for handling the emotional and physical demands of the role.

What Is a Patient Observer?

A patient observer is a health care worker who observes or sits with a patient who needs specialized attention or monitoring. Patient observer duties are to ensure that the patient does not injure themselves and to quickly respond to patient care needs. In a hospital setting, the patient observer may sit with patients who are suicidal, disoriented, combative, or who can cause self-harm by pulling attached medical devices or leaving their beds. They will also care for patients who need assistance sitting up, moving, or performing simple tasks. Many patient observers have prior experience working in health care.

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Patient Observer jobs near you
Patient Observer

Patient Observer

VPNE

Lebanon, NH • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

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VPNE rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 12 rated car parking

Job description

Position Summary

The role of the Patient Care Support (PCS) Companion (Patient Observer) is to provide constant safety observation of a patient identified to be at risk for causing unintentional or intentional injury to oneself or interfering with his/her/their care.  Patients requiring a Care Companion (formerly called a sitter) could be confused, experiencing symptoms of drug/alcohol withdrawal, at a high risk for falling or at risk for elopement.

Responsibilities

The Patient Observer functions under the direction of VPNE in conjunction with the unit and clinical team overseeing the patient’s stay. The Patient Observer/Companion is responsible for the care of the patient and in accordance with the individualized needs of the patient. Nursing care is provided to the patient by nursing staff.

  • Performs patient observation as assigned
  • Documents patients behavior using the appropriate form/tool
  • Obtains appropriate information at the start of the shift in regard to care from Registered Nurse
  • Patient conversation guidelines should be adhered to
  • Monitors the safety of the patient and maintains safe environment as directed by the registered nurse for ex: maintains safety position in room when appropriate. (i.e., back to door) and keeps patients in sight at all times.
  • Monitors patient for escalating behavior.
  • Accompanies the patient to the bathroom and testing as needed.
  • Demonstrates proficiency with the use of bed alarms.
  • Patient's clothing and belongings will be placed in the patient’s closet away from the patient.
  • Demonstrates the skills and judgment necessary to provide direct care to patients under the direct supervision of licensed personnel.
  • Observes and reports patient's status and needs to nurse.
  • Remains on duty until relieved by oncoming coverage or Nurse discontinues coverage.

The Care Companion/Observer may be assigned to watch patients that are at risk for suicide.

A successful Care Companion/Patient Observer will have the following qualifications:

Years of Experience: Entry Level

Language Skills: Proficient in English both verbally and written

Experience: Previous service industry experience preferred along with the ability to perform:

  • Safeguarding
    • Safeguard the privacy and security of patient information. The team member complies will policies and procedures relating to VPNE and the hospital’s privacy and security programs.
    • Bring potential compliance issues to a manager, supervisor, director or VP.
  • Patient and Family Centered Care
    • Convey respect for values, preferences, and expressed needs of the patient and family.
    • Communicate and collaborate effectively with patients, families to promote patient health and well-being.
  • Culture
    • Consider the individual needs of each person with whom they interact.
    • Interact with sensitivity in the delivery of care/services of diverse populations as needed.
    • Report to work in proper uniform as per departmental standards and/or hospital policy.
    • All Clinical Patient Support team members will maintain a professional, courteous attitude toward patient, co–workers and all departments daily.
  • Safety Awareness
    • Foster a “Culture of Safety” through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.
    • Demonstrate proper body mechanics in all functions.
    • Understand individual role/responsibilities in the event of a hospital code. (e.g., Code Green, Code Red)
    • Perform proper handwashing per CDC guidelines.
    • Utilize appropriate communication to relay any identified patient or staff safety risks.
    • Report patient status to incoming staff in respectful, professional manner

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