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Patient Observer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

ScionHealth

Patient Care Technician - Nights 7p

Andalusia, AL · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

Job Summary Performs patient observation, documents patient care and response to care and communicates significant information to the registered nurse and other appropriate team members. Essential ...

Avanta Care

Home Health Aide (HHA)

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Perform patient observation to monitor changes in health status and report any concerns to healthcare providers. * Offer companionship and engage clients in meaningful activities to promote mental ...

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Patient Observer information

See Alabama salary details

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How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in Alabama is $15.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $16.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 does a patient observer 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 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.

More about Patient Observer jobs

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What cities in Alabama are hiring for Patient Observer jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Patient Observer job openings:

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For Patient Observer jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Patient Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,509 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Patient Safety Companion

DCH Health System

Tuscaloosa, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

DCH Health System rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview

Patient Safety Assistant provides continuous observation and surveillance of assigned patients. First line of action is to verbally redirect the patient from engaging in at safety risk behaviors. Summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance. Demonstrates knowledge in the software and equipment and has the ability to ensure equipment is working properly. Rounds on patients who are video monitored.

Responsibilities
  • Demonstrates understanding and proficiency in the use of AvaSys Telesitter continuous video monitoring equipment and software.
  • Maintains visual observation of assigned patients at all times.
  • Verbally redirect patients over digital 2-way audio device that is in the patient room.
  • Immediately summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance.
  • Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide the appropriate care to this patient population based on the patient's individualized plan.
  • Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patients when placing on the AvaSys Telesitter continuous video monitor.
  • Provides patient/family education on use of video monitoring system as necessary.
  • Escalates to Administrative Supervisor immediately if patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others. Participates in a collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues.
  • Demonstrates ability to set-up and maintain proper function of equipment and software.
  • Performs basic computer and Microsoft Windows skills.
  • Demonstrates efficiency and ability to prioritize simultaneous situations.
  • Performs continuous video monitoring of up to 10 patients on one screen at one time remaining alert at all times while on duty.
  • Accurately documents care provided according to policies and procedures.
  • Performs initial and annual competency per job class. Specific ages: adolescent, adult, and geriatric.
  • Applies safety principles and proper body mechanics to the performance of specific techniques of personal and supportive care, such as ambulation of patients, transferring patients, assisting with normal range of motion and positioning.
  • Participates in economical utilization of supplies and ensures that equipment and nursing units are maintained in a clean, safe manner.

    • DCH Standards:

    • Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
    • Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
    • Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
    • Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
    • Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
    • All other duties as assigned.
    Qualifications

    High School diploma or equivalent preferred. Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English. American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider required within 30 days of employment in Patient Safety Companion role. Previous patient care experience preferred. Must have basic computer skills to support the use of electronic medical record, e- mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet. Reliable transportation to support assignment between two facilities.

     

    WORKING CONDITIONS

     

    WORK CONTEXT

    • Communicate with different personalities and engage in face to face discussion
    • Dealing with unpleasant or physically aggressive personalities
    • Must be able to deal with conflict
    • Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately
    • Must be able to receive delegation
    • Must be able to work in groups
    • Must be able to perform structured and unstructured work
    • Must be meet time pressure and time lines
    • Must be able to perform in exact and accurate manner
    • Must be able to use electronic mail, telephone and texting
    • Includes possible exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazardous materials and/or cleaning solutions
    • Requires wearing of common protective and safety equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, mask, gowns, etc.

    PHYSICAL FACTORS

    • Medium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must be able to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking
    • Must be able to reach reasonable distances in any direction
    • Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, bend, sit, stoop and lift
    • Must be able to run in an emergency
    • Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner and must be able to feel and perceive temperature, texture, shape and size with fingertips
    • Must be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation
    • Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range
    • Must possess stamina to work 12-hour shift
    • Physical presence onsite is essential
    • Must be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
    • Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.
    • Physical presence onsite is essential.
    Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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