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Patient Observer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Trinity Health

$17.30 - $26.81/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The (3W) Observation/Surg Unit is an exciting fast-paced 21 bed unit located on the 3rd floor of ... Our patient population includes but is not limited to care of the adult patient with a variety of ...

Trinityhealth

$17.30 - $26.81/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The (3W) Observation/Surg Unit is an exciting fast-paced 21 bed unit located on the 3rd floor of ... Our patient population includes but is not limited to care of the adult patient with a variety of ...

Trinityhealth

$17.30 - $26.81/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The (3W) Observation/Surg Unit is an exciting fast-paced 21 bed unit located on the 3rd floor of ... Our patient population includes but is not limited to care of the adult patient with a variety of ...

Trinity Health

$17.30 - $26.81/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The (3W) Observation/Surg Unit is an exciting fast-paced 21 bed unit located on the 3rd floor of ... Our patient population includes but is not limited to care of the adult patient with a variety of ...

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All JobsPatient Observer JobsPatient Observer Jobs in California

Patient Observer information

See California salary details

$11

$16

$20

How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in California is $16.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $17.55 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 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.
More about Patient Observer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Observer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Patient Observer jobs in California are:

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What cities in California are hiring for Patient Observer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Patient Observer job openings:

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Patient Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,309 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

MONITOR OBSERVER/UNIT SECRETARY

CommonSpirit Health

San Luis Obispo, CA

$45K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

CommonSpirit Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 533 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

414th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Founded in 1946, Dignity Health - French Hospital Medical Center is a 112-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in San Luis Obispo, California. Serving over 150,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including heart care, orthopedics, and a family birthing center. Additionally, French Hospital Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. It is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center, and has achieved an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group for every reporting period since 2012.

One Community. One Mission. One California 


As our Monitor Observer/Unit Secretary, you will critically monitor and observe cardiac rhythms for multiple patients, promptly reporting changes.

Every day you will communicate rhythm changes to the RN with escalation until confirmation, maintain telemetry equipment, and ensure accurate box-to-monitor matching. You'll print rhythm strips, demonstrating rhythm analysis competence. As Unit Clerk, you'll exhibit excellent communication with all stakeholders, serving as receptionist, coordinating calls, managing clerical supplies, and cleaning work areas. You are responsible for timely completion of competencies and required training.

To be successful, you will demonstrate exceptional attention to detail in monitoring, strong communication, and efficient multitasking in a dynamic hospital setting. Your dual technical and administrative expertise is essential for seamless operations and patient safety.


Required

  • Basic arrhythmia class with certification for COU/ICCU
  • Basic Life Support - CPR BLS within 90 days

Required

  • Experience

What CommonSpirit Health employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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