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Patient Observer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Under the supervision of the Clinical Manager or Registered Nurse, performs continuous observation of patients designated at risk of injury to self or others. Attention is focused on patient at all ...

Under the supervision of the Clinical Manager or Registered Nurse, performs continuous observation of patients designated at risk of injury to self or others. Attention is focused on patient at all ...

Under the supervision of the Clinical Manager or Registered Nurse, performs continuous observation of patients designated at risk of injury to self or others. Attention is focused on patient at all ...

Patient Care Assistant

Lexington, KY · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

You're diligent about your tasks, observant of patients' conditions improving or declining, and accept coaching well. * Provides direct patient care as delegated by RN staff. * Monitors and records ...

Showing results 41-60

Patient Observer information

See Kentucky salary details

$10

$14

$17

How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in Kentucky is $14.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $15.43 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Observer jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Patient Observer jobs in Kentucky are:
What job categories do people searching Patient Observer jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Patient Observer jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Patient Observer jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Patient Observer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Patient Observer jobs in KY? For Patient Observer jobs in KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,193 per year, or $14.5 per hour.

Patient Safety Companion (PSC) Systemwide Float Pool

St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Florence, KY • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


St. Elizabeth Healthcare rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

641st of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Engage with us for your next career opportunity. Right Here.
Job Type:
Regular
Scheduled Hours:
24
💙 Why You'll Love Working with St. Elizabeth Healthcare
At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, every role supports our mission to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to the communities we serve. For more than 160 years, St. Elizabeth Healthcare has been a trusted provider of quality care across Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. We're guided by our mission to improve the health of the communities we serve and by our values of excellence, integrity, compassion, and teamwork. Our associates are the heart of everything we do.
🌟 Benefits That Support You
We invest in you - personally and professionally.
Enjoy:
- Competitive pay and comprehensive health coverage within the first 30 days.
- Generous paid time off and flexible work schedules
- Retirement savings with employer match
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
- Wellness, mental health, and recognition programs
- Career advancement through mentorship and internal mobility
Job Summary:
St. Elizabeth Healthcare is hiring a Patient Safety Companion for our Systemwide Float Pool.
Shift/Hours: Part-Time, 24 hours/weekly (11:00PM-7:00AM)
Job Description:
The best career starts here.
Patient Safety Companion (PSC) is a member of the System Float Pool (SFP) Nursing team and works under the direction of the Registered Nurse. The PSC understands each patient is unique and treats the patient family members and others with dignity and respect. The PSC will provide constant observation of the patient at risk for suicide, falls, confusion, and or combativeness.
Works under the direct supervision of the RN for the assigned patient. PSR will provide constant observation of the patient at risk for suicide, falls, confusion, and or combativeness. Acts within all policies. Will keep patient safe until the nursing staff arrives in the event of escalation. Does not discuss patient care with anyone including family. Will be responsible to go to testing with the patient for observation needs. Must stay awake always and ensure confidentiality of patient information. Understands layout of the unit for emergency needs.
Continually observes patient behavior, mental status and activities. Notifies RN of any changes or unusual occurrences. Demonstrates ability to identify patient behaviors that require intervention. Responsible for one to one observation of high-risk patients as assigned. Must maintain positive patient communication.
Is knowledgeable about care and treatment of patients of different ages and life span developmental needs of each patient. Is sensitive to cultural diversity issues, treats patients as an individual, and considers the culture of the patients when providing care and treatment.
Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality. Performs safety checks at scheduled times and documents appropriately.
Performs other duties as assigned to assist in the patient treatment effectiveness and ensure the patient is safe.
Education, Credentials, Licenses:
  • High School Graduate or GED

Specialized Knowledge:
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability of work independently, interdependently and set priorities
  • Demonstrates the ability to accept and adapt to change
  • Understand the need for assistance in the event of patient distress

Kind and Length of Experience:
  • None

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Right Career. Right Here. If you're looking for the right careers in healthcare, the right place to be is at St. Elizabeth. Join us, and you'll take pride in the level of care we offer our community.

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