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Patient Observer Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Preferred Qualifications Role Purpose Ensures for patient safety by remaining at the bedside of the assigned patient(s) and providing continuous observation. Responsibilities * Assists patient and ...

Patient Observer - PRN

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

One Weekend Shift Every 6 Weeks Overview Preferred Qualifications Role Purpose Ensures for patient safety by remaining at the bedside of the assigned patient(s) and providing continuous observation.

... Observation, Facilities Management, Healthcare Technology Solutions, Ambulatory Services, and Sterile Processing. Job Summary Patient Transporter Facilitating Internal Hospital Patient Moves Summary:

... Observation, Facilities Management, Healthcare Technology Solutions, Ambulatory Services, and Sterile Processing. Job Summary Patient Transporter Facilitating Internal Hospital Patient Moves Summary:

... Observation, Facilities Management, Healthcare Technology Solutions, Ambulatory Services, and Sterile Processing. Job Summary Patient Transporter Facilitating Internal Hospital Patient Moves Summary:

Is a management company that provides hospital housekeeping, patient transport, central laundries services, and patient observation services. It is differentiated by its patented XRO System for ...

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Patient Observer information

See Missouri salary details

$10

$15

$19

How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in Missouri is $15.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $16.68 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Observer jobs in Missouri? The most popular types of Patient Observer jobs in Missouri are:
What job categories do people searching Patient Observer jobs in Missouri look for? The top searched job categories for Patient Observer jobs in Missouri are:
What cities in Missouri are hiring for Patient Observer jobs? Cities in Missouri with the most Patient Observer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Patient Observer jobs in MO? For Patient Observer jobs in MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in Missouri as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Locum Tenens, 33% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,609 per year, or $15.7 per hour.
Patient Observer

Patient Observer

BJC HealthCare

Farmington, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


BJC Healthcare rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 227 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 890 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Additional Information About the Role
  • High School Diploma or GED Required 
  • Benefits Eligible 
  • 36 hours per week 
  • Days:  6:30am-7:00pm 
  • Weekend and Holiday Rotation 

Overview

As part of BJC HealthCare, Parkland Health Center offers a unique combination of world-class medicine along with the deep local roots and rich history of its three predecessors - Bonne Terre Hospital (opened in 1911), Mineral Area Regional Medical Center (1952), and Farmington Community Hospital (1969). Parkland Health Center has two locations in St. Francois County, Missouri - a full-service acute care hospital in Farmington as well as a rural emergency hospital in Bonne Terre. Parkland Health Center provides quality primary and secondary level inpatient and outpatient services to the people of St. Francois County and surrounding areas in southeastern Missouri.

In addition, Parkland's Farmington campus offers a full continuum of inpatient and medical-surgical and intensive care, obstetrics and emergency services, along with a wide variety of outpatient services including oncology services, an infusion center, a wound care clinic, and the Huckstep Heart and Lung Center.  Bonne Terre is a Rural Emergency Hospital providing emergency services and outpatient services including medical observation, lab, radiology, and sleep study.


Preferred Qualifications

Role Purpose

Ensures for patient safety by remaining at the bedside of the assigned patient(s) and providing continuous observation.

Responsibilities

  • Assists patient and care giver with use of simple medical equipment such as hospital bed, bedside commode, wheelchair, walker, and urinary drainage appliances.
  • Provides appropriate documentation.
  • Minimum Requirements

    Education

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Experience

  • No Experience
  • Supervisor Experience

  • No Experience

  • Benefits and Legal Statement

    BJC Total Rewards

    At BJC we're committed to providing you and your family with benefits and resources to help you manage your physical, emotional, social and financial well-being.

    • Comprehensive medical, dental, vison, life insurance, and legal services available first day of the month after hire date
    • Disability insurance* paid for by BJC
    • Annual 4% BJC Automatic Retirement Contribution
    • 401(k) plan with BJC match
    • Tuition Assistance available on first day
    • BJC Institute for Learning and Development
    • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
    • Paid Time Off benefit combines vacation, sick days, holidays and personal time
    • Adoption assistance

    To learn more, go to our Benefits Summary.

    *Not all benefits apply to all jobs

    The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Equal Opportunity Employer

    Qualifications:

    Role Purpose

    Ensures for patient safety by remaining at the bedside of the assigned patient(s) and providing continuous observation.

    Responsibilities

  • Assists patient and care giver with use of simple medical equipment such as hospital bed, bedside commode, wheelchair, walker, and urinary drainage appliances.
  • Provides appropriate documentation.
  • Minimum Requirements

    Education

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Experience

  • No Experience
  • Supervisor Experience

  • No Experience
  • Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

    What BJC Healthcare employees say

    Pay

    Benefits

    Hours and flexibility

    Workplace

    Get the full story on Breakroom


    BJC Healthcare logo

    About BJC Healthcare

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    BJC Healthcare, situated in Saint Louis, MO, US, is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the United States. Launched in 1993, BJC encompasses 15 hospitals and multiple health service organizations covering the metropolitan St. Louis area, mid-Missouri and Southern Illinois. This healthcare titan's services cover a vast field, from community health and wellness, to pediatric care, to advanced specialty care. BJC is well-known for its two nationally recognized hospitals, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children's Hospital, both affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine. Its mission revolves around improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves through leadership, education, innovation, and excellence in medicine.

    Industry

    Health care and social assistance

    Company size

    10,000+ Employees

    Headquarters location

    Saint Louis, MO, US