ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Patient Observer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

ScionHealth

Patient Care Technician PT Days

Dayton, OH · On-site

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 ...

New

ScionHealth

Patient Care Technician PT Days

Dayton, OH · On-site

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 ...

New

Compass Group

PATIENT TRANSPORTER

Dayton, OH · On-site

$18.50/hr

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

Compass Group

PATIENT TRANSPORTER

Centerville, OH · On-site

$17.50/hr

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

Compass Group

PATIENT TRANSPORTER

Dayton, OH · On-site

$18.50/hr

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

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPatient Observer JobsPatient Observer Jobs in Ohio

Patient Observer information

See Ohio salary details

$10

$15

$19

How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in Ohio is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $16.92 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.

More about Patient Observer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Observer jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Patient Observer jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Patient Observer jobs in Ohio? For Patient Observer jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Patient Observer jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Patient Observer jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Patient Observer jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Patient Observer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Patient Observer jobs in OH? For Patient Observer jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Patient Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Locum Tenens, 41% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,050 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
PATIENT CARE ASSISTANT OBSERVATION

PATIENT CARE ASSISTANT OBSERVATION

Southwest General

Middleburg Heights, OH

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Southwest General Health Center rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

495th of 1,020 rated hospitals

Job description

Summary

Southwest General Health Center is a 352-bed community hospital located in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. One of the last standing community hospitals in Northeast Ohio, we partner with University Hospitals and other local community organizations to provide a full range of services to all who need us. We are certified as a Level III Trauma Center and a Primary Stroke Center, and have been serving our community for over 100 years!

Why work at SWGHC? In addition to the outstanding culture, we offer great benefits, no rotating shifts, free parking and are close to the turnpike and I71. Come join our team! #loveajobthatlovesyouback

PATIENT CARE ASSISTANT OBSERVATION

1DOU is a 30 bed observation unit with mostly telemetry and med/surg type patients. Most patients are on the floor for 24-48 hours for observation, or up to 3 days if admitted inpatient. A fast-paced unit, 1DOU has many admissions and discharges every day. They welcome new grads to their unit, and it is a great place to solidify nursing skills.

HOURS:

POSITION SUMMARY:
A caregiver that is responsible for providing or assisting with patients' care, transporting, maintaining a safe and clean environment, monitoring equipment function and responsible for documenting on appropriate forms. The Patient Care Assistant must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to age groups according to specific chronological age, developmental age and/or psycho-social maturity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
High school diploma or GED required.

Required length of experience:
Six (6) months of prior healthcare experience preferred.
STNA preferred but not required.

Required licensure, certification, and/or registry:
BLS required, may obtain within 90 days of hire.

What Southwest General Health Center employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply