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Patient Observer information

See Rhode Island salary details

$11

$16

$20

How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in Rhode Island is $16.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $17.40 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 Rhode Island? The most popular types of Patient Observer jobs in Rhode Island are:
What job categories do people searching Patient Observer jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Patient Observer jobs in Rhode Island are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Patient Observer jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Patient Observer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Patient Observer jobs in RI? For Patient Observer jobs in RI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Patient Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Locum Tenens, 42% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,045 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Constant Patient Observer| FT| Overnight| $24

Securitas

East Providence, RI • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Securitas rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 990 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 113 rated security

Job description

Security Officer: Hospital Environment

Location: Providence, RI

Payrate: $24.00


Join our team as a Constant Observer Officer, where you’ll provide vital safety and support in a dynamic healthcare environment. This is a position that specializes in de-escalation and can lead to being hands on. This is a fast paced environment that requires a high level of attention to detail, communication, constant observation and conflict prevention.

You’ll work closely with clinical staff to maintain a secure environment for patients requiring a heightened level of observation and care. We Help Make Your World a Safer Place.

Securitas is a global leader in protective services, offering the most advanced and sustainable security solutions in the industry. With a presence in 47 countries, we employ over 355,000 professionals worldwide, serve more than 150,000 clients, and are proud to play a critical role in keeping people and communities safe. 

We Help Make Your World a Safer Place.

Key Responsibilities

  • Continuous Monitoring: Maintain uninterrupted observation of assigned patients to ensure a safe environment.
  • Access Control: Regulate access to patient care areas, screening visitors and their belongings for potential hazards.
  • Safety Assurance: Remove potentially harmful objects and maintain a secure setting for patients under extended care.
  • Behavior Monitoring: Stay alert to patient behaviors, particularly during late-night or low-activity periods.
  • Staff Protection: Support and protect medical staff in situations where a patient poses a risk to themselves or others.
  • Compliance: Adhere to company and client policies and report any changes or incidents immediately.

Communication & Collaboration

  • Promptly notify clinical staff, your chain of command, and Hospital Management of any behavioral escalations or location changes.
  • Assist with patient restraints if required—only as a last resort and with a focus on safety and dignity.

Qualifications

  • Excellent observational and de-escalation skills; able to remain calm under pressure
  • Strong communicator; capable of working closely with both clinical and security teams
  • Committed to ethical practices and following all safety protocols, always maintaining a safe and respectful approach. 

Requirements

  • At least 18 years of age. 
  • Reliable means of communication and transportation.
  • Legal right to work in the United States. 
  • Ability to effectively speak, read and write English.
  • High school diploma, GED, or equivalent. 
  • Covid-19 required for client site. 
  • 1+ years of security, military or law enforcement preferred.
  • 1+ years in a healthcare or high-paced setting preferred. 

Enhanced Benefits

  • Medical Insurance (Anthem), Dental Insurance (Aetna) & Vision Insurance (VSP)
  • 401k with Employer Matching
  • Paid Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Paid Uniforms, Paid Training 
  • Sons and Daughters Scholarship Program
  • Specialized Programs for Continued Education for Security Officers
  • Specialized Programs to Assist in Healthy Lifestyle and Financial Wellness
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Employee Discount Programs (Vehicles, Cell Phone, Cable, Appliances, Theme Park Tickets, etc.)

Securitas is a trusted security partner helping make the world a safer place. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7CAWS2NoRo

Learn more and apply today at Securitasjobs.com to see your career path!

“Securitas is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic.”

EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabilities 

#RIHEALTHCARE
 

Securitas employees come from all walks of life, bringing with them a variety of distinctive skills and perspectives. United through our common purpose, we provide the security needed to safeguard our clients' assets and people. Our core values - Integrity, Vigilance and Helpfulness - are represented by the three red dots in the Securitas logo. If you live by these values, we’re looking for you to join the Securitas team.

Benefits include: 
  • Retirement plan
  • Employer-provided medical and dental coverage
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Voluntary life and disability insurance
  • Employee assistance plan
  • Securitas Saves discount program
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid time away from work

Additionally, some populations may have the availability of accessing earned wages on a daily basis, prior to payday. Restrictions and fees may apply.
Certain waiting periods may also apply. Paid time away from work may be available either through a combination of vacation and sick time or under a PTO policy, depending on local requirements. Benefits may be different for union members.

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