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Patient Observer information

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$10

$15

$18

How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in Tennessee is $15.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $16.15 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Patient Observer jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Patient Observer jobs in Tennessee? For Patient Observer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Patient Observer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Patient Observer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Patient Observer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Patient Observer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Patient Observer jobs in TN? For Patient Observer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Patient Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,552 per year, or $15.2 per hour.
Standardized Patient (College of Osteopathic Medicine)

Standardized Patient (College of Osteopathic Medicine)

Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Baptist Memorial Health Care rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 890 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
This posting is for multiple positions. Events generally occur between 7:30AM and 5:30PM, Monday to Friday. May be subject to hours/shifts running after 5PM.
Summary
Standardized Patients (SP) support Osteopathic Medical Education by playing the role of "patient actors", who create a realistic scenario from which students can learn. A Standardized Patient will be assigned a role and patient profile, be provided training, and then portray the role to students in a simulated clinical setting or classroom.
Standardized Patient scenarios include but are not limited to the SP providing a scripted clinical history, having a basic non-invasive physical exam performed upon them, and/or portraying a simulated illness. Costumes and makeup may be used to enhance the simulated effect. Standardized Patients engage non-verbal communication skills so clinical learners can experience the emotions, body language, and communication skills they might encounter in a clinical environment. All healthcare information in the scenarios is simulated. No invasive procedures or invasive exams will be required during Standardized Patient Encounters.
The ideal candidate will have an interest in training the next generation of health care providers and participating in active learning scenarios. Standardized Patients may also participate in some clinical skills training and/or classroom functions. During events in the Osteopathic Principles and Practice Laboratory session, SPs will serve as demonstration models for osteopathic manipulative techniques (OMT).The following technique modalities are expected to be performed on the SPs: balanced ligamentous tension/ligamentous articular strain, counterstrain, facilitated positional release, still, high-velocity low amplitude, lymphatic techniques, muscle energy, myofascial release, osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine, soft tissue, visceral techniques, and other osteopathic technique modalities as taught in the course.
  • balanced ligamentous tension/ligamentous articular strain,
  • counterstrain
  • facilitated positional release
  • Still technique
  • high-velocity low amplitude
  • lymphatic techniques
  • muscle energy
  • myofascial release
  • osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine
  • soft tissue
  • visceral techniques
  • Other osteopathic technique modalities as taught in the course

Responsibilities
  1. Commit to attending the required paid training sessions and putting best effort into learning and portraying simulated scenarios.
  2. Commit to attending and working at least 2 events per semester.
  3. Embody a simulated patient, learn a simulated clinical case, and accurately portray the scenario for classroom and exam sessions.
  4. Communicate with the Standardized Patient program of any personal reasons or concerns that would preclude the Standardized Patient from undertaking a role.
  5. Follow and abide by Baptist Health Sciences University and state health and safety regulations.
  6. Participate as a body model for Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) or ultrasound laboratory sessions.

Requirements, Preferences and Experience
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Able to realistically and consistently portray a simulated scenario repeatedly across a long time frame.
  • Comfortable portraying possibly challenging scenarios (such as emotional scenarios, tough diagnoses, etc).

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About Baptist Memorial

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Baptist Memorial, based in Memphis, TN, US, is a leading health care organization renowned in the healthcare industry. The company's official website is baptistonline.org which provides a comprehensive view of their services and operations. Baptist Memorial operates a myriad of hospitals, health clinics, and medical facilities providing expert and compassionate care. Founded in 1912, it has a rich legacy of over a hundred years of dedication to its community, offering services which include acute care, diagnostic services, and a broad range of speciality health services fulfilling various patient needs.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Memphis, TN, US

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