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Patient Observer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

PATIENT OBSERVATION ASSISTANT

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$18.36/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time and part time PATIENT OBSERVATION ASSISTANT positions. * Location : INOVA LOUDOUN - 44045 Riverside Parkway, Leesburg, VA 20176. Note: online applications ...

Compass Group

PATIENT OBSERVATION ASSISTANT

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$18.36/hr

* We are hiring immediately for part time PATIENT OBSERVATION ASSISTANT positions. * Location : Inova Alexandria Hospital - 4320 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA 22304. Note: online applications accepted ...

Compass Group

PATIENT OBSERVATION ASSISTANT

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$18.36/hr

* We are hiring immediately for full time and part time PATIENT OBSERVATION ASSISTANT positions. * Location : Inova Fair Oaks Hospital - 3600 Joseph Siewick Drive, Fairfax, VA 22033. Note: online ...

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Patient Observer information

See Virginia salary details

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How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in Virginia is $16.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $17.64 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Patient Observer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Patient Observer jobs in Virginia? For Patient Observer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Patient Observer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Patient Observer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Patient Observer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Patient Observer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Patient Observer jobs in VA? For Patient Observer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Patient Observer jobs near you
Virtual Sitter/Patient Observer - Float Pool - Full-Time Nights

Virtual Sitter/Patient Observer - Float Pool - Full-Time Nights

Augusta Health

Fishersville, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Augusta Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

523rd of 1,004 rated hospitals

Job description

The Virtual Sitter/Patient Observer provides continuous observation and surveillance of assigned patients. First line of action is to verbally redirect the patient from engaging in at risk behaviors. Summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance. Knowledgeable and supportive of patient and institutional confidentiality and related hospital policies. The Virtual Sitter/Patient Observer will be assigned to different units based on staffing needs.
The Virtual Sitter/Patient Observer role is a position providing support to the patient care team by providing constant observation and monitoring of assigned patients to ensure safety and prevention of injury. Responsible for one-on-one direct, continuous observation for the purpose of injury prevention of patients who might be at high risk to injure themselves or others due to confusion, delirium, self-destructive behavior, or a high likely hood of falling. Responsible for keeping the patient in his/her line of vision at all times and working with others in the healthcare team to assure prompt intervention to prevent physical harm to patients ensuring optimal patient safety and patient comfort.
Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • Nursing Assistant Certification preferred
  • Previous hospital/clinical/direct patient care experience preferred
  • Must pay strict attention to detail and be efficient in multitasking
  • Must possess excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
  • Must be a team player (work well with others)
  • Basic computer operations skills required
  • Basic Microsoft Windows experience required

Some benefits of working at Augusta Health include:
  • Generous paid time off to promote work life balance
  • Free onsite parking
  • Shift and weekend differentials
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Onsite child care

Company Information
Augusta Health is a mission-driven, independent, nonprofit, community health system located in Fishersville Virginia in Virginia's scenic Shenandoah Valley. Augusta Health offers a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient which includes Augusta Medical Center a 255 bed inpatient facility and Augusta Medical Group which is comprised of 40 practice locations and four urgent care locations.
Equal Opportunity
Augusta Health recruits, hires and promotes qualified candidates for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran or military discharge status, and family medical or genetic information.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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