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Patient Observer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Honorhealth

Day Department: Medical/Surgical Unit-6W-Extended Observation This position is a full-time Day ... JOB SUMMARY Provides patient related care tasks based on the principles of growth and development ...

Compass Group

PATIENT TRANSPORTER

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$17/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

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$16.18/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

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$17/hr

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

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Patient Observer information

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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
PATIENT OBSERVATION ASSISTANT (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)

PATIENT OBSERVATION ASSISTANT (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)

Compass Group

Alexandria, VA

$20.36/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,067 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

299th of 437 rated business services

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for a full time and part time PATIENT OBSERVATION ASSISTANT positions.
  • Location: Inova Mount Vernon - 2501 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306. Note: online applications accepted only.
  • Schedule: Full time and part time schedules. 7:00 pm - 7:30 am, days may vary. Further details upon interview. 
  • Requirement: No experience necessary. Willing to train!
  • Pay Range: $18.36 per hour to $20.36 per hour.

Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself. At Crothall Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, you'll join a culture built on caring for people and creating a true sense of belonging. Our careers are filled with purpose and empower you to transform healthcare experiences while building lasting relationships.

Crothall provides specialized, high-quality, innovative support services exclusively to the healthcare industry. As the market leader in Environmental Services (EVS), we support nearly 1,300 accounts, many of which are ranked among the nation's top hospitals. With nearly 30,000 team members, we hold ourselves to high standards of detail, safety, and excellence. We empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for doing the right thing, and believe there is no limit to our potential when we grow together across Environmental Services, Patient Transportation, Patient Observation, Facilities Management, Healthcare Technology Solutions, Ambulatory Services, and Sterile Processing.

Job Summary


Summary:   Provides visual and audible observation of assigned patients under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN) and unit manager.  
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Visually and audibly monitors the assigned patient's condition and behavior at all times.
  • Completes observation reports at established interval.
  • Takes initiative in compassionately rendering service or responding to needs. Interacts hospitably, cheerfully and supportively with staff, patients, visitors and work colleagues.
  • Remains at the bedside of assigned patient at all times unless relieved by an appropriate staff member.
  • Verbally redirects the patient from engaging in at-risk behaviors.
  • Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to be in medical distress or poses a threat, and escalates to assigned medical professionals.
  • Participates in collaborative identification and reporting of patient safety issues. Assures patient environment is safe; reports any safety hazards to the charge nurse. Removes visible hazards and reports as appropriate.
  • Assists in calming and/or reorienting patient in cases of agitation or confusion.
  • Assists with keeping patient's room safe and orderly.
  • Accompanies patient when diagnostic testing is required.
  • Immediately summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance, control, or other nursing interventions, or exhibits unusual behavior or verbalizations. Immediately reports any potentially dangerous behavior or concerning conversations to the nurse.
  • Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patient when arriving on unit and upon completion of shift assignment. Arranges coverage around meal break times with nurse and informs nurse prior to leaving patient for any reason.
  • Assists patient with ordering dietary tray and setting up of patient's meal tray; assists with basic positioning of patient; assists with patient wheelchair rides and/or ambulation if patient is stable and gait has been previously determined safe by assigned staff nurse.
  • Responds rapidly and thoroughly to emergencies, special needs, etc.
  • Accepts suggestions and direction from supervisors and hospital staff.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of department policies and procedures. Honors department's attendance, break, behavior, dress, personal hygiene, and safety codes.
  • Honors all confidentiality and other regulatory requirements.
  • Accepts and absorbs department and hospital education program.
  • Assists other associates as necessary. Responds to direction as provided.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


Qualifications:  

  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent is required
  • Current CPR AED or basic life Support healthcare provider (BLS-HCP) certification required within 30 days of hire, if required at the facility.
  • Ability to walk or stand for prolonged periods. Requires bending, stooping, reaching up, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
  • One to two years of previous experience is preferred.

BENEFITS FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS

  • Full-time and part-time positions are offered the following benefits: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identify Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and other voluntary benefits including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
  • Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_Crothall.pdf

Crothall is a member of Compass Group. Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
 

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply. 

Crothall maintains a drug-free workplace. 

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