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Patient Observer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Saint Joseph Medical Center - Joliet

Sitter

Joliet, IL · On-site

$18.28/hr

The One to One Patient Observer assists the Registered Nurse in non-nursing tasks within the scope of training and experience. Qualifications EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING 1. High School diploma or ...

Trinity Health

Patient Safety Attendant

Berwyn, IL · On-site

$15.30 - $18.51/hr

Performs constant and direct observation of a patient who is at risk of harming self and/or others. PSAa are also utilized for safety of confused or impulsive patients, really any patient behavior ...

Prime Healthcare

Sitter - Nursing Float

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21.15/hr

The One to One Patient Observer assists the Registered Nurse in non-nursing tasks within the scope of training and experience. EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING 1. High School diploma or equivalent. 2. ...

Prime Healthcare

Sitter- Float Pool

Evanston, IL

$21.58/hr

Maintains responsibility to sit with and observe the patient and his/her surrounding environment to promote safety and prevent possible injuries. The One to One Patient Observer assists the ...

Saint Francis Hospital

Sitter- Float Pool

Evanston, IL · On-site

$21.58/hr

The One to One Patient Observer assists the Registered Nurse in non-nursing tasks within the scope of training and experience. Qualifications EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING 1. High School diploma or ...

Compass Group

PATIENT TRANSPORTER

Harvey, IL · On-site

$15.45/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

Harvey, IL · On-site

$15.45/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 AMBASSADOR

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

... Observation, Facilities Management, Healthcare Technology Solutions, Ambulatory Services, and Sterile Processing. Job Summary Summary: As a Patient Ambassador, you will serve as the primary ...

Compass Group

PATIENT AMBASSADOR

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

... Observation, Facilities Management, Healthcare Technology Solutions, Ambulatory Services, and Sterile Processing. Job Summary Summary: As a Patient Ambassador, you will serve as the primary ...

Compass Group

PATIENT AMBASSADOR

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

... Observation, Facilities Management, Healthcare Technology Solutions, Ambulatory Services, and Sterile Processing. Job Summary Summary: As a Patient Ambassador, you will serve as the primary ...

AHS Vista LLC

Patient Sitter

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Maintain continuous visual observation of assigned patients; never leave a patient unattended unless directed by a nurse. * Receive verbal reports from caregivers regarding patient needs, conditions ...

Vista Health System

Patient Sitter

Waukegan, IL

Maintain continuous visual observation of assigned patients; never leave a patient unattended unless directed by a nurse. * Receive verbal reports from caregivers regarding patient needs, conditions ...

AHS Vista LLC

Patient Sitter

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Maintain continuous visual observation of assigned patients; never leave a patient unattended unless directed by a nurse.Receive verbal reports from caregivers regarding patient needs, conditions ...

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All JobsPatient Observer JobsPatient Observer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Patient Observer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$17

$21

How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in Chicago, IL is $17.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.32 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 does a patient observer 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.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Observer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Patient Observer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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For Patient Observer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Patient Observer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Patient Observer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Patient Observer job openings:

Patient Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,840 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Patient Safety Observer- Emergency Department-Evening

NorthShore

Chicago, IL • On-site

$17.05 - $23.85/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Endeavor Health rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 396 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

380th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Hourly Pay Range:
$17.05 - $23.85 - The hourly pay rate offered is determined by a candidate's expertise and years of experience, among other factors.
Patient Safety Observer- Emergency Department- Evening
Position Highlights:
  • Position: Patient Safety Observer
  • Location: Swedish Hospital
  • Per-diem: As needed
  • Hours: 3pm-11:30pm

What You Will Need:
  • Education: High School diploma or GED required
  • Certification: Care Companion class completion (includes on-the-job training) within two weeks of start date
  • CPR/BLS certification from American Red Cross or American Heart Association
  • Experience & Skills: Ability to read, communicate effectively, and perform basic arithmetic; Basic analytical skills to follow instructions, maintain logs, charts, and records; Effective communication skills to exchange information and follow directions; Demonstrated patience and compassion when interacting with patients; Ability to remain alert, attentive, and focused for extended periods; Strong multitasking and prioritization skills; Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations and notify appropriate staff; Basic computer proficiency; Must be available to work assigned shifts

What You Will Do:
Under the direct supervision of the department manager, clinical leader, or charge nurse:
  • Continuously observe and monitor assigned patients either at bedside or via video monitoring systems
  • Maintain constant visual observation to ensure patient safety
  • Verbally redirect patients from engaging in at-risk behaviors using in-person communication or two-way audio devices
  • Immediately notify nursing staff of patient needs, behavioral changes, or emergency situations
  • Participate in shift handoffs and communicate patient status and behaviors
  • Support a safe patient environment by identifying and reporting potential hazards
  • Collaborate with nursing staff and other team members to ensure patient safety
  • Maintain patient dignity, privacy, and confidentiality at all times
  • Provide compassionate, attentive supervision without performing direct nursing care unless authorized

Benefits:
• Premium pay for eligible employees
• Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
• Various Medical, Dental, Vision and Pet options
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Wellness Program Savings Plan
• Health Savings Account Options
• Discounted Parking at Designated Locations
• Retirement Options with Company Match
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Community Involvement Opportunities
Endeavor Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals - Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) - all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence. For more information, visit www.endeavorhealth.org.
When you work for Endeavor Health, you will be part of an organization that encourages its employees to achieve career goals and maximize their professional potential.
Please explore our website (www.endeavorhealth.org) to better understand how Endeavor Health delivers on its mission to "help everyone in our communities be their best".
Endeavor Health is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please refer to the main career page for more information.
At Endeavor Health, we are united by a shared commitment to working together to create a culture of connection and belonging-each of us bringing different skills and experiences as we deliver safe, seamless, and personal care. Every person, every time. We are committed to fostering an environment where all team members can be their best, learn, and pursue excellence together.
EOE: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor.

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