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Patient Observer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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

Alexandria, 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

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

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How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in Reston, VA is $17.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

More about Patient Observer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Observer jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Patient Observer jobs in Reston, VA are:

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For Patient Observer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Patient Observer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Patient Observer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Patient Observer job openings:

Patient Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,167 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Patient Support Associate

10100 Children's Hospital

Washington, DC • On-site

$17.50 - $32.69/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

111 Michigan Avenue Northwest Washington, DC 20010 Kids Are Our Everything. Department 10302 Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Pay Range $17.50 - $32.69 About the Role: The Unit Support Associate in collaboration with and under the supervision of a Registered Nurse the Unit Support Associate will assist in activities directly related to the care of patients and operation of the unit. This will include but is not limited to providing direct 1:1 observation of patients related to safety or behavioral issues.

Support the unit function by assisting in the maintenance of supplies and operations. What You'll Bring: Minimum Education High School Diploma or GED (Required) Basic computer skills (Preferred) Knowledge of child development (Preferred) Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS) (Required) Functional Accountabilities Maintain Patient Safety Maintain environmental safety through room sweep and checklist Adhere to principles of pediatric safety through the use of handrails, seat belts and direct observation Never leave patient unattended Intervene quickly to calm, redirect, reorient patient, or guide patient to prevent harm to self or others Remain in patient room unless relieved by nurse or another unit support associate Accompany patient for any procedures off the unit Meet/Satisfy Patient Needs Engage patient in distracting, age-appropriate goal oriented behavior, provide activities and conversations that are distracting and therapeutic (discuss with bedside RN) Reinforces positive behavior Assist with linen changes and room stocking Assist in activities of daily living, including but not limited to washing, toileting, position changes and assistance with meals Maintain universal precautions Assist with providing breaks as directed by Charge Nurse Maintain a Clean and Safe Environment Keep room clean and tidy Maintain a calm environment When not responsible for direct patient observation stock unit, nurse servers, carts, etc. as directed by charge nurse Monitor common unit areas for cleanliness, stock par levels and supplies Reports safety hazards to staff i.e. broken furniture/broken equipment Assist in variety of unit support activities as directed by Charge Nurse i.e. room set up, answer call bells, customer service activities Effective Communication with Other Staff Reports pertinent patient information and call for assistance if the patient develops destructive behaviors i.e. pulling lines With RN establishes priorities for individual patient, communicates with team members in establishing priority tasks Maintains regular communication with RN related to assigned duties and patient behavior; performs activities within prescribed scope, seeks clarification when needed Immediately report escalating behaviors to RN Confers with RN when confronted with unfamiliar patient care issue Ensure information sharing when handing off to new safety attendant Benefits That Support You: Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, prescription, infertility, and transgender health services. Generous paid time off, including vacation accrual from day one, sick leave, holidays, and a personal day. Financial wellness support, including a 401(k) plan and healthcare and dependent care spending accounts.

Employer-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental plans. Additional perks, including tuition assistance, fitness resources, employee assistance, commuter benefits, and more.

Why Join Us:

Nationally Recognized Excellence – Consistently ranked among the Top 10 Children's Hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Leading Pediatric Care – One of the largest and most comprehensive children's hospitals in the country, offering nationally ranked specialties and cutting‐edge treatments. Innovation & Research – A premier academic medical center with a strong commitment to pediatric research, education, and advancing the future of child health.

Mission-Driven Culture – Dedicated to providing family-centered care while fostering a collaborative, supportive environment for clinical teams. The disclosed salary range includes the minimum and maximum rates within which Children's National believes an individual's base pay rate will fall for this position. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the maximum of the pay range. The exact pay rate for this position will be based on a variety of factors in alignment with the Children's National compensation philosophy.

These factors are legitimate and non-discriminatory including, but not limited to, the current market conditions; organizational needs; the individual's combination of prior work experience, level of education, knowledge, skills, and other qualifications. Children's National is committed to providing a fair and competitive total rewards package to each of our employees. This base salary range does not include our comprehensive benefits package or any additional compensation for which this position may be eligible.

Childrens National Hospital is an equal opportunity employer that evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, identity, or other characteristics protected by law. The "Know Your Rights" poster is available here: and the pay transparency policy is available here: Know Your RightsPay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster.

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