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Patient Observer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

UNMHSCHS

PATIENT CARE TECH - ICUs

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Observe patients. Operate Hoyer lift; perform daily heights and weights. Ensure adherence to Hospitals and departmental policies and procedures. Patient care assignment may include Neonate, Pediatric ...

UNMHSCHS

PATIENT CARE TECH - ICUs

Albuquerque, NM

Observe patients. Operate Hoyer lift; perform daily heights and weights. Ensure adherence to Hospitals and departmental policies and procedures. Patient care assignment may include Neonate, Pediatric ...

UNMHSCHS

PATIENT CARE TECH - ICUs

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Observe patients. Operate Hoyer lift; perform daily heights and weights. Ensure adherence to Hospitals and departmental policies and procedures. Patient care assignment may include Neonate, Pediatric ...

UNMHSCHS

PATIENT CARE TECH

Rio Rancho, NM

$14.50 - $19/hr

Observe patients. Operate Hoyer lift; perform daily heights and weights. Ensure adherence to Hospitals and departmental policies and procedures. Patient care assignment may include Neonate, Pediatric ...

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How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in Rio Rancho, NM is $15.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $16.06 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
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Patient Observer jobs near you
PATIENT CARE TECH - ICUs

PATIENT CARE TECH - ICUs

University of New Mexico - Hospitals

Los Lunas, NM • On-site

$16.09 - $24.79/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

UNM Health System rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

402nd of 865 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Receive 17% Weekday Nights, 26% Weekend Nights and 15% Weekend Day shift differentials

Compensation Disclaimer

Compensation for this role is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to experience, education, and other business and organizational considerations.

Department: Multiple Departments

FTE: 0.90
Full Time
Shift: Rotating

Position Summary:
Provide direct, non-invasive, and routine patient care and related support services within an in-patient or out-patient environment. Interview patients and take vital signs. Perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Maintain supplies and equipment. Delivers dirty instrument trays. Transport patients. Assist orientation of new staff members. Position patients unable to do self- care. Assist patients with prescribed exercise regimen; perform routine tube care; change catheter bags; collect non sterile specimens; perform oral suctioning; perform I&O including documentation of bowel & bladder function. Observe patients. Operate Hoyer lift; perform daily heights and weights. Ensure adherence to Hospitals and departmental policies and procedures. Patient care assignment may include Neonate, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult and Geriatric age groups.

Detailed responsibilities:
* PATIENT OBSERVATION - Observe patient to ensure their safety and well being; report observations to Charge Nurse or appropriate designee
* PATIENT CARE - Provide basic patient care; take and record vital signs to include temperature, pulse, respiration, weight, height, blood pressure and intake-output measurements
* PATIENT CARE - Assist with activities of daily living (ADL): meals, ambulation, hygiene, linen change and toileting as instructed
* PATIENT CARE - Maintain therapeutic plan of care and minute to minute care of patient who is at extreme risk to self or others
* PATIENT CARE - Complete documentation as required on the Electronic Medical Record
* PATIENT CARE - Complete specific skills listed in the "University of New Mexico, Unlicensed Assistive Personnel Specific Functions" Matrix
* DEVELOPMENT - Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, reading current literature, attending in-services, meetings and workshops
* PATIENT SAFETY 1 - Follow patient safety-related policies, procedures and protocols
* PATIENT SAFETY 2 - Demonstrate proactive approach to patient safety by seeking opportunities to improve patient safety through questioning of current policies and processes
* PATIENT SAFETY 3 - Identify and report/correct environmental conditions and/or situations that may put a patient at undue risk
* PATIENT SAFETY 4 - Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors and/or near misses in a timely manner
* PATIENT SAFETY 5 - Encourage patients to actively participate in their own care by asking questions and reporting treatment or situations that they don't understand or may "not seem right"

Qualifications

Education:
Essential:
* High School or GED Equivalent
* Certificate
Education specialization:
Essential:
* CNA or Cert EMTB (ICU & ED) or 1 semester accredit nurs pgm

Experience:
Essential:
Nonessential:
Bilingual English, Spanish, Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo 6 months patient care experience

Credentials:
Essential:
* CPR for Healthcare/BLS Prov or Prof Rescuers w/in 30 days

Physical Conditions:
Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects or people. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.

Working conditions:
Essential:
* Sig Hazard: Chemicals, Bio Hazardous Materials req PPE
* Limited access to med room. Med Admin Policy, Att A
* Tuberculosis testing is completed upon hire and additionally as required

Sign-On Bonus Available

Department: Clinical Nursing Support

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