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Patient Observer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Patient Observer information

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$17

$21

How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in Riverside, CA is $17.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $18.56 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 popular job titles related to Patient Observer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Patient Observer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Patient Observer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Patient Observer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Patient Observer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Patient Observer job openings:
Patient Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Locum Tenens, 42% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,268 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Social Worker II - Outpatient PRN

Pacific Grove

Riverside, CA

$36 - $40/hr

Other

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Overview

Pacific Grove Hospital in Riverside, CA., is a leader in behavioral healthcare, providing superior healthcare treatment to the people, communities, and military installations we serve. We are a private inpatient 68 bed acute psychiatric facility with out-patient services, dedicated to the treatment of behavioral health and substance abuse services. Pacific Grove Hospital is proud to be a part of the Acadia Healthcare family.

We are proud to offer a Competitive salary, Employee Assisance Program, and many learning opportunities.

Hourly pay scale: $36-40 DOE

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

Plan, direct, define and coordinate individualized and group therapeutic support and services to patients with behavioral problems, psychiatric disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use and physical and emotional abuse.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Conduct psychosocial assessment of patient and develop an effective treatment plan that applies therapeutic principles appropriately while ensuring patient safety at all times.
  • Through patient observation and patient/family interview obtaining information on the patient's needs, skills, interests and limitations for the development and implementation of the treatment plan.
  • Provide crisis intervention and assist families in understanding the implications and complexities of a life situation and its impact on lifestyle.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meeting to discuss psychosocial assessment, treatment planning and ongoing discharge planning.
  • Identify, assess and coordinate patient cases and anticipate their needs related to illness, hospitalization, finances, education and home/community services.
  • Facilitate education, process groups, support groups and referrals as requested.
  • May conduct intakes and assist in coordinating placements within facility programs.
  • Promote recovery, symptom reduction and the achievement of the highest level of social functioning.
  • Communicate or aid family members in understanding and supporting the patient.
  • Manage a caseload and assume responsibility for patient chart documentation.
  • May facilitate education, process groups, support groups and referrals as requested.
  • Manage a caseload and maintain accurate and timely documentation to assure patient records comply with facility and accreditation standards.
  • Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always.  When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints.  Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

  • Perform other functions and tasks as assigned.
Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university or a new graduate of accredited master's degree social work program with successful completion of social work field education, internship or similar practicum through master's degree program required.
  • Two or more years' experience working with patient population preferred.

LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:

  • State licensure, as required by the state in which the facility operates; which could include: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
  • CPR and de-escalation/restraint certification required (training available upon hire and offered by facility).
  • First aid may be required based on state or facility.

While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the requirements of the job, management reserves the right to add or remove duties from particular jobs when circumstances (e.g. emergencies, changes in workload, rush jobs or technological developments) dictate.

We are committed to providing equal  employment opportunities to all applicants for employment regardless of an individual's characteristics protected by applicable state, federal and local laws.

PACGRV

Employment Type: OTHER

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