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Patient Observer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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Patient Observer information

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$20

How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in Rochester, NY is $16.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $17.55 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 Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Patient Observer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Patient Observer jobs in Rochester, NY? For Patient Observer jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Patient Observer jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Patient Observer jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Patient Observer jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Patient Observer job openings:
Patient Observer jobs near you

Patient Care Technician , Observation Unit

UR Medicine Thompson Health

Canandaigua, NY • On-site

$19.94 - $25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Not only is the award-winning UR Thompson Health the premier healthcare provider in the Finger Lakes region, it is also a wonderful place to work! It offers amazing opportunities for personal and professional growth throughout the entire system. Now is a great time to join this family of compassionate, mission-driven care providers who are truly making a difference in the lives of so many within our community. When you come to work at Thompson, you are not simply ‘getting a job,’ you are starting a career with job security and peace of mind.
Schedule: Day/even/night rotation required. Full time = three 12 hour shifts, 6:45am-7:15pm or 6:45am to 7:15pm. Alternating weekend and holiday commitments.
Pay Range: $19.94 -$25.00, based on experience.
Benefits:
  • Health, dental, vision insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement up to $6000/year
  • Contribution and match on Retirement Plan
  • Four weeks paid time off
  • Access to Success coaches
  • Free parking
Company Culture: Thompson Health has a culture of empowerment. At Thompson, interdisciplinary teams come together to improve care, your suggestions are welcomed and your ideas are part of the solution. Three of our executives have an RN background so we understand the importance of the patient experience!
  • Focus on CARES values: Commitment, Action, Respect, Excellence, and Service
  • Focus on Employee Wellness: Biometric screenings, Wellness programs, Onsite gym, Zen Room, Community Shared Agriculture program, Access to Success Coach
  • Staff Recognition platforms: Shining Stars, CARESCount website
Responsibilities:
  • Provides basic patient care with clinical competence.
  • Assists the Registered Nurses by providing patient care tasks and supportive duties in the acute setting.
  • Demonstrates the ability to work independently and exhibits flexibility in decision making and prioritizing assignments.
  • Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with the medical and nursing staff in all areas within the facility.
  • Actively guards the confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Demonstrates the knowledge/skills necessary to provide age-appropriate care to the patient.
  • Is self directed and quickly able to adapt to variable patient care conditions and volume levels in the hospital.
Qualifications:
  • Required – High school diploma or equivalent
  • Required - BLS certification
  • Required – Basic computer skills: Microsoft Office, Word
  • Preferred - Medical terminology, knowledge of Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
Hours:
  • Available to work rotating shifts (day, evening & night)
  • Able to work rotating weekends and holidays
  • Able to work 12 hour shifts
  • Able to commit to working FULL TIME hours during the clinical orientation time in the nursing department even if hired as a part time employee

Pay Range:$19.94 -$25.00
Starting Pay: Based on Experience
Thompson Health is an EOE encouraging individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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