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Patient Observer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

ASPN I-Observation Unit

Rochester, NY · On-site

$39.25 - $40.25/hr

Medical/Surgical Observation Unit 26-bed unit that cares for patients with an expected length of ... The Level I nurse supports peers in the delivery of patient care services in an organized manner ...

DOU - Direct Observation Unit * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/31/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 ... patient care through our wide network of travel nurses, locum tenens, and allied resources. For ...

DOU - Direct Observation Unit * Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours ... patient care through our wide network of travel nurses, locum tenens, and allied resources. For ...

DOU - Direct Observation Unit * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/31/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 48 ... patient care through our wide network of travel nurses, locum tenens, and allied resources. For ...

Sitter (Per Diem)

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18.46 - $26.24/hr

Is responsible for direct observation of the patient who is identified to be at risk for harming self/others, if left alone. May perform assistive care, such as, but not limited to, setting up ...

MED SURG RN

Rochester, NY · On-site

$60.54 - $64.86/hr

The Observation unit cares for adult patients needing additional observation to determine if the patient's condition is serious enough for admission to the hospital or if the patient can be treated ...

Showing results 41-60

Patient Observer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$11

$16

$20

How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,300 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

ASPN I-Observation Unit

Highland Hospital

Rochester, NY • On-site

$39.25 - $40.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Highland Hospital (New York) rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

222nd of 1,055 rated hospitals


Job description

Medical/Surgical Observation Unit
26-bed unit that cares for patients with an expected length of stay of 48 hours or less.
Common diagnosis includes pneumonia, urinary tract infections, asthma/COPD exacerbation, cellulitis and chest pain.
Common surgical diagnoses include mastectomy, thyroidectomy, appendectomy, kidney stone removal and orthopedic surgeries.
Provides professional nursing services for patients and their families and/or for the nursing department. Collaborates with other health care providers and health care team members to achieve expected patient outcomes and improve the care environment. Nurses use the nursing process and evidence-based practice to coordinate and provide direct care and services that support care.
Level I Registered Nurse (RN):
The Level I RN is a new Associate Degree (AD) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN) who is completing the Nursing Practice Orientation Program at 6 months of clinical experience or less post licensure. Under the direction of the Nurse Manager, the Level I nurse is accountable for provision of direct care to assigned patients utilizing the nursing process. The Level I nurse supports peers in the delivery of patient care services in an organized manner prioritizing safety and team collaboration and communication. The Level 1 nurse contributes to unit activities that enhance patient care outcomes. Once the Level I nurse and the Nurse Manager completes the six month evaluation and determines if the nurse has met expectations of performance at the end of probationary period. If all requirements are met, the nurse is advanced to Level II RN.
PAY RANGE:   $39.25-$40.25
*The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

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