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Patient Observer Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Cooley Dickinson Hospital

Unit Secretary SDC

Northampton, MA · On-site

$42K - $52K/yr

The Unit Secretary may function as patient care observer to monitor for patient safety in situations where 1:1 observations are required. When in this role, patient care needs will be communicated ...

Mass General Brigham

Unit Secretary SDC

Northampton, MA · On-site

$42K - $51K/yr

The Unit Secretary may function as patient care observer to monitor for patient safety in situations where 1:1 observations are required. When in this role, patient care needs will be communicated ...

Mass General Brigham

Unit Secretary SDC

Northampton, MA · On-site

$42K - $52K/yr

The Unit Secretary may function as patient care observer to monitor for patient safety in situations where 1:1 observations are required. When in this role, patient care needs will be communicated ...

Massgeneralbrigham

Unit Secretary SDC

Northampton, MA

$42K - $51K/yr

The Unit Secretary may function as patient care observer to monitor for patient safety in situations where 1:1 observations are required. When in this role, patient care needs will be communicated ...

Trinity Health

Patient Safety Attendant

Hartford, CT · On-site

This position involves continuous observation of assigned patients, verbal redirection from at-risk ... Document patient interactions and observations in medical records and handoff reports * Maintain ...

Trinity Health

Patient Safety Attendant

Hartford, CT

This position involves continuous observation of assigned patients, verbal redirection from at-risk ... Document patient interactions and observations in medical records and handoff reports * Maintain ...

Trinityhealth

Patient Safety Attendant

Hartford, CT

This position involves continuous observation of assigned patients, verbal redirection from at-risk ... Document patient interactions and observations in medical records and handoff reports * Maintain ...

Valley Health Systems

Patient Safety Associate

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$17.76 - $23.80/hr

Our team is seeking individuals, under the supervision of the RN, to observe for the safety and comfort of the challenging patient who requires frequent or continual observation and contact due to ...

Valley Health Systems

Patient Safety Associate

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$17.76 - $23.80/hr

Our team is seeking individuals, under the supervision of the RN, to observe for the safety and comfort of the challenging patient who requires frequent or continual observation and contact due to ...

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All JobsPatient Observer JobsPatient Observer Jobs in Springfield, MA

Patient Observer information

See Springfield, MA salary details

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How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in Springfield, MA is $16.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $17.74 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 Springfield, MA? For Patient Observer jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Patient Observer jobs in Springfield, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Patient Observer jobs in Springfield, MA are:
What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Patient Observer jobs? Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Patient Observer job openings:
Patient Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in Springfield, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 59% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,642 per year, or $16.7 per hour.
Patient Observer - Inpatient Behavioral Health

Patient Observer - Inpatient Behavioral Health

Cooley Dickinson Hospital

Northampton, MA • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Cooley Dickinson Hospital rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

333rd of 1,020 rated hospitals

Job description

The Patient Care Observer is responsible for remaining in constant attendance with an assigned patient to help maintain the patient's safety under the direction of the unit's Shift Charge Nurse.
This position is part of the 1199SEIU Bargaining Unit at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.
This position reports to the Nurse Manager and operates within established organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent preferred
Experience
Experience working in a clinical environment preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to communicate with children and /or adults required.

Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

What Cooley Dickinson Hospital employees say

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