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Patient Observer Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Transporter/Per-Diem

Northampton, MA · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Patient Observer: (as needed) * Remain in constant attendance with assigned high risk patient until relieved by assigned member of the healthcare team. * Maintain safety for patients with suicidal ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Patient Care Assistant

Hartford, CT · On-site

$17 - $17.25/hr

Observe and report changes in patient condition * Follow infection control and safety protocols * Provide emotional support and comfort to patients Company Description At Amity Home Care, we are ...

Patient Care Assistant

Granby, CT · On-site

$17 - $17.25/hr

Observe and report changes in patient condition * Follow infection control and safety protocols * Provide emotional support and comfort to patients Company Description At Amity Home Care, we are ...

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Patient Observer information

See Springfield, MA salary details

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How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,642 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

$42K - $51K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Site: Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Inc.


Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.


Job Summary

Summary
The Unit Secretary is responsible for performing a variety of administrative tasks to record, verify, and receive patient, unit, and hospital information reflecting admissions, transfers, discharges, patient data, patient census, and related data. The Unit Secretary participates in maintaining necessary supplies and equipment and supports patient care on the unit by participating in hourly rounding, assisting with answering call bells, communicating specific care needs to the clinical staff, passing meal trays, and setting up meal trays. 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 and met by other members of the clinical care team.
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.
Must be able to interact effectively and appropriately to an individual's intellectual level and physical ability.
1Infants1Pediatric1Adolescent1Adult1Geriatric
Does this position require Patient Care? No
Essential Functions
Receive incoming communications and take appropriate action to relay information to the necessary person(s).
-Receive and direct Medical Staff, personnel, patients and visitors.
-Notify patient's nurse of scheduled appointments.
-Inform next shift Unit Secretary, Shift Charge Nurse, or Nurse Manager of problems needing attention.
-Notify Case Management of the need for consultation at the request of physician or nurse.
-Notify consulting physician, physician's office, or answering service of need for consultation as ordered by attending physician.
-Contact religious personnel on behalf of patient as directed by nursing staff, patient or patient's family.
-Contact receiving unit when patient is being transferred to assure patient unit is ready.
-Receive telephone Lab reports, record appropriately, then communicate all phone reports to the appropriate nurse or physician as soon as possible.
-Communicate problems and information to appropriate persons. -
Participate in staffing the unit under the direction of the Nurse Manager. Place calls to staff to communicate needs of the unit.
-Transcribe doctor's orders onto appropriate records accurately.
-Schedule tests and x-rays around patient's needs and testing requirements (e.g. timing requirements, procedural protocols, etc.).
-Enter diets into computer.
-Communicate with pharmacy via fax or phone as appropriate.
-Perform non-clinical duties related to the admission, hospitalization, discharge, transfer, death and leave of absence of patients.
-Prepare and update patient medical record for each admission.
-File forms in individual patient's medical record.
-Order and maintain unit supplies. Enter appropriate charges for storeroom supplies for each patient.
Connect with telephone maintenance for prompt repair if equipment malfunctions or presents a safety hazard and fill out maintenance requisition.
-Participate in cost containment by efficient utilization of resources.
-Complete or maintain appropriate forms, records, requisitions, etc.
-Greet new patients with friendly professionalism and escort patient to room and notify appropriate nurse when needed.
-Greet and direct visitors to appropriate room and inform them of hospital regulations as appropriate.
-Issue correct information to patients and families.
-Respect the dignity and confidentiality of the patient and family.
-Participate in the orientation of new personnel.
-Assist in emergency situations as directed.
-Make trips to other hospital departments for patient and unit supplies (i.e. equipment, blood, storeroom, etc.) and deliver specimens, etc.
-Set up chart packets (regular and pre-operative).
-Make unit rounds to pick up and transport lab slips, census sheets, patient activity sheets, etc, (11 pm - 7 am shift).
-Functions as patient observer when 1:1 observation for patient safety is required
-Delivers meal trays to patients using safe tray passing techniques (verify with RN if NPO, patient going for a test, patient with swallowing issues, etc)
-May perform non-clinical tasks as directed by the patient's nurse.
-For secretary staff with Monitor Technician (MT) training:
oProvides breaks for MT
oMaintains competency for arrthymia recognition
oRotates to MT role as needed
-Patient Observation Role:
oRemain in constant attendance with assigned high risk patient until relieved by shift charge nurse.
oMaintain safety for patients with suicidal ideation.
oImmediately notify nursing staff of any unusual circumstances or obtain assistance with any restrained patient who needs attention or assistance.
oImmediately report any changes in patient's condition to the patient's nurse.
-May interact with patient as directed by the patient's nurse. This could mean reading the newspaper, magazine or book to the patient, playing cards or talking with the patient.
-Maintain established hospital and departmental policies and procedures, objectives, confidentiality, quality improvement program, compliance, safety, infection control and environmental standards.
-Maintain professional growth and development through attendance at seminars, workshops, conferences or in-services, professional affiliations or journals to stay abreast of current trends in field of expertise.
-Meet annual competency and retraining requirements.
-Attend meetings as required.
-Perform other functions/duties as requested.


Qualifications

Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent required
Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
No
Licenses and Credentials
Experience
One (1) to three (3) years secretarial experience preferred Health care experience preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology required.
- Demonstrated typing skills and computer experience required.
- Demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, and oral and written communication skills required.
- Demonstrated positive customer service skills and ability to work as a team required.
- Demonstrated ability to focus and provide attention to detail required.
- For Unit Secretaries on the Behavioral Health Unit, de-escalation training required within 30 days of hire or transfer into another department.


Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Physical Requirements

  • Standing Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Walking Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Sitting Constantly (67-100%)
  • Lifting Occasionally (3-33%) 20lbs - 35lbs
  • Carrying Occasionally (3-33%) 20lbs - 35lbs
  • Pushing Rarely (Less than 2%)
  • Pulling Rarely (Less than 2%)
  • Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
  • Balancing Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Kneeling Rarely (Less than 2%)
  • Crouching Rarely (Less than 2%)
  • Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
  • Reaching Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Gross Manipulation (Handling) Constantly (67-100%)
  • Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%)
  • Feeling Constantly (67-100%)
  • Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%)
  • Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%)
  • Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%)
  • Talking Constantly (67-100%)
  • Hearing Constantly (67-100%)


Remote Type

Onsite


Work Location

30 Locus Street- LAND


Scheduled Weekly Hours

40


Employee Type

Regular


Work Shift

Day (United States of America)


Pay Range

$18.25 - $25.38/Hourly


Grade

SC2C24


At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth. We invite you to apply, and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of your potential compensation and benefits package.


EEO Statement:

1910 Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.


Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership "looks like" by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.