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Patient Observer Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Mass General Brigham

Patient Care Associate

Northampton, MA · On-site

$18.43 - $25.63/hr

The PCA performs other patient care related duties and unit duties as needed and may function as a patient care observer to monitor for patient safety in situations where 1:1 observation is required.

Massgeneralbrigham

Patient Care Associate

Northampton, MA · On-site

$18.43 - $25.63/hr

The PCA performs other patient care related duties and unit duties as needed and may function as a patient care observer to monitor for patient safety in situations where 1:1 observation is required.

Massgeneralbrigham

Patient Care Associate

Northampton, MA · On-site

$18.43 - $25.63/hr

The PCA performs other patient care related duties and unit duties as needed and may function as a patient care observer to monitor for patient safety in situations where 1:1 observation is required.

Mass General Brigham

Patient Care Associate

Northampton, MA · On-site

$18.43 - $25.63/hr

The PCA performs other patient care related duties and unit duties as needed and may function as a patient care observer to monitor for patient safety in situations where 1:1 observation is required.

Baystate Health

Patient CareTechnician

Springfield, MA · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Provides information to RN based upon an observation made during patient-related care. Provides treatment within the specified time frame. Documents treatments and activities consistently. 7) ...

Baystate Health

Patient CareTechnician

Springfield, MA

$16 - $21/hr

Provides information to RN based upon an observation made during patient-related care. Provides treatment within the specified time frame. Documents treatments and activities consistently. 7) ...

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All JobsPatient Observer JobsPatient Observer Jobs in Springfield, MA

Patient Observer information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$11

$16

$20

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.
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Patient Observer jobs near you
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.

ED Behavioral Health Zone C- Patient Care Partner- All Hours

Connecticut Children's

Hartford, CT • On-site

$17.25 - $21.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Per diem

Re-posted yesterday

Connecticut Children's Medical Center rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

222nd of 1,055 rated hospitals

Job description

After you apply for this position, you will receive an e-mail from our vendor, HireVue, inviting you to complete a pre-screen questionnaire. This is the first step in our interview process. Your pre-screen will be shared directly with the Hiring Managers for this role immediately upon completion. Watch for this e-mail so that you can advocate for yourself, in your own, words, for a role on our Patient Care Partner Team!

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE:

  • Part-Time, Full-Time and Per Diem hours available for First, Second and Third Shift
  • Part-Time and Full-Time positions require every other weekend and holiday rotations
  • Per Diem positions require 24hrs every 6 weeks

The Patient Care Partner promotes the safety, health and comfort of patients, families and staff as related to the care of behavioral health/ psychiatry patients in the hospital. The Patient Care Partner may be assigned to Emergency Department or inpatient units to meet the unique needs of this population of patients. The Patient Care Partner is a staff member who has been trained to visually monitor a patient and provide direct patient contact or care. The Patient Care Partner may be assigned to the following patients:

  • Homicide attempt
  • Positive screen with suicide assessment or suicide attempt
  • Violent behavior towards self or others
  • Elopement/ wander risk
  • Fall risk
  • Confused mental state/ cognitive impairment
  • Patients with eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia)
     
Connecticut Children's is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children's offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.

At Connecticut Children's, treating children isn't just our job - it's our passion. As a leading children's health system experiencing steady growth, we're excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children's health and well-being as one team. 

Education and/or Experience Required:

  • Required: High School Diploma, GED, or a higher level of education that would require the completion of high school.

License and/or Certification Required:

  • BLS/CPR, American Heart Association, required within 2 weeks of hire and must remain current at all times.
  • Non-violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) certification to be obtained within the first 3 months of employment (training to be provided) Must remain current at all times.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

  • Basic Medical terminology, mathematics and measurements.
  • Basic understanding of organizations environment of care and infection control policies and procedures.
  • Basic understanding of reasons for and techniques for managing aggressive behavior.
  • Understand and follow Connecticut Children's policies and procedures.

Skills:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and communication required.
  • Demonstration of effective listening skills.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills required. Ability to communicate in English is required (bilingual competency, Spanish preferred).
  • Demonstrates competency in standard clinical procedures as well as unit specific patient management protocols.

Ability to:

  • Maintain quality, safety and infection control standards.
  • Learn and follow established protocols to respond in emergency situations.
  • Learn and demonstrate competency in basic data entry, documentation in the medical record.
  • Work across all levels of the organization effectively.


 

Patient Care:

  • Receives hand off from the care team to include reason for observation, patient behaviors and any concerns/ risks. Provides hand off at the end of assignment.
  • Notifies the primary nurse of changes in patient behavior. Collaborate with patient care nursing staff regarding all aspects involved with the patient being observed. Communicate effectively with the patient nursing staff regarding observed patient behaviors and all changes.
  • Understands the observation levels and adheres to the standards for the assigned role (constant observation, 1:1, roving attendant/ every 15-minute checks) Provide direct, face-to-face, observation of patients at risk for harming themselves or others and/or for patients placed in restraint and/or seclusion. 
  • Incorporate de-escalation techniques in daily practice with patients being observed as needed.
  • Records observations in the patient record at the designated documentation interval for observation level. Accurately document all information pertinent to the patient's behavior on correct forms within designated timelines according to Connecticut Children's policy
  • May travel with patient off the unit for testing or other reasons as determined by the care team.
  • Assists with supervised clothing changes and secures patient belongings. 
  • Assists patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) (bathing, dietary, escorting patient off unit)
  • Completes patient documentation as appropriate.
  • Provides environmental, room surveys to ensure safe patient care environment.
  • Supports in meal and other activities of daily living (shower/ toileting/ diversionary activities) Checks meal trays upon removal of room to ensure all objects are removed.
  • Observes patients closely to ensure they do not obtain or retrieve objects they could use to harm themselves or others.
  • If assigned to constant observation does not leave the patient or become distracted/ engaged with other patients until relieved or communication is received that the level of observation has changed
  • Supports restraint activities as delegated by the primary Registered Nurse
  • Assists with procedural holds as directed by MD, Provider and/or RN. 
  • Communicates effectively with the patient and family regarding role responsibilities.

Operations; Environment:

  • Rounds continuously to observe for any early intervention needs of escalating patients/situations. 
  • Maintains a safe environment of care, free of hallway clutter and safety concerns.
  • Participates in post restraint huddle.

Customer Service:

  • Establishes effective relationships with patients, families, staff and external customers/ consultants to the team.

Quality:

  • Is accountable for departmental and hospital quality and safety initiatives and goals
  • Demonstrates the necessary age-specific and cultural competencies in all treatment and contact with patients/families as outlined in the employee's Connecticut Children's Age-specific and Cultural Competencies document
  • Demonstrates knowledge of the age-related differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families.
  • Values cultural diversity and other individual differences in the workforce
  • Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with Connecticut Children's standards.
  • Performs other related responsibilities as assigned.
     

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