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Patient Observer Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Baystate Health

Patient Care Technician

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 Care Technician

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) ...

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Patient Observer information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$11

$16

$20

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 Care Technician, Part-Time, 24 Hours, Nights

Patient Care Technician, Part-Time, 24 Hours, Nights

Baystate Health

Springfield, MA

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Baystate Health rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 141 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

640th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Hours: 24

Shift: Nights

Department: South Wing 6- General Surgery

Location: Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Massachusetts

Every other weekend and holiday required

CPR-American Heart Association BLS required

*A resume is required to fully determine experience*

Baystate Health, western Massachusetts' only academic center and tertiary care provider has a long and proud tradition of continuous learning and improvement. We educate and train hundreds of healthcare workers every year and advance knowledge about new approaches to care. At Baystate Health we know that treating one another with dignity is what elevates respect for our patients and staff.Together our inspired and compassionate teams manage the whole health needs of all communities in need.

Summary:

Daily activities are coordinated by the Registered Nurse (RN). The PCT will perform a variety of technical tasks and bedside functions. Responsibilities include but are not limited to Direct Patient care; hygiene, skin care, mobility, and monitoring. Will have multi-skills for what is needed on the unit, to perform all duties relative to phlebotomy and EKGs. The PCT is expected to manage equipment and perform or assist in all procedures on the unit. The incumbent is expected to perform other similar and related duties as assigned.

Department Summary:South Wing 6- General Surgery

  • South Wing 6 contains 32 beds, 2 rooms have been converted to double rooms to assist with decompression of the ER
  • Populations served- orthopedic, trauma, urology, musculoskeletal spinal surgery, endocrine, bariatric surgery, colorectal and thoracic patients
  • South Wing 6 is a fast-paced surgical unit with high acuity and great opportunity for learning and developing your critical thinking skills.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Provides age-appropriate care to patients.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of developmental stages for the following age groups and applies developmental theories and concepts when implementing care for patients.
  • Monitors basic physiological parameters.
  • Takes and records routine vital signs within the specified timeframe as indicated by periodic review of documentation. Obtains and documents weights/heights, abdominal girths, and head circumference (Pediatric Service) as per physician/nurse order 100% of the time as indicated by quarterly review of 5 records. Consistently reports any significant deviations in vital signs as outlined in the procedure immediately. Records and reports, 100% of the time, any change in the patient's normal drainage pattern, i.e. gastric, wound, blood.
  • Administers treatments and procedures per BMC policy/procedure.
  • Changes dressings within one hour of the specified timeframe per established procedure. Provides post-mortem care as directed by RN according to Baystate Health's policy.
  • Performs all procedures outlined in the nursing procedure manual within the area of responsibility per specifications. Assists physicians with exams and simple procedures. Assures the identity of the patient by checking the identification bracelet and identification band before performing any procedure.
  • Assists patients with the elimination of body wastes.
  • Makes available or offers bedpan, urinal, and emesis basin immediately after patient request as indicated by the absence of patient complaints.
  • Accurately labels and sends specimens of urine, feces, and sputum within 30 minutes of the specified time frame unless discussed with RN as evidenced by random review of reports. Accurately measures and records intake and output per established policy as indicated by random review of intake and output forms. Administers enemas or Harris Drips as ordered per the established procedure as observed.
  • Performs Point of Care (POC) Testing
  • Assist in the delivery of ancillary services as directed. Assists with treatment by following specified treatment plans developed for individual patients. Monitors patient's condition during treatment and notifies appropriate personnel of unexpected occurrences. 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
  • Communicates effectively with team and patients. Interacts with patients in a respectful and informative manner. Clearly communicates information related to patient care to the team. Recognizes culturally based patient and family needs.
  • Is knowledgeable of and initiates emergency procedures. Responds effectively in emergency situations as observed. Maintains Patient safety at all times. Communicates effectively with appropriate personnel.
  • Functions as a member of the team
  • Assists team members with clinical activities. Provides feedback related to
  • the team process. Assists team members with non-clinical activities.
  • Competencies and completion and maintenance of clinical recognition
  • program for career ladder level.
  • Demonstrates competency for one-to-one observation of patients based on department and unit-specific needs.

Qualifications: This position is part of a career ladder and hiring level determined by Recruitment.

Level I:

1) PCT training or CNA training, preferred

2) BLS CPR Certification through American Heart Association, required

Level II:

1) High School diploma or GED

2) At least one year of patient care experience (this experience can vary in level of long-term care, specialty, acute care, etc.)

3) BLS CPR Certification through American Heart Association, required

Level III:

1) High School diploma or GED

2) Three or more years of patient care experience (this experience can vary in level of long-term care, specialty, acute care, etc.) experience OR at least one year as a level II PCT at Baystate Health

3) BLS CPR Certification through American Heart Association, required

Level IV:

1) High School Diploma or GED

2) 4 or more years of Acute or specialty-specific care setting experience OR at least one year as a level III PCT at Baystate Health

3) BLS CPR Certification through American Heart Association, required

Skills and Competencies:

  • Proficient in reading and writing in English
  • Able to maintain professional composure in medium to high-stress situations
  • Effective communication skills

We strive to be the place where we can help you build the career you deserve - apply today - YOU belong at Baystate!

THE ADVANTAGES OF WORKING WITH BAYSTATE!

  • Excellent Compensation High-quality, low-cost medical, dental and vision insurance
  • Generous PTO - up to 25 days in the first year, with scheduled earned increases
  • Continuing education support and reimbursement
  • First Time Home Buyers Financial Packages
  • Farm Share Memberships
  • 403b retirement company match & annual company contribution increase based on years of service
  • Free money coach advice from a certified professional
  • Wellbeing programs that include but are not limited to mental, physical, and financial health
  • Pet, home, auto and personal insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Reimbursement for a variety of wellbeing activities, included but limited to gym membership and equipment, personal trainer, massage and so much more!
  • Wellbeing programs that include but are not limited to mental, physical, and financial health

OUR COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY

We offer competitive total compensation that includes pay, benefits, and other recognition programs for our employees. The base pay range shown above considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including knowledge/skills; relevant experience and training; education/certifications/licensure; and other business and organizational factors. This base pay range does not include our comprehensive benefits package and any incentive payments that may be applicable to this role.

Education:

GED or HiSET (Required)

Certifications:

Basic Life Support - American Heart AssociationAmerican Heart AssociationAmerican Heart Association, Certified Nurse Aide - OtherOtherOther

Compensation

Note: The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non-exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees.

Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum

$17.01 - $21.57 - $28.08

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Baystate Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

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