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Patient Observer Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Patient Safety Assistant

Springfield, MO · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Benefits | CoxHealth Is effectively involved with maintaining the safety for assigned patients through continuous observation and surveillance. Communicates with the Registered Nurse and patient care ...

Patient Safety Assistant

Springfield, MO · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Benefits | CoxHealth Is effectively involved with maintaining the safety for assigned patients through continuous observation and surveillance. Communicates with the Registered Nurse and patient care ...

Patient Safety Assistant

Springfield, MO

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Benefits | CoxHealth Is effectively involved with maintaining the safety for assigned patients through continuous observation and surveillance. Communicates with the Registered Nurse and patient care ...

Patient Safety Assistant

Springfield, MO

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Benefits | CoxHealth Is effectively involved with maintaining the safety for assigned patients through continuous observation and surveillance. Communicates with the Registered Nurse and patient care ...

Patient Safety Assistant

Springfield, MO · On-site

$14.75 - $20.25/hr

Benefits | CoxHealth Is effectively involved with maintaining the safety for assigned patients through continuous observation and surveillance. Communicates with the Registered Nurse and patient care ...

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Patient Observer information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$10

$15

$18

How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in Springfield, MO is $15.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $16.20 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.

What job categories do people searching Patient Observer jobs in Springfield, MO look for? The top searched job categories for Patient Observer jobs in Springfield, MO are:
What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Patient Observer jobs? Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Patient Observer job openings:
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in Springfield, MO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Locum Tenens, 43% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,314 per year, or $14.1 per hour.
Observational Patient Sitter - Mercy Hospital Springfield - $15/hour - part time, all shifts

Observational Patient Sitter - Mercy Hospital Springfield - $15/hour - part time, all shifts

Towne Park

Springfield, MO

$15/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Details

  • Observational Patient Sitter - Mercy Hospital Springfield
  • Starting pay $15 - select shifts receive bonus pay
  • Medical benefits offered to all employees
  • No experience needed
  • Part time, all shifts - 8 or 12 hour shifts available


Compensation: Towne Park is committed to offering competitive, fair, and commensurate compensation. Actual compensation will be based on a candidate's job-related skills, experience, education or training, and location. The hourly base pay range for this position is $15 per hour. Select shifts receive bonus pay.
Work Schedule: The potential work schedule for this position is weekdays, weekends, holidays, all shifts. Select shifts receive bonus pay.

Benefits: Employees are eligible to enroll in accident insurance, critical illness insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, and telemedicine benefits. Employees are also able to enroll in the company's 401k retirement savings plan.

Eligibility requirements depend on your job classification, length of employment and number of hours worked. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.

Seasonal and temporary roles are not eligible for benefits outlined above.

JOB SUMMARY

The Observational Sitter is a non-clinical role that will provide bed-side observation and assistance while monitoring all activity of a specific patient in a hospital or medical center. The Sitter is responsible for sitting with and observing an assigned patient. No nursing or medical care is provided by the Observational Sitter. The Observational Sitter works with the nursing staff, and provides physical or other activity reports regarding the patient. The Sitter can assist with simple tasks such as reading to the patient, answering the phone, and getting water. Duties will be performed under the direction of the nurse in charge of the patient. The Sitter is responsible for contacting the nurse if the patient requires anything additional and will not provide medical assistance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Guest/Patient Service

  • Maintains pleasant, friendly and professional demeanor with all Guest/Patients, co-workers, and clients.
  • Remains at bedside of assigned patient at all times unless relieved by an appropriate staff member.
  • Verbally calms and/or reorients the patient in cases of agitation or confusion.
  • Removes visible hazards and/or broken equipment from immediate environment and reports to Guest Service Captain or Account Manager as appropriate.
  • Assists with keeping patient's room clean, safe and orderly.
  • Acknowledges and greets Guest/Patients with a professional and friendly demeanor.
  • Answers the telephone promptly and politely; within client/Towne Health standards.
  • Demonstrates a willingness and ability to assist others.
  • Responds to emergencies by immediately alerting nursing staff.
  • Practices proper client and/or Towne Health phone etiquette.
  • Assists patient's visitors with directions, information and other general inquiries, as appropriate.
  • Ensures that patient and business confidentiality is maintained at all times.
  • Delivers messages, items and/or amenities as requested.
  • Attend to the various non-clinical needs of the patient. May perform the basic functions in patient's room such as providing water, and alerting the nursing staff immediately if a medical emergency or irregular behavior is identified.

Systems and Standards

  • Completes all tasks in a timely manner as instructed by the Assistant Account Manager or the Account Manager.
  • Treats Guest/Patients and associates with courtesy, respect and dignity.
  • Follows all appearance standards as set forth by Towne Health, including complete approved pressed uniform.
  • Follows all attendance standards as set forth by Towne Health, as required by the scheduling which may vary according to the needs of the location.
  • Executes all terms and conditions as set forth in the Towne Health Associate Handbook and other policies and procedures.
  • Utilizes client/Towne Health logs as specified.
  • Completes tasks as outlined in applicable standard operating procedures.
  • Maintains clean, neat work environment including all surrounding areas of office, work area and desk.

Safety and Risk Management

  • Follows site specific safety and security procedures.
  • Practices preventative safety procedures as set forth by Towne Health, including safe lifting techniques.
  • Reports all accidents and incidents observed on shift to Guest Service Captain or Account Manager immediately.
  • Uses only equipment trained to use and operates all equipment in a safe manner.
  • Is knowledgeable of hospital disaster codes and response plans.
  • Follows client standard operating procedures for disaster codes and response plans.
  • Reports all potential hazards and safety concerns to Account Manager.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Ability to read, speak and write standard English language.
  • Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos.
  • Ability to write simple correspondence.
  • Ability to understand 24 hour and military time systems.
  • Knowledge of equipment including telephones, codes and alarms, two-way radios.
  • Ability to perform general typing and and/or basic computer skills.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and remain calm in stressful situations.
  • Possesses ability to work under pressure. Able to observe mentally-ill patients.
  • Able to accept leadership and guidance from RNs and LPNs.
  • Ability to do rotating 4, 8, or 12-hour shifts as scheduled including weekend rotation. May be required to work different shifts based on needs.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); AND a minimum of one month previous experience working with patient or related experience and/or training; OR equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous experience hospital setting preferred.
  • For insurance purposes, must be at least 18 years of age and be able to pass a criminal background and drug screen.

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