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Patient Observer Jobs in Springfield, VA (NOW HIRING)

MedStar Health

Patient Care Technician

Clinton, MD · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Performs patient observation duty including 1:1 observation and application of restraints. Prepares patients to be seen by providers. Assists providers and registered nurses in patient examinations ...

MedStar Health

Patient Care Technician

Clinton, MD · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Performs patient observation duty including 1:1 observation and application of restraints. Prepares patients to be seen by providers. Assists providers and registered nurses in patient examinations ...

MedStar Health

Patient Care Technician

Clinton, MD · On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Performs patient observation duty including 1:1 observation and application of restraints. Prepares patients to be seen by providers. Assists providers and registered nurses in patient examinations ...

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Patient Observer information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$12

$17

$21

How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in Springfield, VA is $17.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Patient Observer jobs?

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Patient Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,312 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Patient Care Technician

MedStar Health

Clinton, MD • On-site

$16 - $21/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Medstar Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 240 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

135th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

About the Job
General Summary of Position
Functions as a member of the ICU patient-centered care team to provide direct patient care activities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse for assigned patients and their families/significant others. Assists medical and nursing staff with procedures and/or tests and patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Performs specific care activities such as specimen collection phlebotomy intravenous (IV) catheter insertion electrocardiography (EKG) and documentation in the health record. Incumbents in this position may perform all or a combination of the duties described depending upon the assigned work area and the specific needs of the patients and the department.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies procedures quality and safety standards and SPIRIT Values. Complies with governmental regulations and accreditation standards.
  • Assists patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) and personal hygiene including bathing mouth care dressing skin care positioning feeding ambulation toileting and range of motion activities. Assists with patient mobilization and rehabilitation use of crutches and walkers and transfer/transport of patients in wheelchairs and stretchers.
  • Collects specimens (e.g. blood urine sputum stool); performs venipuncture/phlebotomy; obtains EKGs; applies external telemetry monitoring boxes/devices; and inserts intravenous (IV) catheters changes of IV sites and dressings and routine inspection of IV sites.
  • Assists in the measurement and documentation of patient's intake and output (I&O). Accurately takes and records patient's vital signs height and weight pulse oximetry point of care and waived testing (i.e. finger sticks for glucose monitoring/Accucheck urine dipstick hemoccult) and other pertinent data or information in the patient's health record.
  • Performs routine sterile non-sterile (e.g. application of thermal soaks) and other treatments/activities identified by Unit/Hospital policy inclusive of but not limited to: tube feedings; ostomy care; Foley Catheter care and removal; perineal care; simple dressing changes and wound care; turning and positioning; postmortem care and transportation of body to the morgue; maintenance of drainage tubes with/without pump or suction; care of oxygen equipment; and assistance with the application maintenance and removal of traction casts splints and exercise equipment.
  • Maintains the comfort privacy and confidentiality and dignity of each patient in the delivery of services. Performs patient observation duty including 1:1 observation and application of restraints. Prepares patients to be seen by providers. Assists providers and registered nurses in patient examinations and procedures.
  • Rounds on all assigned patients based on established standards (e.g. purposeful hourly rounding). Reports actual and potential problems concerning patients/families including changes in the patient's condition to the registered nurse and other care team members as necessary. Ensures complete hand off to oncoming shift and obtains full hand off from outgoing shift. Initiates and assists in CPR when indicated.
  • Participates in patient/family teaching as directed and responds to questions from patient's families and visitors in a prompt courteous and respectful manner referring them to appropriate personnel if necessary.
  • Maintains the cleanliness and safety of patient rooms/environment by distributing and changing linen/towels removing used meal trays checking bed siderails and safety restraints etc. Assists with environmental services support such as linen management trash removal and cleaning patient rooms as needed.
  • Transports and/or escorts patients during discharges transfers and/or medical appointments. Completes errands such as delivering specimens to the laboratory equipment and supplies etc. as required.
  • Receives and stocks equipment and supplies and maintains orderly supply and utility rooms.
  • Attends staff meetings ongoing educational offerings and participate in multidisciplinary quality and service improvement teams.

Minimal Qualifications
Education
  • High School Diploma or GED or equivalent required
  • Completion of an approved nursing assistant certification program required

Experience
  • Less than 1 year experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant or Patient Care Tech required
  • Experience as a care technician; general health care experience in an acute care long-term care or other settings; student nurse in junior or senior year preferred

Licenses and Certifications
  • CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant from the relevant jurisdiction required
  • CPT - Phlebotomy Technician Certification preferred
  • CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 Days required
  • Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities
  • Basic math knowledge
  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Basic computer skills preferred

This position has a hiring range of
USD $19.55 - USD $34.25 /Hr.

What Medstar Health employees say

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About Medstar Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, MD, US

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