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Patient Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VPNE

Overnight Patient Observer

Newton Lower Falls, MA · On-site

$18.50 - $22.75/hr

Position Summary The role of the Patient Care Support (PCS) Companion (Patient Observer) is to provide constant safety observation of a patient identified to be at risk for causing unintentional or ...

VPNE

Overnight Patient Observer

Newton, MA · On-site

$21/hr

Position Summary The role of the Patient Care Support (PCS) Companion (Patient Observer) is to provide constant safety observation of a patient identified to be at risk for causing unintentional or ...

Merrimack Health

Patient Safety Observer

Methuen, MA · On-site

$15.81 - $23.50/hr

Patient Safety Observer Methuen Part-time 32 Hours per Week 11pm - 7:00am Provide a safe and comfortable environment for those patients at risk of harming themselves or others. Responsibilities:

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How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient observer in the United States is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $17.79 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.

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Patient Observer jobs near you
Patient Observer - Full Time Night

Patient Observer - Full Time Night

Stony Brook Southampton Hospital

Southampton, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Stony Brook Medicine rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

227th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Patient Observer works under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and provide essential support to patients by ensuring their safety and comfort during their stay. The Patient Observer works closely with the Nursing Assistant to assist with patient monitoring, and engagement, creating a positive environment for healing and recovery. Promotes cooperation, a positive attitude and creates a safe environment for both patients and staff. Responsible for knowing and adhering to established hospital policies and procedures, including all aspects of safety.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assists Registered Nurse with nursing care of assigned patients according to established policies and procedures.
  • Monitor patient comfort and safety by providing constant observation and support. 
  • Engage with patients to assess their emotional and physical needs, providing companionship and support. 
  • Assist nursing staff with basic patient care tasks as directed, including meal preparation and hygiene assistance. 
  • Report any changes in patient behavior or condition to the nursing staff promptly. 
  • Maintain a clean and safe environment for patients, ensuring adherence to health and safety regulations. 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School Graduate or equivalent, required.
  • Current BLS provider certification from the American Heart Association required within 90 days of employment.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Previous experience in a healthcare setting, preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

  • Standing, walking 95% of day. 
  • Lifting and transporting patients. 
  • Visual and auditory acuity. 

As part of employment at Southampton Hospital, there may be occasions when travel to other locations is needed to support operational needs.

Special Notes: Resume/CV should be included with the online application. 

  • Stony Brook Medicine is a smoke free environment. Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on campus, including parking lots and outdoor areas on the premises.
  • All Hospital positions may be subject to changes in pass days and shifts as necessary. 
  • This position may require the wearing of respiratory protection, which may prohibit the wearing of facial hair. 
  • This function/position maybe designated as "essential." This means that when the Hospital is faced with an institutional emergency, employees in such positions may be required to remain at their work location or to report to work to protect, recover, and continue operations at Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook University Hospital and related facilities. 

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established based on relevant experience.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents SBSH's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number in your paycheck!

Prior to start date, the selected candidate must meet the following requirements: 

Successfully complete pre-employment physical examination and obtain medical clearance from Stony Brook Southampton Hospital's Employee Health Services*

  • Complete electronic reference check with a minimum of three (3) professional references.
  • Successfully complete a 4 panel drug screen*
  • Meet Regulatory Requirements for pre-employment screenings.
  • Provide a copy of any required New York State license(s)/certificate(s).

Failure to comply with any of the above requirements could result in a delayed start date and/or revocation of the employment offer. 

*The hiring department will be responsible for any fee incurred for examination.

Company Overview:

Stony Brook Southampton Hospital as part of Stony Brook Medicine provides direct access to the highest level of academic-based medical care. Located in the heart of the village of Southampton, two hours from New York City, the hospital provides healthcare services to a diverse community of year-round residents, second homeowners and vacationers. The population, about 75,000 in the winter months, increases sharply to more than 300,000 in the summer. Stony Brook Southampton Hospital has been recognized as a Long Island Top Workplace by Newsday among large employers (defined as having 500 employees). 

StaffCo is a Professional Employer Organization, commonly referred to as a PEO, duty organized and registered under the New York Professional Employer Organization Law. StaffCo and SUNY have entered into a professional employer agreement under which StaffCo is the employer of Stony Brook Southampton employees and responsible for employment, including, promotions, disciplines, terminations, the day-to-day direction and supervision of work, as well as labor relations and collective bargaining. StaffCo is fully responsible for providing all payroll and human resource services, including the payment of wages, collecting and reporting payroll taxes and maintaining any and all employee benefits. SUNY Stony Brook Hospital is responsible for the operation of the hospital and provision of health care and is the co-employer as is necessary to conduct its responsibilities and for related licensure, regulatory or statutory requirements and obligations.   

Given StaffCo's employment responsibilities, it is deemed the "employer" for employment and labor law purposes. Thus, the employees are private sector employees of StaffCo, not public sector employees of SUNY. The private sector nature of the StaffCo employees has been approved by NYS Civil Service and upheld in a decision by the US National Labor Relations Board.

Stony Brook Medicine is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.

Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, consistent with our shared core values and our intent to achieve excellence, remains dedicated to supporting healthier and more resilient communities, both locally and globally.

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