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Patient Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Massgeneralbrigham

BFT Patient Observer

Somerville, MA · On-site

$17.71 - $24.28/hr

Does this position require Patient Care? Yes Essential Functions -Maintain constant observation of patient. -Document the care of patient under observation. -Keep nurse informed of changes in the ...

VPNE

Patient Observer (Per Diem)

Bridgeport, CT · On-site

The Patient Observer works to maintain safety as a one to one to assure that the patient does not harm himself/herself. VPNE is a family-owned, fun, and rapidly growing company headquartered in the ...

VPNE

Overnight Patient Observer

Burlington, 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

Patient Safety Observer, Safe Sitter, Part-time 24 Hours per Week. Evenings 11pm to 7am. Methuen campus To provide a safe and comfortable environment for those patients at risk of harming themselves ...

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Patient Observer information

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$11

$16

$20

How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 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 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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Patient Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,764 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

BFT Patient Observer

Massachusetts General Hospital

Somerville, MA • On-site

$17.71 - $24.28/hr

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago

Massachusetts General Hospital rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 1,064 rated hospitals

Job description

Site: The General Hospital Corporation

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

Summary
Under RN direction, provides constant observation to patients identified as a risk to themselves or others. Responsible for providing care related tasks in accordance with the individual needs of the patient, maintaining patient confidentiality and following hospital guidelines.
Does this position require Patient Care?
Yes
Essential Functions
-Maintain constant observation of patient.
-Document the care of patient under observation.
-Keep nurse informed of changes in the patient's condition.
-Assists patient in the event of a fall.
-Receives and provides detailed handoff information from/to staff regarding the patient and their status.
-Assists with feeding patient (s) as directed by the RN.

Qualifications

Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent preferred
Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
No
Licenses and Credentials
Experience
Some healthcare experience 0-1 year preferred
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to remain alert for extended periods of time.
- Ability to verbally calm patients.
- Ability to perform calmly and quickly in stressful situations.
- Ability to read, write and speak English clearly.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Physical Requirements
  • Standing Frequently (34-66%)
  • Walking Frequently (34-66%)
  • Sitting Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device)
  • Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs
  • Pushing Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Pulling Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
  • Balancing Frequently (34-66%)
  • Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Crouching Occasionally (3-33%)
  • Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
  • Reaching Frequently (34-66%)
  • Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%)
  • Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%)
  • Feeling Constantly (67-100%)
  • Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%)
  • Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%)
  • Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%)
  • Talking Constantly (67-100%)
  • Hearing Constantly (67-100%)

    • Remote Type

    Onsite

    Work Location

    399 Revolution Drive

    Scheduled Weekly Hours

    0

    Employee Type

    Temporary

    Work Shift

    Rotating (United States of America)

    Pay Range

    $17.71 - $24.28/Hourly

    Grade

    2 At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth. We invite you to apply, and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of your potential compensation and benefits package.

    EEO Statement:

    1200 The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran's Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642. Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

    At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership "looks like" by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.

    What Massachusetts General Hospital employees say

    Pay

    Benefits

    Hours and flexibility

    Workplace

    Get the full story on Breakroom

    Massachusetts General Hospital logo

    About Massachusetts General Hospital

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    Mass General has the largest hospital based research program in the U.S. Guided by the needs of our patients, Mass General delivers care grounded in leading edge research, advanced treatment offerings and the latest clinical trials. Massachusetts General Hospital was established to provide care to Boston's sick, regardless of socioeconomic status, and became the first teaching hospital of Harvard University's new medical school. We have remained at the forefront of medicine by fostering a culture of collaboration and education, pushing the boundaries of medical research, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to the diverse community we were created to serve. We believe that because of diversity we excel, through inclusion we respect our community, and with a keen focus on equity we serve, heal, educate and innovate at the highest levels. Our first priority is the well-being of our patients—near and far. As a team we are able to maintain a singular focus on providing the highest quality, most compassionate care to each and every patient.

    Industry

    Hospitals

    Company size

    10,000+ Employees

    Headquarters location

    Boston, MA, US

    Year founded

    1811

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