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Patient Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Northern Light Health

Patient Observer

Brewer, ME · On-site

... patient safety policy and/or protocol when involved or observed. • May perform other duties upon request. • Precepts team members to job function. Precepts team members to the computerized ...

Moffitt Cancer Center

PATIENT OBSERVER PRN

Tampa, FL · Remote

Patient Observer PRN Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer. As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer ...

Moffitt Cancer Center

Patient Observer Prn

Tampa, FL · Remote

The Patient Observer must be able to clearly see all patients for which he/she is responsible at all times. The Patient Observer must be able to verbally redirect the patient from engaging in risk ...

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How much do patient observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 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 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 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 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 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 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.

More about Patient Observer jobs
What cities are hiring for Patient Observer jobs? Cities with the most Patient Observer job openings:
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Patient Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patient Observer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 26% As Needed, 2% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 59% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,764 per year, or $16.7 per hour.
PATIENT OBSERVER PRN

PATIENT OBSERVER PRN

H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center

Tampa, FL • On-site

$16.75/hr

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Moffitt Cancer Center rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

72nd of 865 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Job Summary:
Responsible for providing constant inpatient and/or remote patient observation and surveillance under the direction of a registered nurse (RN) of assigned patients. Observation may include more than one patient at a time at the remote visual monitoring station. The Patient Observer must be able to clearly see all patients for which he/she is responsible at all times.
The Patient Observer must be able to verbally redirect the patient from engaging in risk behaviors. Must be able toutilize technology required for visualization and interventions of safe patient care.
When monitoring patients via remote visual monitoring, the Patient Observer summons the nursing staff if the patient requires assistance by communication devices or STAT Alert Alarm.
Credentials and Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma/ GED
  • BLS required

Experience:
  • Knowledge of medical terminology preferred. Previous experience in patient care setting preferred. Excellent verbal interactive, and listening skills required. Must possess customer service and interpersonal skills and display the ability tocollaborate with other healthcare providers.
  • Basic computer skills required for remote visual monitoring.

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