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Patient Safety Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Patient Safety Observer

Methuen, MA · On-site

$15.81 - $23.50/hr

Patient Safety Observer, Safe Sitter At Merrimack Health, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The base salary range for this position is $15.81- $23.50, excluding fringe benefits and ...

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 ...

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:

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:

... observation for safety, section twelve (12), falls on the same unit and/or the Emergency Department. * Provide one to one observations on suicidal patients and others as assigned. * Perform patient ...

Overview Join our dedicated healthcare team as a Patient Safety Observer, a vital role committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of patients during their care journey. In this dynamic position ...

... observation for safety, section twelve (12), falls on the same unit and/or the Emergency Department. * Provide one to one observations on suicidal patients and others as assigned. * Perform patient ...

... observation for safety, section twelve (12), falls on the same unit and/or the Emergency Department. * Provide one to one observations on suicidal patients and others as assigned. * Perform patient ...

... observation for safety, section twelve (12), falls on the same unit and/or the Emergency Department. * Provide one to one observations on suicidal patients and others as assigned. * Perform patient ...

... observation for safety, section twelve (12), falls on the same unit and/or the Emergency Department. * Provide one to one observations on suicidal patients and others as assigned. * Perform patient ...

Patient Safety Observer0100 Nursing Administration

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How much do patient safety observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient safety 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 safety observer?

Patient Safety Observers, sometimes called 'sitters,' are healthcare professionals responsible for continuously monitoring patients who are at risk of harming themselves or others. They play a critical role in ensuring patient safety by providing direct supervision, recognizing changes in patient behavior, and alerting medical staff if intervention is needed. Their duties may include assisting with basic patient needs, documenting observations, and maintaining a safe environment. Patient Safety Observers work closely with nurses and other healthcare providers to support the overall care plan.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patient safety observer?

To thrive as a Patient Safety Observer, you need a keen attention to detail, basic healthcare knowledge, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hospital safety protocols, electronic monitoring systems, and incident reporting tools is often required. Strong observation skills, patience, and effective verbal communication help you promptly identify and report patient safety concerns. These skills are crucial to ensure patient well-being and maintain a safe healthcare environment by preventing accidents or adverse events.

What are the main challenges patient safety observers face when monitoring patients, and how can they effectively address them?

Patient Safety Observers often encounter challenges such as maintaining continuous attention during long shifts and effectively communicating any changes in patient behavior to the clinical team. To address these challenges, observers use active observation strategies, take scheduled breaks when possible, and follow clear protocols for escalation. Consistent collaboration with nursing staff and participating in regular training updates can also help improve response times and ensure patient safety.

What is the difference between Patient Safety Observer vs Patient Care Assistant?

AspectPatient Safety ObserverPatient Care Assistant
Required credentialsMinimal; often no formal certification neededCPR certification, basic healthcare training
Work environmentHospitals, clinics, surgical areasHospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities
Employer usageUsed to monitor patient safety during proceduresProvides direct patient care and assistance
Common search intentUnderstanding monitoring roles in healthcareAssisting with patient needs and daily activities

The Patient Safety Observer primarily focuses on monitoring patient safety during procedures, requiring minimal credentials. In contrast, the Patient Care Assistant provides direct patient care, often with basic healthcare certifications. Both roles are vital in healthcare settings but serve different functions related to patient safety and assistance.

How do you become a patient safety observer?

To become a patient safety observer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may require training on patient safety protocols and infection control. Some positions may also require certification in basic life support or healthcare safety practices. Experience in healthcare or related fields can be beneficial but is not always mandatory.
More about Patient Safety Observer jobs

What cities are hiring for Patient Safety Observer jobs?

Cities with the most Patient Safety Observer job openings:

What states have the most Patient Safety Observer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Patient Safety Observer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Patient Safety Observer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,764 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

PATIENT SAFETY OBSERVER

Webster, MA


Umass Memorial Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 157 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

303rd of 896 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Part-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Are you an internal caregiver, student, or contingent worker/agency worker at UMass Memorial Health? CLICK HERE to apply through your Workday account.

Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

Hiring Range:

$15.00 - $21.16

Please note that the final offer may vary within this range based on a candidate's experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity considerations.

Schedule Details:

Monday through Friday, Weekends (Saturday and Sunday)

Scheduled Hours:

varies

Shift:

4 - Mixed Shift, 8 Hours (United States of America)

Hours:

0

Cost Center:

25080 - 0152 MS & ED Patient Observers

This position may have a signing bonus available a member of the Recruitment Team will confirm eligibility during the interview process.

Everyone Is a Caregiver

At UMass Memorial Health, everyone is a caregiver - regardless of their title or responsibilities. Exceptional patient care, academic excellence and leading-edge research make UMass Memorial the premier health system of Central Massachusetts, and a place where we can help you build the career you deserve. We are more than 20,000 employees, working together as one health system in a relentless pursuit of healing for our patients, community and each other. And everyone, in their own unique way, plays an important part, every day.

The Patient Safety Observer is responsible to provide continuous safety observation of patients to which they are assigned. The primary function in this role is to ensure patient safety and comfort. As part of the care team the Patient Observer may be asked to participate in supporting the patients with their activities of daily living, including, but not limited to, ambulating, feeding, and repositioning of patients as directed by nursing. The Patient Safety Observer may engage with the patients if appropriate and can use casual talk, sensory box including cards, coloring books, games. All care is to be documented and communicated through report with the designated staff member. All issues/concerns are to be reported immediately to the licensed clinical charge person.

I. Major Responsibilities:
1. Develops and maintains good human relations skills. Introduces self by name to the patient and engages in eye contact. Consistently displays a respectful, empathetic and caring attitude toward both the patients and their family members.
2. Consistently observes for suicidal and/or violent behavior. Stays in close proximity of the patient and keeps them in the visual field at all times. Ensures patient safety at all times including while in the bathroom and when transported to other departments.
3. Monitor visitors to ensure no unsafe materials are shared with the patient (weapons, illicit drugs, sharps).
4. Maintains 15-minute checks with documentation unless otherwise directed.
5. Patient Safety Observers can monitor more than 1 patient if deemed appropriate by the licensed staff in charge.
6. Follow the directions of the nurse in charge.
7. May transport patients if directed by the licensed staff in charge.
8. When not observing a patient the patient safety observer can be used for other ancillary activities as directed by the nursing supervisor (making beds in the ED, stocking, assisting with transporting patients).
9. Functions in a float position and is assigned to the areas with patient needs.
10. Maintains patient dignity at all times and advocates for the patient.

II. Position Qualifications:

License/Certification/Education:
Required:
1. High School diploma or equivalent.
2. CPR Certification within 6 months of hire.

Experience/Skills:
Preferred:
1. Previous position held in a healthcare setting preferred.

Unless certification, licensure or registration is required, an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed in this description may be substituted for the above requirements.

Department-specific competencies and their measurements will be developed and maintained in the individual departments. The competencies will be maintained and attached to the departmental job description. Responsible managers will review competencies with position incumbents.

III. Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions:

On-the-job time is spent in the following physical activities:
1. Stand - 1/3 to 2/3
2. Walk - 1/3 to 2/3
3. Sit - 2/3
4. Talk or hear - 2/3
5. Uses hands to finger, handle or feel - 2/3
6. Push/pull - 1/3 to 2/3
7. Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl - 1/3 to 2/3
8. Reach with hands and arms - 2/3

This job requires that weight be lifted or force be exerted:
1. Up to 10 pounds - 2/3
2. Up to 25 pounds - 2/3
3. Up to 50 pounds - 2/3
4. Up to 100 pounds - 2/3
5. More than 100 pounds - 2/3

This job requires exposure to the following environmental conditions:
1. Wet, humid conditions (non-weather) - 1/3 to 2/3
2. Work near moving mechanical parts - 2/3
3. Risk of radiation - Up to 1/3
4. Infectious Diseases - 1/3 to 2/3
5. Physical +/or Verbal Abusiveness - 2/3
6. Rotating Shifts - Up to 1/3
7. PPE when indicated - 1/3 to 2/3

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

We're striving to make respect a part of everything we do at UMass Memorial Health - for our patients, our community and each other. Our six Standards of Respect are: Acknowledge, Listen, Communicate, Be Responsive, Be a Team Player and Be Kind. If you share these Standards of Respect, we hope you will join our team and help us make respect our standard for everyone, every day.

As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, UMass Memorial Health recognizes the power of a diverse community and encourages applications from individuals with varied experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at talentacquisition@umassmemorial.org. We will make every effort to respond to your request for disability assistance as soon as possible.



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