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Patient Sitter Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Patient Care Coordinator

Centerville, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

As a Patient Care Coordinator you are responsible not only for front desk operations, but also for ... Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking * Ability to lift up to 10 lbs

Patient Care Coordinator

Centerville, IA

$14.50 - $19/hr

As a Patient Care Coordinator you are responsible not only for front desk operations, but also for ... Prolonged sitting, standing, and walking * Ability to lift up to 10 lbs

Patient Registration Assistant

Rhodes, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $21.50/hr

Job Summary Responsible for collecting and entering patient demographic and insurance information. Greets and assists customers promptly and professionally. Schedules appointments and completes ...

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Patient Navigator - Prior Auth

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Acting as the patient navigators support to provide authorization and, in some cases, scheduling ... Sitting at a desk without interruption for extended periods of time may seem unnatural. What We're ...

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Patient Sitter information

See Iowa salary details

$7

$17

$24

How much do patient sitter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient sitter in Iowa is $17.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $20.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patient sitter?

Patient sitters are healthcare workers who provide constant observation and companionship to patients in hospitals or healthcare facilities. Their main responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of patients who may be at risk of harming themselves or others, such as those with dementia, confusion, or suicidal tendencies. Patient sitters do not provide medical care but alert nursing staff if the patient needs assistance or if there are any changes in the patient's condition. They play a critical role in preventing accidents and maintaining a safe environment for vulnerable patients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patient sitter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patient Sitter, you need a basic understanding of patient safety, observation, and care procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with hospital protocols, patient monitoring systems, and documentation practices is typically required. Strong attention to detail, patience, and effective communication help build trust with patients and coordinate with healthcare teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring patient safety, preventing incidents, and supporting overall care quality in healthcare settings.

What are the most common challenges faced by patient sitters, and how can they be managed effectively?

Patient Sitters often encounter challenges such as managing patients who are confused, agitated, or at risk of self-harm, which can require constant vigilance and patience. Effective communication with nursing staff and staying attentive to subtle changes in patient behavior are key to managing these situations. Building rapport with patients, maintaining a calm demeanor, and following hospital protocols help ensure both patient safety and a supportive environment. Additionally, Patient Sitters must be prepared for long periods of observation, making self-care and regular breaks important for maintaining focus.

What is the difference between Patient Sitter vs Nursing Assistant?

AspectPatient SitterNursing Assistant
CredentialsNo formal certification typically requiredCertified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification often required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, nursing homes, or home care, mainly monitoring patientsHospitals, nursing homes, clinics, providing basic patient care
Job DutiesSupervising and observing patients to prevent falls or injuriesAssisting with daily activities, hygiene, and basic medical tasks

While both roles involve patient supervision, a Patient Sitter primarily monitors patients without providing direct care, whereas a Nursing Assistant offers hands-on basic care and support. The roles often overlap in healthcare settings, but CNAs have formal certification and broader responsibilities.

What hours do patient sitters typically work?

Patient sitters typically work in shifts that can include days, evenings, nights, or weekends, depending on the healthcare facility's needs. Many positions require flexible scheduling, and some may involve part-time or full-time hours to provide continuous patient supervision and support.

What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Sitter jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Patient Sitter jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Patient Sitter jobs in Iowa?

For Patient Sitter jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Patient Sitter jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Patient Sitter job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Patient Sitter jobs in IA?

For Patient Sitter jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Patient Sitter job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,790 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Constant Observer (Sitter, Patient Observation) | 36 hours per week | Nursing Administration

Great River Health

Fort Madison, IA • On-site

$16/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Great River Health rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Minimum Hiring Wage:

From $16.00 per hour

Job Details:

Scheduled Hours: 6:30pm - 7:00am, every other weekend

Job Description:

A Brief Overview
The Patient Sitter/Observer provides continuous observation of patients at risk for falls, self-harm, elopement, or other safety concerns, ensuring a safe environment and promptly reporting changes in condition or behavior to nursing staff. Working under the direction of an RN, this role supports patient care plans, remains engaged and vigilant throughout shifts, and may also serve as a Tele-Sitter Monitor Technician, using remote video monitoring technology to observe patients and alert staff to potential safety risks.
What you will do

  • Observation of patients to ensure their safety and the safety of staff
  • Observe patients' conditions/behavior and report changes to professional staff
  • Cleaning and straightening of patient's rooms
  • Assist in the turning and repositioning of patients to prevent pressure ulcers
  • Appropriate use of bed/chair alarms for fall prevention
  • Document activities performed on the frequent observation flow sheet documentation tool in an accurate and timely manner.

Qualifications:

Qualifications

  • H.S. Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) Preferred
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
  • Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Monitoring/Assessing performance of self, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  • MOAB training within 180 days of hire, then every 2 years.
  • Basic Cardiac Life Support & First Aid - American Heart Association within 180 Days Required
  • Child Abuse Iowa Mandatory Reporter - Iowa Department of Human Services within 180 Days Required
  • Dependent Adult Abuse Mandatory Reporter - Iowa Department of Human Services within 180 Days Required

Benefits:

We are excited to offer an aggressive compensation and benefits package for qualifying positions, which includes:

  • Competitive base pay

  • Matching retirement programs

  • Health, Dental and Vision plans

  • Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Employee discounts including car rental, cell-phone plans

  • Employer-paid, Long-Term Disability, Life, and AD&D

  • Paid time off (PTO)

  • Education Assistance Program

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Employee Referral Bonus Program

  • Discounted cafeteria meals

  • Paid Parental Leave

  • Employee Service Recognition program

  • Voluntary plans including: Life, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, Insurance, and Hospital Indemnity

Great River Health and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.


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