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Patient Sitter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PRN Days At Houston Methodist, the Patient Sitter position functions as competent and demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to communicate appropriately and carry out delegated nursing ...

Patient Sitter

Largo, FL · On-site

$15/hr

Responsibilities Patient Sitter * Wage: $15/hour * Full-time positions available * Day/Evening/Night shifts available. (Three 12-hour shifts.) 2AM and 2PM positions available. * Background check ...

Responsibilities Patient Sitter * Wage: $15/hour * Full-time positions available * Day/Evening/Night shifts available. (Three 12-hour shifts.) 2AM and 2PM positions available. * Background check ...

Patient Sitter

Wellsville, NY · On-site

$16.50 - $17.69/hr

If sitter is for patient with suicide risk, * Always positions self no closer than arms-length of the patient, keeping eyes on the patient at all times * Does not turn their back on the patient even ...

The Patient Sitter is responsible for observation of patients who have been assessed as confused, combative, have the potential to cause themselves harm, or are a fall risk. The sitter will contact ...

The Patient Sitter is responsible for observation of patients who have been assessed as confused, combative, have the potential to cause themselves harm, or are a fall risk. The sitter will contact ...

Patient Sitter

Lynwood, CA · On-site

$23/hr

Responsibilities Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the patient's bedside sitter maintains constant visual observation of assigned patient. Assists in the provision of a safe and clean ...

Patient Sitter

Lynwood, CA · On-site

$23/hr

Responsibilities Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the patient's bedside sitter maintains constant visual observation of assigned patient. Assists in the provision of a safe and clean ...

Job Summary A Patient Sitter provides direct patient observation and input in planning care through communication with the RN and other patient care team members. Is effectively involved with ...

Patient Sitter

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$17.08/hr

Join our team today as a Patient Sitter! You will be responsible for supervising a single patient engaging them with meaningful activities. Days: Rotating Hours: AM Shift (7am to 3pm) PM Shift (3pm ...

OverviewThe Patient Sitter is responsible for observation of patients who have been assessed as confused, combative, have the potential to cause themselves harm, or are a fall risk. The sitter will ...

Overview The Patient Sitter is responsible for observation of patients who have been assessed as confused, combative, have the potential to cause themselves harm, or are a fall risk. The sitter will ...

PRN Days At Houston Methodist, the Patient Sitter position functions as competent and demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to communicate appropriately and carry out delegated nursing ...

KnappMed.org Responsibilities Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the patient Sitter maintains constant visual observation of assigned patient. Assists in the provision of a safe and clean ...

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the patient's bedside sitter maintains constant visual observation of assigned patient. Assists in the provision of a safe and clean environment.

KnappMed.org Responsibilities Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the patient Sitter maintains constant visual observation of assigned patient. Assists in the provision of a safe and clean ...

Patient Sitter

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$23.80/hr

Responsibilities Sitters are used to keep patient's from harming themselves by falling or pulling out their lines. Requirements * Must possess a high school diploma. * Successful completion of a CNA ...

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Patient Sitter information

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How much do patient sitter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient sitter in the United States is $18.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 8- or 12-hour shifts, and some facilities offer flexible scheduling to ensure patient supervision around the clock. Availability for various shifts is often necessary, especially in hospitals or long-term care settings.

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 requirements to be a patient sitter?

To become a patient sitter, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic healthcare training, and sometimes CPR certification. Good communication skills, the ability to observe patient needs, and a compassionate attitude are also important. Some employers may require background checks and prior experience in healthcare or caregiving.

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 cities are hiring for Patient Sitter jobs?

Cities with the most Patient Sitter job openings:

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

The most popular types of Patient Sitter jobs are:

What states have the most Patient Sitter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Patient Sitter jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Patient Sitter jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Patient Sitter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,169 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Part-time

Posted 23 days ago


Houston Methodist rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 300 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

PRN Days
At Houston Methodist, the Patient Sitter position functions as competent and demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to communicate appropriately and carry out delegated nursing assistant level tasks for assigned age-specific, diverse patient population, providing appropriate level of observation and assisting in the delivery of patient care and services under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This position collaborates with the healthcare team to maintain a safe environment, ensuring suicidal safety precautions are implemented and will conduct 15-minute monitoring to ensure patient needs are met and records data established by policy and procedure, and reports observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse. The Patient Sitter position may also perform basic patient care activities of daily living (ADL's) within unit specific defined limits and job scope and practices Patient and Family Centered Care in concert with Houston Methodist ICARE values: Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

PRN Days

FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION

  • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)


EXPERIENCE

  • One year of direct patient care experience within the last three years or Nursing student currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program that has successfully completed at least one clinical rotation


LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

  • State license or certification: CMEDASST,NHA-CMA,NCCT-NCMA,NRCMA,CNA and
  • BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association and
  • NVCRISIS - Nonviolent Crisis Intervention or Instructor (CPI) - Crisis Prevention Institute


SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
  • Performs basic patient care activities of daily living (ADL's) within unit specific defined limits and job scope, such as assistance with patient elimination, hygiene, comfort, safety, nutrition, and progress activity.
  • Completes required continuous training and education, including department-specific requirements and suicidal safety precautions


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Promotes a positive work environment with the interprofessional care team. Participates in teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance. Works well with others to make contributions to the work effort as a whole and facilitates problem resolution.
  • Interacts with peers, staff and physicians in a supportive and respectful manner. Encourages open communication to achieve mutual understanding. Communication to promote both work efforts and problem resolution is clear and professional. Collaborates with all members of the interprofessional team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information in a clear and timely manner.
  • Provides contributions towards improvement of department scores for turnover/retention/employee satisfaction, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.


SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Follows the patient and family-centered care standards and provides direct patient care under the direction of a registered nurse. Documents, where applicable, care administered, diagnostic measurements, treatments and procedures in accordance with established policies and procedures. Responds to the call light system, contacting nursing personnel as appropriate, and follows through with meeting patient needs.
  • Provides routine or close level of observation needed to provide safety for a patient. Assists with vital signs, ADLs, bed and transfer activities, meal set-up and feedings. Organizes the work flow, problem-solves basic and routine matters, and manages multiple ongoing priorities, seeking guidance and assistance from licensed nurse, or management.
  • Contributes towards improving department scores for patient satisfaction/experience on unit-based scorecard through peer-to-peer accountability, i.e. bedside shift handoff/report.


QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Reports observations, conditions and problems of patients to licensed personnel to achieve desired patient outcomes. Collaborates with healthcare team to maintain a safe environment, ensuring suicidal safety precautions are implemented.
  • Provides appropriate hand-off at change of shift at patient bedside to communicate and collaborate, promoting patient-centered care. Provides for the privacy of patients and families, keeping the safety of the patient in mind.
  • Conducts every 15-minute documentation to ensure patient needs are met (four P's). Reports near misses and collaborates with the interprofessional health care team to improve patient safety.
  • Contributes towards improving quality and safety scores on the unit-based scorecard, through peer-to-peer accountability. Supports initiatives to prevent conditions such as pressure injuries, patient falls, VTE, and hospital-acquired infections.
  • Maintains visual contact with the patient and remains at arms-length.


FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Assists with patient and staffing needs, floating across the hospital as competencies allow. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.
  • Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, minimizing incidental overtime.


GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Seeks guidance and validation of knowledge base, skill level and decision making as necessary, especially in areas of question, from preceptor and assigned licensed personnel. Completes and updates My Development plan (MDP) on an on-going basis.
  • Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement projects and shared governance activities.


SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

  • WORK ATTIRE
    • Uniform: No
    • Scrubs: Yes
    • Business professional: No
    • Other (department approved): Yes

    ON-CALL*
    *Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
    • On Call* No

    TRAVEL**
    **Travel specifications may vary by department**
    • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
    • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Work Shift:

1 - Day (United States of America)

Job Category:

Non-clinical Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of America's "Best Hospitals." As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation's largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist's primary academic affiliates are among the nation's leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


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