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Patient Watch Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

CLICK HERE to watch Sentara Health colleague Jacqueline share more about the role of a Patient Care Technician with Sentara. CLICK HERE to watch Sentara Health colleague McKenzie tell us about a day ...

CLICK HERE to watch Sentara Health colleague Jacqueline share more about the role of a Patient Care Technician with Sentara. CLICK HERE to watch Sentara Health colleague McKenzie tell us about a day ...

CLICK HERE to watch Sentara Health colleague Jacqueline share more about the role of a Patient Care Technician with Sentara. CLICK HERE to watch Sentara Health colleague McKenzie tell us about a day ...

CLICK HERE to watch Sentara Health colleague Jacqueline share more about the role of a Patient Care Technician with Sentara. CLICK HERE to watch Sentara Health colleague McKenzie tell us about a day ...

Showing results 21-40

Patient Watch information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$18

$27

How much do patient watch jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for patient watch in Virginia is $18.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $20.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patient watch?

A Patient Watch job involves monitoring patients who require continuous observation for safety reasons, such as those at risk of falls, self-harm, or disorientation. Responsibilities typically include ensuring the patient remains safe, reporting any changes in behavior to nursing staff, and providing companionship when needed. Patient Watch staff work in hospitals, nursing homes, or other healthcare settings under the supervision of medical professionals. Strong observational skills, patience, and the ability to stay alert for extended periods are essential for this role.

What are the typical responsibilities of a patient watch?

A Patient Watch is primarily responsible for continuously observing assigned patients to ensure their safety, particularly those who may be at risk of harm to themselves or others. Daily tasks include monitoring patient behavior, alerting nursing staff to any changes or emergent situations, and documenting observations as required by hospital protocol. You may work closely with nurses, security personnel, and other hospital staff, making collaboration and effective reporting critical aspects of the job. This role involves long periods of attentiveness, often requiring you to remain in the patient's room or immediate vicinity for your entire shift. While challenging, the position offers valuable experience and opportunities to advance within healthcare support roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the patient watch position, and why are they important?

Excelling as a Patient Watch requires attention to detail, basic patient care knowledge, and the ability to remain vigilant for extended periods, often with a high school diploma or equivalent as the standard qualification. Experience with hospital communication systems and basic documentation or observation recording tools is typically expected. Strong observational skills, patience, and calm communication help individuals handle stressful situations and interact effectively with patients and healthcare staff. These abilities are crucial to ensure patient safety, promptly respond to concerning behaviors, and support the broader healthcare team.

How to become a patient watch specialist?

To become a patient watch specialist, candidates typically need a background in healthcare, medical device knowledge, or related fields. Relevant skills include attention to detail, communication, and familiarity with medical monitoring tools; certifications in healthcare or medical device training can enhance job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Patient Watch jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Patient Watch jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Patient Watch job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,146 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Patient Care Technician - Surgery Unit

Sentara Healthcare

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Sentara Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 417 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

497th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

City/State
Norfolk, VA
Work Shift
Third (Nights)
Overview:
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is hiring a Patient Care Technician (PCT) for the Surgery unit. This is a Full Time, Night Shift (12-hour shift) position.
Hours: 7:00PM to 7:00AM - Three 12-hour shifts (36 hours per week), with rotating weekends.
Department Overview: Join our 42-bed Surgery unit! This unit specializes in the care of adult surgical patients recovering from a variety of surgeries, to include but not limited to, Urology, General Surgery, ENT, Plastic Surgery, GYN Surgery, Surgical Oncology, and Trauma Overflow.
The Patient Care Technician provides patient care, supports independent and dependent activities of daily living, vital signs, mobility and ambulation, phlebotomy, point of care testing, EKG testing, peripheral IV removal, specimen collection, and foley catheter insertion and removal, and complies with patient safety practices under the direction of the professional RN nurse. Observes patients' physical, mental, and emotional conditions and documents in a timely and accurate manner while reporting any change to the nurse or medical staff.
CLICK HERE to watch Sentara Health colleague Jacqueline share more about the role of a Patient Care Technician with Sentara.
CLICK HERE to watch Sentara Health colleague McKenzie tell us about a day in the life of a Patient Care Technician with Sentara.
Requirements:
Education:
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required) AND one of the following is required:
  • Sentara Care Partner Certification Program, or
  • Successful completion of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), or
  • National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA), or
  • National Patient Care Technician (NCPCT), or
  • Completion of US Navy Hospital Corps School, or
  • Emergency Services to include EMR, EMS, EMT, AEMT and Paramedic, or
  • Current student enrolled in a clinical program (beyond prerequisites) having completed at least one semester of a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Respiratory Therapist (RT) or Physical Therapist (PT) program, or
  • Current work experience within the last three years as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) or Nursing Assistant.

Certifications/Licensure:
  • AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 90 days of hire.

Experience:
  • One year of health care experience (Preferred).

Keywords: Certified Nursing Assistant, CNA, Nursing Assistant, NA, Medical Assistant, MA, Nursing Care Partner, NCP, Nursing Student, Paramedic, EMS, EMT, Patient Care Tech, PCT, #Talroo-Allied Health
Benefits: Caring For Your Family and Your Career
Medical, Dental, Vision plans
• Adoption, Fertility and Surrogacy Reimbursement up to 10,000
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• Paid Parental & Family Caregiver Leave
• Emergency Backup Care
• Long-Term, Short-Term Disability, and Critical Illness plans
• Life Insurance
• 401k/403B with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance - 5,250/year and discounted educational opportunities through Guild Education
• Student Debt Pay Down - 10,000
• Pet Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Colleagues have the opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus if established system and employee eligibility criteria is met.
Here at Sentara, we are committed to consistently enhancing our training, advancement tracks, work-life benefits, and more. Our goal is to make you feel more excited to be here every day!
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, located in Norfolk, VA, is a 525-bed tertiary care facility that is home to the only Level I Adult Trauma Center and burn trauma unit in Hampton Roads, and also serves as the primary teaching hospital for Eastern Virginia Medical School.
In addition to the high-quality heart program at Sentara Heart Hospital, our facility is home to Nightingale Regional Air Ambulance and several other dedicated facilities and specialized services. As a recognized accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center, and Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, our hospital specializes in heart and vascular, neurosciences, neurosurgery, urology, oncology, spine care, advanced imaging, behavioral health, maternity, and women's health, including a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit.
Sentara Health is an equal opportunity employer and prides itself on the diversity and inclusiveness of its close to an almost 30,000-member workforce. Diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a guiding principle of the organization to ensure its workforce reflects the communities it serves.
In support of our mission "to improve health every day," this is a tobacco-free environment.
For positions that are available as remote work, Sentara Health employs associates in the following states:
Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

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