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Patient Observer / Sitter: The Reality of "Sitting" for 12 Hours (2026 Guide)

Is getting paid to sit and watch a patient sleep the easiest job ever? We explain the mental boredom, the violence risk (Code White), the pay difference between UHN and private security, and why nursing students should take this job immediately.
A patient observer sitting in a chair next to a hospital bed in a dim room, reading a book while monitoring a patient.

If you browse hospital job boards in Toronto or Vancouver, you will see a job title that sounds too good to be true: "Patient Observer" (or "Patient Sitter" / "1:1").

The job description is simple: Sit in a chair next to a patient. Make sure they don't pull out their IV or fall out of bed. Call the nurse if something happens.

For $22 - $26 per hour (in hospitals), it sounds like the easiest money on earth.

You just sit there, right?

Wrong.

In 2026, the Patient Observer role is one of the most mentally draining and surprisingly dangerous entry-level jobs in healthcare.

You aren't just sitting. You are often locked in a room for 12 hours with a patient who has dementia, is in a psychosis, or is violent. You are the "human shield" between the patient and the expensive medical equipment.

This guide reveals the reality of the "1:1" shift, the difference between being hired by the hospital vs. a security company, and why this is the ultimate resume booster for future nurses.

Not interested in healthcare? Check out GoodLife Fitness Sales for a commission-based role or FedEx "Jumper" for active work.

The Pay: Hospital vs. Security Agency

Where you get hired matters. The pay gap is massive.

1. Hospital Employee (The "Internal" Route)

  • Who hires you: The hospital itself (e.g., UHN, Sunnybrook, Fraser Health).
  • Job Title: Patient Observer, Patient Care Assistant (PCA), or Nursing Resource Team (NRT).
  • Pay: $22.00 - $26.00/hour.
  • Perks: You are often unionized (CUPE/SEIU). You get shift premiums (extra $ for nights/weekends).

2. Security Guard (The "Contract" Route)

  • Who hires you: Paladin, GardaWorld, Paragon.
  • Job Title: "Patient Watch" or "Healthcare Security."
  • Pay: $17.50 - $19.00/hour.
  • The Reality: You do the exact same job, but you are paid less because you are a "contractor."
  • The Uniform: You wear a security uniform, which can sometimes agitate confused patients more than scrubs.

Winner: Always apply to the Hospital directly. Check their "Careers" page under "Support Services."

The Job Description: It’s Not Just "Watching"

You are there for one reason: Safety.

The patient is usually on a "Form 1" (risk to self or others) or is a fall risk.

1. The "Sitter" Shift (The Boring Part)

  • Scenario: The patient is an 90-year-old with delirium. They sleep for 11 hours.
  • Your Job: Sit in the dark. Listen to the beeping machines.
  • The Challenge: Staying awake. If you fall asleep, you are fired instantly. It is harder than it sounds to stare at a sleeping person for 12 hours without your phone (officially banned).

2. The "Redirect" Shift (The Active Part)

  • Scenario: The patient has dementia and thinks they need to go to work. They try to get out of bed every 3 minutes.
  • Your Job: "Please sit down, Mr. Smith. You are in the hospital."
  • Repeat: You say this 400 times in a shift. It requires infinite patience.

3. The "Code White" (The Dangerous Part)

  • Scenario: The patient becomes aggressive. They throw a food tray at you or try to bite you.
  • Your Job:
    1. Press the Panic Button (or yell "Code White").
    2. Dodge the attack.
    3. Do NOT fight back. Your job is to observe and report, not wrestle (unless you have specific "Gentle Persuasive Approaches" training).

Practical Questions Answered

We scanned r/Nursing and r/SecurityGuards to find the night shift truth.

"Can I study while I sit?"

Usually YES.

  • Official Policy: "No distractions. Eyes on patient."
  • Reality: If the patient is asleep and the nurse is cool, most will let you read a textbook or study on an iPad (low brightness).
  • Nursing Students: Nurses love nursing students. If they know you are studying, they will often teach you things during the shift.

"Is it scary?"

It can be.

  • You might be sitting with a patient going through severe withdrawal or a psychotic episode.
  • Safety Tip: Always sit closest to the door. Never let the patient get between you and the exit.

"Do I have to change diapers?"

It depends.

  • Hospital Staff: Yes, you often help the PSW/Nurse with toileting.
  • Security Guards: No. You are "Hands Off." You call the nurse for hygiene.

Deep Dive: Why Nursing Students Should Do This

If you are in nursing school, this is the #1 job to get.

1. The "Foot in the Door"

  • When you graduate RN school, everyone has a degree.
  • You will have "2 Years of UHN Employment" on your resume.
  • You already know the charting system (Epic/Meditech).
  • You know the Unit Managers.

2. The "Clinical Eye"

  • You learn to spot "Decompensation."
  • You spend 12 hours staring at a patient. You notice subtle changes (breathing gets shallow, skin gets pale) before the nurse does.
  • Reporting this ("Hey, his breathing sounds wetter than an hour ago") saves lives and impresses the team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license?

No.

  • Hospital: Usually requires High School + CPR (BLS).
  • Security: Requires a Security Guard License (see our License Guide).

Are the hours guaranteed?

No.

It is almost always Casual / On-Call.

  • You get a call at 5:00 AM: "Can you come in for 7:00 AM?"
  • If the patient gets discharged, your shift might be cancelled.

Can I listen to music?

One earbud only.

You need to hear if the patient chokes or if the bed alarm goes off. Wearing noise-cancelling headphones is a safety violation.

Summary: The Ultimate Patience Test

  1. Apply Directly: Avoid security agencies if you can. Go to the hospital website.
  2. Bring a Book: Phone batteries die. Paper books don't.
  3. Position Yourself: Chair by the door. Always.
  4. Network: If you want to be a nurse, talk to the nurses. They are your future references.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.

Sources

Note

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.

Published by:

Mc Yow-z Jeff Calixte