Job Description & Qualifications
The Patient Safety Observer is responsible for maintaining continuous observation and ensuring the safety of assigned patients through vigilant monitoring, timely communication, and adherence to established safety protocols. This role actively supports coordinated, high-quality patient care by documenting observations in the electronic health record (EHR), collaborating with the interdisciplinary care team, and utilizing secure communication tools in real time. This position requires strong technical skills and a commitment to exceptional customer service. The individual will demonstrate a thorough understanding of hospital protocols, inter-facility standards, and teamwork practices to optimize both patient outcomes and clinical operations.
What You Will Do
- Maintains continuous observation of multiple patients.
- Navigate EHR workflows to support safe, efficient, and coordinated care. This includes documenting observations, entering appropriate communication notes, and using secure messaging tools to collaborate with the bedside care team in real time.
- Maintains patient safety by: direct supervision, reorienting and redirecting confused patient, following safety standards.
- Communicates with nurse any changes in patient behavior or condition.
- Communicates effectively with patient and family.
- Demonstrates technical skills in care delivery that result in safe practice and positive care outcomes
- Possess and obtain working knowledge of external and inter-facility protocols and standards of practice
- Demonstrates clear communication and effective collaboration to optimize patient care and clinical operations
- Delivering exceptional customer service while facilitating communication across multiple disciplines
Additional Responsibilities
- Work with all System Operations Center staff in a team orientated, collaborative approach
- Responsible for promoting a Best Place to Work Culture and positive and professional work environment
- Actively participates in the development and implementation of performance/quality improvement
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
- For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
- Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.
- High School Equivalent / GED (Required)
Work Experience
- 1+ years patient care in hospital acute care setting (Required) or
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written and oral (Required proficiency)
- Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills (Required proficiency)
- Demonstrates a professional demeanor when interacting with patients and customers (Required proficiency)
- Strong computer skills including all MS platforms (Required proficiency)
Physical Demands
- Standing Occasionally
- Walking Occasionally
- Sitting Constantly
- Lifting Rarely up to 20 lbs
- Carrying Rarely up to 20 lbs
- Pushing Rarely up to 20 lbs
- Pulling Rarely up to 20 lbs
- Climbing Rarely up to 20 lbs
- Balancing Rarely
- Stooping Rarely
- Kneeling Rarely
- Crouching Rarely
- Crawling Rarely
- Reaching Rarely
- Handling Occasionally
- Grasping Occasionally
- Feeling Rarely
- Talking Constantly
- Hearing Constantly
- Repetitive Motions Frequently
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Frequently
Travel Requirements
- 10%
Additional Salary Detail:
The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of posting of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. When determining a team member’s base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, union negotiated contracts, budget and internal equity). This figure does not include, unless otherwise stated incentive pay or shift differential pay or the value of University Hospitals’ comprehensive benefits package, which includes healthcare, dental, vision, retirement plan options, and additional offerings. Click here to view complete wellness and benefits details.
For over 150 years, University Hospitals has been dedicated to our mission To Heal. To Teach. To Discover. Starting as a small Cleveland hospital in 1866, UH has grown into 18 hospitals and 40 health centers, serving 1 million people annually.
UH delivers exceptional care, advances medical innovation, and trains future healthcare leaders. Now, you have the opportunity to add your talents to this legacy of care. At UH, you’ll join a collaborative team in an inspiring environment where your skills and ideas will be valued. Together, we can continue to shape the future of healthcare and deliver on the promise of our mission for generations to come.
Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans and individuals with disabilities.
University Hospitals is a national leader in healthcare that takes pride in calling Northeast Ohio home. With more than 150 locations throughout Cleveland and the surrounding metropolitan areas, UH provides unique opportunities to deliver world-class care in the communities where our employees live, work, and play.
We want you to make a career with us and we are here to support you – both in and out of work. Our comprehensive benefits program offers choice and flexibility to meet you where you are in your life.
- Medical Plans
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plan
- Paid Short and Long Term Disability
- Life and Account Insurance
- Additional Voluntary Benefits
- Wellness Programs and Plans
- Financial Health Resources
- Career Development Resources
- And More!
*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type.
View complete wellness and benefits details on our Why Choose Us page.

We want you to make a career with us and we are here to support you – both in and out of work. Our comprehensive benefits program offers choice and flexibility to meet you where you are in your life.
- Medical Plans
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plan
- Paid Short and Long Term Disability
- Life and Account Insurance
- Additional Voluntary Benefits
- Wellness Programs and Plans
- Financial Health Resources
- Career Development Resources
- And More!
*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type.


Working at University Hospitals
Careers at UH offers opportunities to provide care locally in the Cleveland area with the power to impact healthcare nationwide. As leaders in our industry, our staff share a commitment to be the difference in the lives of our patients and our communities from Northeast Ohio and beyond. Look at this video to discover how we’re building an organization for the future today.
Nightshift Module
Night shift provides a unique and rewarding opportunity for caregivers who thrive in a close-knit, supportive environment. With fewer distractions and a calmer atmosphere, you’ll have the chance to foster meaningful relationships with both colleagues and patients. The quieter pace allows for more in-depth patient connections, greater autonomy, and the opportunity to refine your skills. Whether it’s the flexibility to fit your lifestyle, the teamwork and problem-solving that come with a close-knit team, or the financial benefits of shift differential pay, night shift offers a space where you can grow both personally and professionally. If you excel in a late-night environment and appreciate the independence and collaboration it offers, our night shift team is the perfect fit for you!
Hear from our team about why they enjoy working the night shift and how it has shaped their careers.
Sara H.
Multi Modality
I like nightshift because the smaller staff helps me build connections and friendships with the staff around me. Helping us to better communicate without any issues, including doctors. I can work independently, keeping my thinking skills sharp. Even when it is quiet, it is never boring.










