1

Suicidal Patient Sitter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patient Safety Attendant

Lanham, MD · On-site

$17 - $22.36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Remains in close proximity and/or maintains line-of-site (required for all suicidal and petitioned patients) as appropriate when assigned to patient sitter duties. * Performs duties according to ...

Patient Safety Attendant

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$17 - $22.36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Remains in close proximity and/or maintains line-of-site (required for all suicidal and petitioned patients) as appropriate when assigned to patient sitter duties. * Performs duties according to ...

Sitter, Nurse Tech/CNA

Ventura, CA · On-site

$24.15 - $28.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

When sitting with a suicidal patient, maintains constant visual observation, including when the patient is in the bathroom or when family members are present. * Maintains a neat and calm environment ...

Sitter/CNA

Ventura, CA

$24.15 - $28.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

When sitting with a suicidal patient, maintains constant visual observation, including when the patient is in the bathroom or when family members are present. * Maintains a neat and calm environment ...

Travel Nurse RN - Psychiatric

Yakima, WA · On-site

$1.8K - $2.4K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Suicidal Ideation * Dementia with behavioral disturbances Medical Conditions * Diabetes Charting ... Patient sitter assignments Weekend Requirement * 2 weekends per month On-Call * None About Care ...

Showing results 21-40

Suicidal Patient Sitter information

See salary details

$7

$18

$25

How much do suicidal patient sitter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for suicidal 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 is a suicidal patient sitter?

A Suicidal Patient Sitter is a trained healthcare worker responsible for providing constant observation and support to patients who are at risk of self-harm or suicide. They work in hospitals or mental health facilities and ensure the safety of at-risk patients by monitoring their behavior and intervening if necessary. Their presence helps prevent suicide attempts and allows medical staff to focus on treatment. Suicidal Patient Sitters may also communicate with the healthcare team and document the patient's activities. This role is critical in maintaining patient safety in a clinical setting.

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

To thrive as a Suicidal Patient Sitter, you need a basic understanding of patient safety, crisis intervention, and observation skills, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or a relevant certification in patient care. Familiarity with hospital safety protocols, electronic health record systems, and incident reporting tools is typically required. Compassion, vigilance, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining patient safety, preventing self-harm, and supporting healthcare teams in high-risk situations.

What are some common challenges faced by suicidal patient sitters, and how can they effectively manage these situations?

Suicidal Patient Sitters often encounter emotionally intense situations, such as patients expressing distress or attempting self-harm. Managing these challenges requires maintaining constant vigilance, using de-escalation techniques, and following hospital protocols to ensure patient safety. Building rapport while setting clear boundaries is essential, as is collaborating closely with nursing staff and mental health professionals to communicate changes in patient behavior. Regular training, emotional resilience, and strong support systems help sitters manage the stress associated with this critical role.

How to become a suicidal patient sitter?

To become a suicidal patient sitter, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete training on patient safety, mental health protocols, and emergency response. Some employers may require certification in CPR or first aid, and strong observation and communication skills are essential for monitoring at-risk patients effectively.

Which is considered a best practice approach for intervening with suicidal patient sitters?

Suicidal patient sitters should be trained to maintain constant observation, follow facility protocols, and communicate effectively with healthcare teams to promptly identify and respond to warning signs. Using de-escalation techniques and ensuring a safe environment are essential components of best practices in this role.
More about Suicidal Patient Sitter jobs

What cities are hiring for Suicidal Patient Sitter jobs?

Cities with the most Suicidal Patient Sitter job openings:

What states have the most Suicidal Patient Sitter jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Suicidal Patient Sitter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,169 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Patient Safety Attendant

Luminis Health

Annapolis, MD

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Luminis Health rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Position Objective:

Maintains safety and security of patients. Provides assistance to nursing staff in the monitoring of patients on emergency petition, with behavioral issues or at risk for falls.

Contributes to the provision of high-quality, cost effective health care through collaboration with other health team members.

Essential Job Duties:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Maintains patient safety and security and must remain alert and attentive at all times; observes patient behavior and reports as necessary to the appropriate staff.

2. Monitors patient behavior closely. Remains in close proximity and/or maintains line-of-site (required for all suicidal and petitioned patients) as appropriate when assigned to patient sitter duties.

3. Performs duties according to established standards for age groups, preschool through adulthood, by demonstrating knowledge of principles of growth and development over the lifespan.

4. Sets limits on patient behavior under the direction of a registered nurse and/or mental health clinician and intervenes to decrease inappropriate behavior by consistently enforcing all rules at all times; controls patient telephone usage at the direction of the registered nurse/MHC.

5. Performs other duties as assigned, i.e. unit supply stocking, environmental care, room preparation and safety.

6. Under direction of the registered nurse, follows the patients plan of care and communicates with the registered nurse concerning inappropriate or non-compliant behavior.

7. Accurately and consistently documents required safety checks using the appropriate form(s).

8. Ensures appropriate visitation as directed by the registered nurse and that belongings, food, and other items brought to patients by family/visitors is allowable and safe.

9. Maintains confidentiality with all patient information and during interactions with patients, families, visitors and staff.

10. Supports basic patient activities as appropriate and directed by registered nurse and assists with transports as requested.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

* High School Diploma or equivalent 

Required License/Certifications:

* N/A

Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands: Medium

There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens. 

Physical Demands - Medium 

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position.  This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as deemed necessary.


What Luminis Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom