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Suicidal Patient Sitter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UNIT SEC-SITTER

Hattiesburg, MS · On-site

$35K - $43K/yr

... to the Patient Care Manager. Unit Secretary/Sitter maintains the safety of patients who are confused, at risk for falling, or are suicidal and deemed a danger to self or others. Performance ...

UNIT SEC-SITTER

Hattiesburg, MS · On-site

$35K - $43K/yr

... to the Patient Care Manager. Unit Secretary/Sitter maintains the safety of patients who are confused, at risk for falling, or are suicidal and deemed a danger to self or others. Performance ...

... suicidal symptoms or exhibiting symptoms of emotional illness that has been determined by a ... Position requires sitting for 80% of the workday and mobility 20% of the workday. There is ...

Patient Safety Observer

Methuen, MA · On-site

$15.81 - $23.50/hr

Patient Safety Observer, Safe Sitter, Part-time 24 Hours per Week. Evenings 11pm to 7am. Methuen ... Provide one to one observations on suicidal patients and others as assigned. * Perform patient ...

Patient Safety Observer

Methuen, MA · On-site

$15.81 - $23.50/hr

Patient Safety Observer, Safe Sitter, Part-time 24 Hours per Week. Evenings 11pm to 7am. Methuen ... Provide one to one observations on suicidal patients and others as assigned. * Perform patient ...

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Suicidal Patient Sitter information

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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 Observer - 36 hours, Days (BMC Brighton)

Boston Medical Center

Brighton, MA • On-site

$16.29 - $24.21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Boston Medical Center rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

552nd of 1,060 rated hospitals


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Patient Safety Observer (One To One Sitter) performs one to one observation with patients admitted for an attempted suicide, with patients considered actively suicidal and on all patients who may harm themselves or for other safety reasons.
Position: Patient Safety Observer
Department: Safe Sitter
Schedule: Full Time, 36 hours:12 hours shifts 7a-7:30p, Every Other Weekend
Location: BMC Brighton
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:
  • Must be within arm's length of the patient at all times, unless other-wise directed by the charge RN.
  • Must be able to visually monitor patient at all times.
  • Must continuously observe and physically accompany patient to the bathrooms or
  • when patient has to go off the unit for tests.
  • Must make every effort to respect the dignity of the patient.
  • May not leave the patient unattended for any period of time unless relieved by another staff member.
  • If assistance is needed, the sitter must call out for help. If situation is not an emergency, sitter may use call night or telephone in room.
  • Must maintain verbal contact with the patient while awake to provide ongoing monitoring of communication indicating suicidal thoughts, and observe for sudden changes in behavior, and other changes in behavior which may indicate suicide potential.
  • Must report any significant changes in physical and mental status, such as sudden changes in behavior and/or verbalization suicidal thoughts and behavior to the assigned RN. immediately.
  • Must report verbalizations and/or behaviors of; self-injury, harming others, self-harm or attempts to leave the hospital to the assigned RN. immediately.
  • Demonstrates awareness of potentially hazardous items and informs all Medical Center personnel entering the patient's room to leave any hazardous items outside the room.
  • Continuously monitors environment for potentially hazardous items and reports presence of hazardous items to assigned RN.
  • Obtains assistance appropriately, according to situations:
  • Demonstrates awareness of behaviors/verbalizations of patient issues that require reporting to the charge or assigned RN and immediacy of need to report this information.
  • Manages emergency situations safely
  • Reports emergency situations immediately and appropriately.
  • Intervenes with patient appropriately.
  • Responsibilities when patient is in restraints
  • Performs safety checks by checking restrained extremities at least every 15 minutes for; restraint intact circulation, comfort, and body alignment
  • Documents safety checks on the restraint observation and documentation record and/or medical/surgical flow sheet.
  • Notifies charge RN. /Assigned RN of patient physical adjustment needed

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).
JOB REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Related work experience preferred

Required Certifications:
  • Active BLS certification from American Heart Association

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
  • Ability to effectively speak, read and write using the English language

Compensation Range:
$16.29- $24.21
This range offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications. However, our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and a broad range of factors is considered when making an offer. This includes education, experience, and licensure/certifications directly related to position requirements. In addition, BMCHS offers generous total compensation that includes, but is not limited to, benefits (medical, dental, vision, pharmacy), contract increases, Flexible Spending Accounts, 403(b) savings matches, earned time cash out, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee and family wellbeing.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans
According to the FTC, there has been a rise in employment offer scams. Our current job openings are listed on our website and applications are received only through our website. We do not ask or require downloads of any applications, or "apps" job offers are not extended over text messages or social media platforms. We do not ask individuals to purchase equipment for or prior to employment.

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About Boston Medical Center

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Boston Medical Center (BMC) is more than a hospital. It's a network of support and care that touches the lives of hundreds of thousands of people in need each year. It is the largest and busiest provider of trauma and emergency services in New England. Emphasizing community-based care, BMC is committed to providing consistently excellent and accessible health services to all-and is the largest safety-net hospital in New England. The hospital is also the primary teaching affiliate of the nationally ranked Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and a founding partner of Boston HealthNet - an integrated health care delivery systems that includes many community health centers. Join BMC today and help us achieve our Vision 2030 which is a long-term goal to make Boston the healthiest urban population in the world.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1996