What happens when somebody is on suicide watch in a hospital?

Question

I know somebody who is a drug addict (pills and cocaine) and was put in the hospital for overdose. Last I heard he was on suicide watch. What does that entail?

Answer 1

First of all, they are usually made to change into a johnny, and EVERYTHING is taken out of their room, the only things left are usually their bedding and any unmovable furniture OR they need to be in a common area at all times, meaning they sleep outside the nurses station. If they need to brush their teeth or want to read a book ect. they have to ask a nurses for the item, and return it to the nurse when they are through with it. In addition to all that, they need to be in staff sight at all times. That means while they are eating, sleeping, taking a shower, using the bathroom ect. Everything all depends on that hospitals policy though, and how actively suicidal that patient currently is. If you want to know his hospitals policy, I'm sure that if you asked one of the hospital staff they would love to let you know (they just can't tell you any personal information about the client or his treatment without his consent) Hope this was of some help.

Answer 2

I was once on suicide watch in a hospital (and actually not suicidal at all). They took away my shoes, belt, and stuff like that. Then they had me stay in a bed that was in full view of the front desk of the ward. They gave me some medication to help me relax and some sleeping medication.

Other than being a little embarrassed having to sleep in front of all those people, it wasn't really that bad (the bill was harsh though).

As you come off suicide watch, you are put in another room with other patients, but you are checked on about 4 times an hour, and they encourage you to stay out of your room unless you are sleeping.

Answer 3

In the hospital where I work, you are constantly monitored by a staff member 24/7, meaning you can't do anything without being carefully watched (including go to the bathroom).

Answer 4

The patient is put 1:1 meaning a member of the staff will be in his room watching him constantly. All items that he may use to harm himself are taken and usually they serve meals with plastic forks and spoons.

Answer 5

He will be watched 24/7 and see a psychiatrist in the hospital. They will take all of his belongings and anything out of the room that may cause him to commit suicide.

Answer 6

generally, patients on suicide watch are checked at very frequent intervals or have a nurse assigned to sit with them. sometimes, any object that could potentially be used as a means to off oneself is removed from the room. this could be phone cords, shoelaces, blankets, and the like.

Answer 7

That means that the person is under 24hr watch from a nurse or some other staff. they take away your shoe strings or jewelry or anything else you made hurt yourself with. anytime a person overdose or suicide they go on suicide watch.

Answer 8

They have nurses on rotation that maintain a watch at the individual. even if they're within the bathe. And they don't seem to be allowed to have detailed gadgets. They actually have a legit speak to you.

Answer 9

I've been there before. Thay take away your dangerous stuff (like shoelaces, belts, phone cords, med's, etc.). Sometimes you're tied to the bed ("restrained"). And somebody comes in and bothers you ever 15 minutes or so.

Answer 10

Depending on if they have a history of violence. If he has a violent past, they will station a security guard at the door of his room. Usually, they will put him on one-to-one, meaning that they will have some hospital personnel (nurse, nursing assistant, etc) within arm's reach of him at all times. They will also remove obvous sharp objects from his room.