Nurses are at high risk for death by suicide, according to these studies.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and CNOs need to be aware of the risks and warning signs among their workforce and provide mental health resources and programs.
According to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), the suicide risks are higher for nurses because of several different reasons, including high levels of stress, hectic schedules, exposure to trauma, workplace violence, and a lack of healthy work environments. Other factors include feeling a lack of support and preparation for the job, leadership concerns, depression, and financial issues.
Here are some facts and figures about suicide in nursing, according to a 2023 study from JAMA Network, and a 2021 article published in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing.
Click here to read the accompanying article.
G Hatfield is the CNO editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
From 2008 to 2019, the risk of suicide was higher for healthcare workers, specifically registered nurses, healthcare support workers, and health technicians, compared to non-healthcare workers.
Nurses were 18% more likely to die from suicide than the general population between 2007 and 2018.
The risk of death by suicide for female nurses was twice as high than the general population, and 70% more than female physicians.