Suicide rates rose in all but one state in the USA between 1999 and 2016, with increases seen across age, gender, race and ethnicity (Davidson, et al., 2018). Now, the 10
th leading cause of death in the USA, it is the second leading cause among young adults (Davidson, et al., 2018). When assessing for suicidal risk factors, healthcare providers can be especially at risk (Davidson, et al., 2018). Current research suggest that work related issues such as feelings of incompetence or harming patients, work volume, ineffective staffing, or bullying, and personal issues such as strained relationships and financial troubles are risk factors. Another risk factor can be the complexity of the health provider’s role as well as exposure to ethically troubling situations which can lead to moral distress and compassion fatigue. But, could this really result in higher suicide rates? Researchers found that the suicide rate for physicians is higher than average. In fact, approximately 400 physicians in the USA commit suicide every year. Unfortunately, there little information regarding suicide rates of nurses in the United States. However, a study performed in England by the Office for National Statistics found that from 2011-2015, the incidence of suicide in female health professionals was 24% higher than the national average (AACN, 2018). Why, is this? Could compassion fatigue, unhealthy work environments, and ineffective copying with stressors be a factor?
As nurse leaders we must be more cognoscente of enhancing professional well being, not only of our co-workers, but for ourselves. One way is by assessing for stress and depression. The University of California at San Diego conducts the Healer, Education, Assessment, and Referral program (HEAR) to screen for depression and suicide prevention. Other measures include debriefing with staff after a difficult patient situation, providing counseling or access to employee assistance programs, encouraging staff to verbalize concerns with effective communication methods, performing reflective writing, initiating measures to promote a healthy work environment, and providing meaningful recognition.
Hiler, et al., (2018) states that “healthy work environments are associated with lower levels of moral distress”. As nursing leaders we must promote and maintain healthy work environments, thereby assisting to decrease some factors for staff suicide.
