Learning Objective #1: The learner will be able to identify warning signs and symptoms of an adolescent going through a suicide crisis.

Learning Objective #2: The learner will be able to recall myths and facts surrounding teenage suicide and how some of these myths often keep nurses from providing help.

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An epidemic in our country is taking the lives of many young Americans. This epidemic does not discriminate by race, religion, financial background, or gender. This epidemic is the third leading cause of death for young persons ages 10 – 24 years old and the second leading cause of death for adults age 25 – 34. The epidemic is suicide. With the inclusion of suicide prevention in the 2007 Joint Commission's Patient Safety Goals, there has been a call nationwide to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with this tragic endpoint. While suicide prevention was once viewed as the responsibility of mental health professionals, it is now coming to the forefront of nursing and challenging hospitals to look at their own policies and procedures.

The purpose of this presentation is to empower nurse leaders, nurse educators and staff

nurses on how to develop a safe and effective suicide prevention program within their hospital.

Topics in this session include recognizing the signs and symptoms of suicide, suicide triggers, patients who may be at a high risk for committing suicide, and how to

manage the suicidal patient in a non-psychiatric setting. This presentation will also share information that can be utilized by nursing leaders in helping them develop

their own policy and procedures related to suicide prevention.