Depression and Suicidal Ideation Risks Among Nurses

About this course

There are many factors that contribute to depression and suicidal ideation among nurses, such as burnout, compassion fatigue, and physical exhaustion. This online learning activity provides an overview of depression, suicidal ideation, safety planning, and best practices in reducing risks for suicide among nurses.

Learning objectives

• Define depression and suicidal ideation
• Summarize factors that can contribute to depression in nurses
• Attribute chronic depression to increased risks for suicidal ideation
• Review signs of depression and suicidal ideation
• Recognize the benefits of best practices to reduce suicidal rates

Course outline

18 sections · finish in any order across devices

1. 1

   Introduction

   Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and is increasing in almost every state.1 According to the world health organization (WHO), globally, an estimated one in 20 individuals reported an episode of depression in the previous year.2 Generally, depression and its symptoms oc

   4 min

2. 2

   Suicidal Ideation

   Suicidal ideation, also known as suicidal thoughts, refers to thinking about or planning suicide. It does not include the final act of suicide itself and indicates an underlying problem.4

   4 min

3. 3

   Risk Factors

   Burnout has always been a big topic in healthcare and has become more prevalent since the Covid pandemic.3 Burnout is one of the major risk factors for depression in nurses. In a study, researchers found that 38% of nurse respondents reported at least one symptom of burnout, and of those, 43% screen

   4 min

4. 4

   COVID-19 Effects on Nurses

   Since the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, there have been almost 160 million confirmed cases of Covid-19 infections and over 3 million deaths associated with Covid-19 worldwide.8 The mental health crisis stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic increased suicidal behavior globally.7 Healthcare workers a

   4 min

5. 5

   Nurse Suicide Prevention Model

   From the many studies conducted, the most alarming finding was that nurses experiencing suicidal ideation were less likely to report help-seeking behaviors than others who experience such thoughts.3 The main reason behind this is that there is still a stigma around mental health and people seeking h

   4 min

6. 6

   Aware, Identify, and Recognize model

   The first step of the nurse suicide prevention model is to recognize nurses who are having suicidal thoughts and get them the help they deserve.10 This is done by following the Aware, Identify, and Recognize (AIR) model.

   4 min

7. 7

   Use Evidence-Based Methods

   To identify fellow nurses experiencing suicidal behavior, it is recommended to learn evidence-based methods. For instance, one can use peer suicide evaluation and self-screening tools.10,11

   4 min

8. 8

   Implement Proactive Screening

   Another way to identify at-risk individuals is through regular screening.10,11 The Healer Education, Assessment, and Referral (HEAR) program offers a comprehensive tool that any agency or organization can use to evaluate at-risk employees.10,11 It is a cost-effective process that can be scaled to an

   4 min

9. 9

   Safety Planning

   Conversations with a trusted colleague or family member are a great start to self-care.10,11 It is also important to develop a safety plan and encourage others to do the same.10,11 When you are aware of the resources and help available in a crisis, you are more likely to use them.10,11

   4 min

10. 10

    Firearm And Medication Safety

    Did you know that among male nurses, the use of firearms is the most common method of suicide?11 It is important to remove access to lethal methods, such as firearms and medications, to reduce impulsive acts of individuals who are having suicidal thoughts.10,11 If they cannot be removed, they should

    4 min

11. 11

    Substance Use and Substance Use Disorder

    Nurses are also at risk of a substance use disorder, which can be best understood on a continuum.10,11 In this continuum, one end represents low substance use and a lower risk of addiction, while the other represents higher substance use and increased risk of addiction. 10,11 In the middle of the co

    4 min

12. 12

    Suicide Awareness Programs

    Suicide awareness programs are multifaceted programs that follow a universal approach and focus on identifying at-risk groups.12 For nursing professionals, these programs are designed to help healthcare workers recognize and respond to psychological stress and suicidal thoughts and improve the detec

    4 min

13. 13

    Access to Care

    One of the most effective ways to prevent suicide is to provide access to high-quality care.13 At-risk individuals should have timely access to evidence-based treatments, suicide prevention interventions, and coordinated systems of care.13 This is important because it can immediately identify the pr

    4 min

14. 14

    Gatekeeper Training

    To understand gatekeeper training, you first must understand what the term “gatekeeper” means. A gatekeeper refers to an individual who regularly interacts with potentially suicidal persons and is available to recognize the key behavioral clues indicating an elevated suicide risk.12

    4 min

15. 15

    Organizational Linkages

    Suicide risks in nurses and other individuals can also be reduced by ensuring they have an uninterrupted transition of care.13 This can be achieved through appropriate exchange of information among organizations, facilities, and individuals that are involved in the patient’s care.13 It is important

    4 min

16. 16

    Follow-Up Care

    Did you know that the risk of suicide increases post-discharge?12 The suicide re-attempt rates are the highest in the first week, followed by the first three months post discharge, and may last up to 1–3 years from the present attempt.12 To prevent suicidal re-attempts, it is important that organiza

    4 min

17. 17

    Ethical And Legal Considerations

    Many ethical issues are raised when considering day-to-day clinical practice in providing care to the person at risk for suicide, such as:15

    4 min

18. 18

    Conclusion

    Suicidal ideation occurs in people of all ages and backgrounds, which negatively affects families, communities, and the healthcare professionals who care for them.15 There are many factors that contribute to depression and suicidal ideation among nurses, such as burnout, compassion fatigue, and phys

    4 min

This course satisfies

Requirement summaries come from our state requirement records. Always confirm details with your board before you renew.

References and resources

• Goldstein Grumet J, Goldstein J, Hogan M, Chu A, Covington D, Johnson K. Compliance Standards Pave the Way for Reducing Suicide in Health Care Systems.; 2019. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://vtspc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Compliance-Standards-in-Health-Care-2019.pdf
• Brandford AA, Reed DB. Depression in Registered Nurses. Workplace Health & Safety. 2016;64(10):488-511. doi:10.1177/2165079916653415
• Burnout a Risk Factor for Suicidal Thoughts in Nurses. www.medpagetoday.com. Published October 22, 2021. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.medpagetoday.com/nursing/nursing/95217
• ‌Suicidal ideation: Symptoms, causes, prevention, and resources. www.medicalnewstoday.com. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/193026#causes
• ‌NIMH» Warning Signs of Suicide. www.nimh.nih.gov. Published 2022. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/warning-signs-of-suicide
• ‌Nurse Suicide: Under the Radar. www.medpagetoday.com. Published May 9, 2019. https://www.medpagetoday.com/nursing/nursing/79730
• Sahimi, H. M., Mohd Daud, T. I., Chan, L. F., Shah, S. A., Rahman, F. H., & Nik Jaafar, N. R. (2021). Depression and Suicidal Ideation in a Sample of Malaysian Healthcare Workers: A Preliminary Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Frontiers in Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.658174
• Höller I, Forkmann T. Ambivalent heroism? – Psychological burden and suicidal ideation among nurses during the Covid‐19 pandemic. Nursing Open. Published online November 18, 2021. doi:10.1002/nop2.1130
• Suicide Prevention in Nursing: Breaking the Silence - American Academy of Nursing Main Site. www.aannet.org. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.aannet.org/initiatives/edge-runners/profiles/suicide-prevention-in-nursing#:~:text=The%20goals%20of%20the%20Nurse
• Gartley CE. Nurse suicide prevention starts with crisis intervention. American Nurse. Published January 29, 2021. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.myamericannurse.com/nurse-suicide-prevention-starts-with-crisis-intervention/
• Nurse Suicide Prevention. ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nurse-suicide-prevention/
• Vikas M, Karthick S, Nivedhitha S, Shivanand K. Suicide prevention strategies: An overview of current evidence and best practice elements.
• A Comprehensive Approach to Suicide Prevention | Suicide Prevention Resource Center. www.sprc.org. https://www.sprc.org/effective-prevention/comprehensive-approach
• Prevention Strategies. www.cdc.gov. Published February 25, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/prevention/
• Montreuil M, Séguin M, P. Gros C, Racine E. Everyday ethics of suicide care: Survey of mental health care providers’ perspectives and support needs. Menezes RG, ed. PLOS ONE. 2021;16(4):e0249048. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0249048

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