Pediatric Suicide: Supporting Nurses on the Front Lines

n the United States, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among children aged 10 to 14.1 The rising suicide rates have sounded alarm bells for health care professionals, particularly nurses, who are often the first line of defense in patient care. Estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that for every suicide death, there are 3 hospitalizations for self-harm, 8 emergency department visits related to suicide, 38 self-reported suicide attempts, and 265 individuals seriously contemplating suicide.2 These figures demonstrate the numerous opportunities for intervention that nurses encounter, placing them in a position to address this major public health issue. A nurse's role when assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients at risk of suicide involves evaluating suicidal tendencies and promoting a safe environment for both the prevention of suicide and the recovery of patients. However, challenges exist in accurately assessing risk, particularly among nurses lacking specific training in this area. Furthermore, the emotional impact of dealing with suicidal patients can negatively influence nurses, affecting their own mental health and increasing their own suicide risk.3 This impacts nurses' delivery of care and consequently decreases patient safety. When it comes to patient suicide, the emotional toll on nurses is substantial, encompassing feelings of sadness, grief, guilt, self-doubt, and concerns addressing nurses' emotional well-being to protect their mental health and maintain high-quality patient care. Despite the significance of this issue, existing research on nursing care for suicidal patients is limited. Therefore, this column seeks to analyze the available evidence, aiming to integrate findings and provide new insights fundamental for enhancing nursing care in the context of suicide prevention and management.