The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing (OJIN)Suicide is Painful: We All Count

Disheartening statistics reveal that suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, with nurses appearing to be at a higher risk than the general population, particularly following the relentless strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that our profession can struggle with addressing institutional problems such as inadequate personal protective equipment and enforced overtime, these stressors can intensify the psychological toll.

Despite several studies investigating the stress experienced by nurses, we’re often encouraged to endure these pressures stoically, even amidst a pandemic. The stigma surrounding mental health and suicide within our ranks is not addressed as it should be, which is detrimental to our wellbeing as individuals and professionals.

In comparison, physician suicide does not pose a higher risk than that of nurses or the general public. However, a turning point came with the tragic suicide of Dr. Lorna Breen, an Emergency Department physician, leading to the enactment of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act in 2022. This legislation established a national program designed to prevent suicide, reduce mental health stigma, and enhance resilience among health care professionals. The Act emphasizes the importance of seeking mental health support and demystifying the stigma associated with such assistance.

Yet, it’s crucial to note that although this Act was named in honor of a health care provider, the bill broadens its approach to health care professionals, which includes registered nurses, public health nurses, or licensed practical nurses, but excludes health care workers (HCWs). Unfortunately, HCWs have been overlooked for education on stigma, resiliency, stress reduction, and suicide prevention.

The American Hospital Association reports that stigma, inadequate access to behavioral health resources, and job-related stress are the three primary drivers of clinician suicide risk. Significantly, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act doesn’t hold health care facility employers accountable for changes in systems and culture that would alleviate stress among HCWs, nurses, or physicians.

While female nurses face a higher risk for suicide in America, around 19.8% of nurses have an increased probability of anxiety disorder, with 34% reporting feelings of sadness or depression. In such stressful environments, it’s vital that we uplift each other, as we are truly stronger together.

As we navigate the aftermath of COVID-19 and its isolating impacts, the profession continues to grapple with the real effect of shared occupational trauma on suicide rates. Hence, while we applaud the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act for its focus on resilience and stigma, we urge a revision to include all HCWs and hold employers accountable for their employees’ safety and health. Furthermore, we must ensure that poorly paid aides and other HCWs are not excluded from the resources provided by the Act. Lastly, addressing the job stressors exacerbated by health care system issues aggressively is imperative for our collective mental health.