Nurses Experiences Regarding In-Patient Suicide in a Specific General Hospital in Gauteng, South Africa

When suicide occurs, it is regarded as an adverse event. Often, little attention is given to nurses who cared for the patients prior to that circumstances. Instead, affected nurses are expected to write statements and incident reports. Patients who attempt suicide during hospitalization remain a stressful and anxiety-provoking experience for nurses. THis is because in most cases, even if the patient survives the ordeal, nurses blame themselves The physiological effects of such stress and anxiety are found to be harmful to the well-being of nurses an therefore should be avoided. The aim was to explore the experiences of nurses caring for patients who successfully committed suicide whilst admitted at a specific general hospital in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Qualitative exploratory research was conducted. Data were collected through in depth interviews with a purposive sample of six nurses, and content analysis was carried out. Nurses experienced feelings of shock, blame and condemnation. Inadequacy and a fear of reprisal. This study suggests a basis for the development of support strategies to assist nurses to deal with their emotions after experiencing adverse events.