Job-related problems among 2021 nurse suicides: A thematic analysis
Suzanne Agarwal1, Kristina E James, Karen L Armenion
1In San Diego, CA, Suzanne Agarwal is a Nurse Supervisor, Multi-specialty Oncology Clinics at Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego Health; Kristina E. James is an Assistant Nurse Manager of Thornton 2 West Progressive Care Unit at UC San Diego Health; Karen L. Armenion is a Nurse Manager of Jacobs Medical Center 5FG Medical Oncology & Palliative Care, Progressive Care Unit at UC San Diego Health; Chris Clapp is Director of Clinical Effectiveness, Interim Director Quality & Patient Safety Analytics in the Division of Quality and Patient Safety at UC San Diego Health; Hirsh Makhija is a Post-grad Researcher in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego; Sidney Zisook is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine at UC San Diego; and Judy E. Davidson is a Nurse Scientist at the University of California San Diego Health and a Research Scientist in the Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine at UC San Diego.
High nurse suicide rates are linked to job stress. This 2021 study identified themes like job loss and pandemic uncertainty, highlighting the need for support programs to prevent nurse suicide.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Elevated suicide rates among nurses are a significant concern.
- Job-related issues frequently precede nurse suicides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze nurse suicides in 2021 to understand work-related stressors.
- To inform suicide prevention strategies for nurses.
Main Methods:
- Deductive thematic reflexive content analysis of nurse suicide data from January to December 2021.
- Identification of nurse decedents with job problems via the National Violent Death Reporting System.
Main Results:
- Fifty nurse suicides were analyzed, replicating and modifying seven themes from prior research.
- Common themes included chronic struggles, job loss, crisis, and pandemic uncertainties, with mental health challenges prevalent.
- The 'trapped in crisis' theme intensified, and more violent methods were observed in the 'finding a way out' theme.
Conclusions:
- Nurse leaders can mitigate suicide risk by developing programs addressing work-related stressors.
- Support during job transitions and crises is crucial for nurse well-being.
- Actionable plans are needed to reduce nurse suicide rates.
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