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.
Background:
Suicide rates among nurses are high and often occur in the context of job-related problems.
Purpose:
This study analyzed nurse suicides from 2021 to learn more about work-related stressors and inform actions to prevent nurse suicide.
Methods:
Nurse suicide data from January to December 2021 were examined using deductive thematic reflexive content analysis. Nurse decedents who had job problems were identified through the National Violent Death Reporting System, which includes the decedent's law enforcement and coroner/medical examiner report.
Results:
The sample consisted of 50 nurses who died by suicide. Seven themes identified in a previous study were replicated with modifications: chronic struggles, peri-job loss, trapped in a crisis, no way out, tipping point, finding a way out, and pandemic uncertainties. Mental health challenges remained common throughout these themes with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic frequently noted as a contributor. The "trapped in crisis" theme was magnified, and more violent methods of completing suicide were noted within the "finding a way out" theme.
Conclusions:
Nurse leaders could potentially decrease nurse suicide risk by creating actionable plans and programs to mitigate work-related stressors and support nurses during job transitions and crises.
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