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Background The attitudes towards suicide of emergency nurses may affect the care provided. However, the factors associated with these attitudes remain unclear. Objective To investigate attitudes towards suicidal behaviour and associated factors among nursing professionals working in emergency settings. Methods A cross-sectional observational study including 28 nurses and 118 who were nursing assistants employed at two emergency services in Brazil was conducted. Data were collected in 2015 using a self-administered sociodemographic questionnaire and the Suicide Behavior Attitude Questionnaire (SBAQ). Results The majority of participants reported having no experience or training in mental health or suicide. They reported more negative feelings towards the patient and a lower self-perception of professional competence regarding suicidal behaviours, and these attitudes seemed to reinforce each other. Nurses who worked in mental health services reported less moralistic/judgemental attitudes. Working in prehospital services was associated with having a lower self-perception of professional competence. There were professionals who reported thinking seriously about committing suicide. Conclusion When combined with support and training, practicing mental health nursing may serve as an opportunity to develop favourable attitudes and emotional competences, and these issues need to be addressed in suicide education strategies.

Objective: To investigate the suicide-related attitudes and associated factors among nursing undergraduates Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study, conducted with 244 nursing undergraduates from a rural higher education institution of São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected in 2016, by self-administration of a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Suicide Behavior Attitude Questionnaire. The Spearman correlation coefficient and Mann-Whitney tests were used for data analysis. Results: Women presented more negative attitudes related to suicide. Men and students who participated in a psychiatric nursing discipline, class or laboratory on suicide, were perceived to be more capable professionally. Baccalaureate students who read specific material about suicide, or had ever thought about committing suicide, showed a less moralistic or condemnatory attitude related to suicide. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for educational interventions on suicide involving attitudinal knowledge.