Mental Health Nurses' Experiences of Caring for Suicidal Patients in Psychiatric Wards: An Emotional Endeavor

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to investigate mental health nurses' experiences of recognizing and responding to suicidal behavior/self-harm and dealing with the emotional challenges in the care of potentially suicidal inpatients. Interview data of eight mental health nurses were analyzed by systematic text condensation. The participants reported alertness to patients' suicidal cues, relieving psychological pain and inspiring hope. Various emotions are evoked by suicidal behavior. Mental health nurses seem to regulate their emotions and emotional expressions, and balance involvement and distance to provide good care of patients and themselves. Mental health nurses have an important role and should receive sufficient formal support.

Former suicidal inpatients’ experiences of treatment and care in psychiatric wards in Norway

“…In 1994, Neimeyer & Pfeiffer made a list of common errors in the way mental health workers respond to suicidal patients, and giving advice, relying on superficial reassurance and employing passivity (avoiding actively engaging in the patient’s distress) were on that list that is now 24 years old. Caring for suicidal inpatients may be emotionally demanding (Hagen, Knizek, & Hjelmeland, 2016). Thus, providing insufficient care, such as giving superficial advice, may be a way of distancing oneself from strong negative feelings (Neimeyer & Pfeiffer, 1994) and avoiding the discomfort evoked by suicidality (Carlén & Bengtsson, 2007; Talseth, Lindseth, Jacobsson, & Norberg, 1997).…”

“Attenuating Anxieties”: A grounded theory study of mental health nurses’ responses to clients with suicidal behaviour

“…While previous studies on mental health nursing have provided valuable insights into the emotional impact of caring for a suicidal client (Gaffney et al, 2009;Hagen et al, 2017), the education needs of nurses (Cutcliffe & Stevenson, 2008) and some of the strategies that nurses engage in (Cutcliffe & Stevenson, 2008;Sun et al, 2006;Talseth et al, 1999), this is the first study that has developed a conceptual framework that integrates the most common themes that were identified by the authors of this study. While previous studies on mental health nursing have provided valuable insights into the emotional impact of caring for a suicidal client (Gaffney et al, 2009;Hagen et al, 2017), the education needs of nurses (Cutcliffe & Stevenson, 2008) and some of the strategies that nurses engage in (Cutcliffe & Stevenson, 2008;Sun et al, 2006;Talseth et al, 1999), this is the first study that has developed a conceptual framework that integrates the most common themes that were identified by the authors of this study.…”

“…Nursing literature points to the importance of nurses supporting the suicidal client to move from a "death orientation to a life orientation" through the process of reconnecting with humanity (Barker & Buchannan-Barker, 2004;Cutcliffe & Stevenson, 2007, p. 60). Caring for a client who is suicidal is emotionally demanding and can evoke a wide range of feelings, reactions and responses in nurses (Gaffney et al, 2009;Hagen, Loa Knizek, & Hjelmeland, 2017). While some evidence suggests that nurses feel and demonstrate empathy, caring and acceptance of clients who are suicidal (Hagen et al, 2017;Larsson, Nilsson, Runeson, & Gustafsson, 2007;Talseth, Lindseth, & Jacobsson, 1997), there is also evidence that when confronted with client suicidality, nurses may not always prioritise engagement and distance themselves from clients as a self-protective mechanism (Gilje, Talseth, & Norberg, 2005;Talseth, Lindseth, & Jacobsson, 1999).…”

“…This can lead clients to experience care as unsympathetic, uncaring and emotionally detached (Cutcliffe, Stevenson, Jackson, & Smith, 2006;Gordon, Cutcliffe, & Stevenson, 2011;Talseth et al, 1999). Nurses also report that they struggle with emotions such as distress, anger, frustration and fear (Hagen et al, 2017;Talseth & Gilje, 2011) with the death of a client particularly evoking fears of blame (Gaffney et al, 2009) and sense of personal failure (Hagen et al, 2017). The research literature also indicates that in an effort to keep a suicidal client safe, mental health nurses utilise a number of strategies.…”

Características Do Comportamento Suicida De Homens E Mulheres Em Tratamento Psiquiátrico

“…Os enfermeiros que trabalham no campo da saúde mental têm papel importante no cuidado de pacientes com comportamento suicida e devem receber apoio para lidar com os desafios emocionais no cuidado desses pacientes (6) . Sabe-se que os enfermeiros asseguram a maior parte do cuidado direto aos pacientes e, portanto, eles têm a oportunidade de identificar os sinais de alerta de suicídio e, consequentemente, de preveni-los (7) .…”