Nursing professionals are at a higher risk of suicide and non-fatal suicidal behaviour.
An increased risk of suicide among nurses has caused experts to call for better well-being and psychological support.
A new study by researchers at Oxford University has further highlighted that when compared to the general population and some other medical professions nursing professionals, especially females, are at increased risk of suicide.
Professor Keith Hawton, from Oxford’s Centre for Suicide Research, alongside researcher Samantha Groves and nurse consultant Karen Lascelles, from Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, examined 100 studies into suicidal behaviours and thoughts among nurses and midwives for a new paper published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
A higher risk of suicide and non-fatal suicidal behaviour.
They concluded that nursing professionals were at a higher risk of suicide and non-fatal suicidal behaviour due to a mixture of factors.
Researchers noted that long, irregular hours, low staffing levels and the role’s emotional demands were likely contributing factors.
Preexisting psychiatric disorders, and alcohol or substance misuse were also identified as potential risks.
Female nurses were noted to be at higher risk due to the added burden of caring responsibilities at home.
The paper noted that often nurses who died by suicide had been in contact with primary care or psychiatric services beforehand, which provides an opportunity to identify potential risk and provide support.
Further research into the topic is needed the researchers also concluded.
Physically and psychologically demanding occupation.
Lead researcher Professor Hawton explained: “Nursing is a physically and psychologically demanding occupation, including long and irregular working hours, high workload, low staffing levels, frequent emotional demands, and challenging working relationships.
“For female nurses, there is often the additional challenge of balancing work and home life, with women still undertaking most of the burden of unpaid care work. These challenges may contribute to the prevalence of psychiatric conditions and burnout among nurses.
He continued, “It is also possible that previous life experiences involving illness or distress are factors that attract individuals to the nursing profession. Whilst this has the value of bringing great insights into practice, it may also mean that some nurses themselves have particular vulnerabilities which might contribute to suicidal thinking or behaviour.”
