Embedding Understandings of Suicide Prevention in Nursing Education and Nursing Practice: A Call to Action

Abstract

While it is well known that suicide prevention is often possible and that nurses often encounter persons at risk of suicide, of concern is that many nurses have little or no training in the critical life-saving skills of suicide prevention. This opinion paper responds to five critical questions concerning embedding understandings of suicide prevention in nursing education and nursing practice. Furthermore, it calls forth action among nurse educators and nurses involved in orientation to health care facilities and continuing education regarding embedding understandings of suicide prevention in nursing education and nursing practice.