Nurses’ attitudes to supporting people who are suicidal in emergency departments

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine emergency nurses’ knowledge about, and perceived ability to support, people who are suicidal. A questionnaire consisting of 34 questions was sent out to 113 adult emergency nurses employed in two emergency departments. A total of 38 responded. Findings highlight differences in attitudes and show a correlation between suicide prevention training and nurses’ perceived competence to triage people who are suicidal. The article makes recommendations for future research, as well as nurse education and training on suicide prevention, to improve attitudes and increase emergency nurses’ ability to respond effectively to people who are suicidal.