Burnout, Chronic Stress, and Suicidality Among Nurses

This course is intended to equip nurses with the information necessary for effective suicide prevention. By understanding risk and protective factors, trainees will gain increased capabilities at identifying the best course of action when dealing with suicide cases. The course will address suicide statistics, assessment, treatment, and management. By the completion of the course, the learner will demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based screening and prevention of suicide by passing a post-test with a score ≥ 80%. The course is based on current empirical research and best-known evidence-based practices.

This course is appropriate for:

• Registered Nurses
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
• Midwives
• Licensed Practical Nurses

• The learner will identify why nurses are at increased risk for suicide as measured by completion of a mid-lecture self-check question.
• The learner will describe key risk factors for suicide, including burnout, chronic toxic stress, and secondary traumatic stress among nurses, as measured by mid-lecture and post-presentation assessments.
• The learner will demonstrate competence with the appropriate use of a confidential and standardized pathway to care for nurses that addresses screening, assessing, safety planning, referrals, and follow-up for nurses at risk for suicide, as measured by case studies.
• The learner will discuss systems of care, evidence-informed approaches, and best practices to reduce suicide rates;
• The learner will describe the ethical legal considerations for caring for patients and nurses who are suicidal.