Any indication of suicidal thoughts or behaviors should be taken seriously by healthcare professionals. If you encounter somebody who is having suicidal ideation or has a plan to act and the means to complete a suicide attempt, you should intervene. Don't be afraid to ask hard questions. It is OK to ask somebody who appears severely depressed and appears to lack will if they are feeling safe or if they have any thoughts of harming themselves, death, or suicide.
First and foremost, your safety is paramount. As a healthcare professional, you must prioritize your own well-being. For instance, if the individual poses a risk to your safety, such as having a weapon, it is crucial to distance yourself and call for immediate assistance.
It's important to consider various factors when someone is experiencing thoughts of suicide or death. Having these thoughts doesn't always mean that the person has an immediate plan to harm themselves. However, if they are considering self-harm, it's crucial to take appropriate action based on your scope of practice and licensure.
As a caregiver, you should immediately escalate these concerns to your supervisor and a nurse. If there is a plan, you will want to escalate to emergency services by calling 911, as it is not within your scope of practice to assess their mental health needs.
As a nurse, you may be asked to do an assessment of someone's mental health condition, which will include a suicide risk assessment. Discuss with your manager the steps you may want to use intervention as needed. You may work to transfer somebody to the hospital for further evaluation if they appear to be at imminent risk or are voluntarily willing to go. If you do not feel comfortable making this decision, consult your manager or a senior nurse. You can always call emergency services, and they can determine if they can transport a patient or if they appear competent and safe enough to stay in their home. If somebody seems very unsafe, they have the authority to transport a patient to the hospital against their consent. However, they must meet specific criteria.
Remember, you are not alone in this. There are various resources available to support you in your role. You can find links to these resources on the side of this page. Don't hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.
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