Nurse suicide prevention researcher shares insights

Judy Davidson, DNP, RN, a nurse scientist at the University of California, San Diego Health Sciences Center, discusses her research on nurse suicide in the September issue of the Journal of Nursing Administration. Davidson said nurses are especially vulnerable at the time of a job loss and noted nurse suicide by firearms is on the rise. Her institution developed a suicide-risk screening tool, “The Healer Education and Referral Program,” which she said is now considered a best practice. “It is paramount that nurse executives and managers are informed about suicide risk and prevention and that they are supporting programs to improve the mental health of our workforce,” she concluded.