Improving Suicide Risk Assessment and Safety Plan Skills and Understanding through Education of Nursing Staff

Background: Suicide ranks as the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Those with substance use disorders face a 10-14 times higher risk of suicide The facility implemented nurse assisted suicide safety plans for patients at moderate or high risk of suicide on the initial Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Based on nurses’ comments about the new implementation, it became evident that there was a knowledge gap and education may be able to improve the confidence and knowledge of nursing staff.
Purpose: The DNP project aimed to assist licensed nurses at the project site in enhancing their expertise, understanding and competence in the implementation of suicide safety planning. The suicide safety plan utilized by the facility helps patients identify personal coping strategies and people who can help in times of suicidality and crisis.