Suicide is a serious, life-threatening emergency. Every nurse must know how to spot the warning signs and act fast. Understanding this topic is also key for passing the NCLEX and building a strong nursing bundle for mental health nursing.
As a registered nurse (RN nurse), you may be the first person a patient confides in. This quick guide will help you recognize risks, ask the right questions, and keep your patients safe.
📌 Why Suicide Assessment Matters in Nursing
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Patients with depression, substance abuse, chronic illness, or overwhelming stress are at higher risk. Nurses often spend the most time with patients, so they play a huge role in prevention.
For the NCLEX, expect questions about how to assess suicide risk and what interventions are safe.
🧠 Warning Signs of Suicide: What Every RN Nurse Should Watch For
✅ Verbal Clues
- Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves.
- Saying things like “I can’t go on” or “Life isn’t worth living.”
- Expressing hopelessness or feeling trapped.
✅ Behavioral Clues
- Giving away belongings.
- Suddenly visiting or calling loved ones to say goodbye.
- Increased substance use.
- Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities.
- Sudden calmness after severe depression — this can mean they’ve made a decision to end their life.
✅ Emotional Clues
- Extreme mood swings.
- Rage or seeking revenge.
- Feeling hopeless, worthless, or full of guilt.
📋 High-Risk Factors to Remember (Good for NCLEX)
Registered nurses should remember these risk factors for suicide:
- Previous suicide attempt.
- Family history of suicide.
- Mental health disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).
- Substance abuse.
- Chronic pain or terminal illness.
- Major life changes: divorce, job loss, grief.
🔑 How to Assess Suicide Risk
As an RN nurse, use clear, direct questions — don’t be afraid to ask!
✅ Key questions to ask:
- “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
- “Do you have a plan?”
- “Do you have the means to carry out your plan?”
- “Have you ever tried to harm yourself before?”
Remember: Asking does NOT put the idea in their head. It shows you care.
🩺 What to Do if a Patient Is at Risk
For NCLEX and practice:
✅ If patient says YES — they have thoughts, a plan, or means:
- Stay with them! Never leave them alone.
- Remove any dangerous objects (sharp items, belts, medications).
- Notify the healthcare team immediately.
- Keep the environment safe.
- Provide constant supervision if needed.
✅ If patient denies plan but seems high-risk:
- Document everything clearly.
- Arrange mental health consult.
- Provide emotional support and follow up frequently.
🗝️ Nursing Communication Tips
In suicide risk assessment, therapeutic communication is key:
- Use a calm, non-judgmental tone.
- Listen without interrupting.
- Avoid false reassurance.
- Don’t promise to keep it secret — safety comes first!
📚 NCLEX and Nursing Bundle Pro Tip
For the NCLEX, remember:
- Prioritize patient safety.
- Use direct questions.
- Keep patient safe while waiting for mental health team.
Add this topic to your nursing bundle — it’s often tested and can save lives in real practice.
✅ Key Takeaway
Every nurse must know the signs of suicide risk and how to act quickly. By staying alert, asking the right questions, and providing safe care, every registered nurse (RN nurse) can help prevent a tragedy and support patients through crisis.