Breaking the silence: addressing nurse suicide through occupational health

Nurse suicide is an often under-recognised issue in occupational health. High-intensity work, burnout, fatigue and stigma around mental health issues and seeking help place nurses at heightened risk – particularly in the wake of demanding shifts. Drawing on early insights from the REsearch into Scottish nursing SUicide and Mental health Experiences (RESUME) study, this article explores factors that contribute to nurses’ vulnerability to suicide. The author details strategies for prevention and intervention and discusses the role of occupational health professionals in identifying risk and co-creating workplace environments that enable access to timely, meaningful support for nurses.