Experiences of psychiatric staff nurses related to patients’ suicidal behaviors Original article
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Abstract
Healthcare providers who work with psychiatric patients inevitably will experience patients’ suicides at some points. It means, that members of the staff who have to manage traumatized patients will be traumatized at the same time. In our study, we explored the effects of patients’ suicidal behaviors on the emotional well-being of nurses in Mazovian Specialist Health Centre. They reported various experiences and reactions, like feeling stressed, guilty and emotionally anxious following the suicide or attempted suicide. Moreover, there were manifestations of trauma in the workplace, with substantial consequences for effectiveness of healthcare system. We highlight the need for professional counselling for healthcare professionals following a patient’s suicide.
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Address reprint requests to: Medical Education, Marcin Kuźma (marcin.kuzma@mededu.pl)
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