Burnout, Mental Health, and Workplace Characteristics: Contributors and Protective Factors Associated With Suicidal Ideation in High‐Risk Nurses

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackgroundA call for action has been issued nationwide to prevent suicide among nurses. An increased understanding of contributing and protective factors associated with suicidal ideation in nurses is needed to implement preventive measures. Factors needing exploration include nurses' burnout, mental well‐being, physical health, and workplace characteristics.AimsThis study aimed to determine factors associated with suicidal ideation in 501 moderate‐to‐high‐risk nurses, including their mental health, level of burnout, health‐related personal beliefs, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and workplace characteristics.MethodsA descriptive, cross‐sectional correlational study was conducted on baseline survey data that was completed before the nurses were randomized to one of two interventions as part of their participation in a randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of a combined mental health screening program and cognitive‐behavioral skills building intervention versus a screening program alone. Nurses were recruited from across the United States via email. Only nurses identified with moderate‐to‐high‐risk adverse mental health outcomes, including suicidal ideation, were included. The survey used valid and reliable measures to assess burnout, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, post‐traumatic stress, healthy lifestyle behaviors, health‐related personal beliefs, resilience, job satisfaction, self‐perceived mattering to the workplace, and intent to leave. Bivariate tests were performed.ResultsBurnout, anxiety, depression, and post‐traumatic stress were individually correlated with increased odds of suicidal ideation, as were nurses working 12‐h shifts and those who reported an intent to leave their jobs. Protective factors against suicidal ideation included resilience, positive health‐related personal beliefs, healthy lifestyle behaviors, job satisfaction, and workplace mattering.Linking Action to EvidenceThere is an urgent need for policies and implementation of evidence‐based interventions to address mental health issues in nurses to ultimately prevent suicide. Burnout should be considered as a possible precursor to serious adverse mental health problems and not just an operational retention issue. Leaders need to invest in resources to enhance nurses' mental health, fix system problems that are at the root cause of burnout, routinely recognize employees for their excellent work, and communicate that they matter. Leaders should listen carefully to their nurses, prioritize their ideas for impactful change, and appreciate those who contribute to improving culture and caring practices.