Youth Suicide Prevention Experts Identify Key Considerations for PMH Nurses
Suicide is a leading cause of death in youth, with suicidal ideation and attempts increasing. Among groups disproportionally impacted are marginalized and minoritized youth, including those who are experiencing homelessness, identify as a sex or gender minorities, have experienced trauma, or identify within racial and ethnic minorities. Those who live in rural geographic areas, involved in the juvenile justice system, and those with substance use issues also have higher rates of suicide and suicidal behaviors.
An APNA Workgroup recently brought together some of the brightest psychiatric-mental health nurse minds in youth suicide prevention to develop an APNA position. The end product, the APNA Youth Suicide Prevention Position Paper, was recently approved by the APNA Board of Directors. To create this new resource, the members of the workgroup drew from the latest youth relevant research, assessed risk factors, and formulated recommendations within the PMH nursing scope of practice.
Jamie Zelazny
“This position outlines specific actions to help reduce suicide mortality rates in youth,” workgroup chair Jamie Zelazny, PhD, MPH, RN says. “Through assessment and screening, inpatient care, and prevention efforts involving families and communities, PMH nurses strengthen their capabilities to address this public health crisis. I encourage every PMH nurse to use this new position paper to educate their communities, strengthen their practice, and incorporate steps toward prevention for this population.”
Workgroup steering committee members Isabel Buckingham, BSN, RN, Andrea Kwasky, NP, DNP, PMHCNS-BC, PMHNP-BC, and Jaime Lovelace, MSN, PMH-BC joined Zelazny to present a session at the APNA 38th Annual Conference about their work, including these youth relevant considerations which warrant attention as indicated in the position paper.
Youth Relevant Considerations
| Access to lethal means | Minoritized youth |
| Bullying | Rurality |
| Child and Adolescent PMH care | Social Media |
| Contagion | Substance Use |
| Experienced houselessness | Trauma |
| Juvenile justice system | (considerations listed alphabetically) |
This APNA Position joins a expanding collection of resources including the APNA Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Essential Competencies for Assessment and Management of Individuals at Risk for Suicide, APNA Suicide Prevention Certificate Program, and Practical Nursing Strategies in Suicide Prevention to support your lifesaving work with those at risk for suicide.
Published November 2024
