Classmate tried to commit suicide

yes notify fqmily, instructors, police many many people threaten suicide before they actually fo it....maybe she needs to drop out unil she has it all together

Last Tuesday, my class took a math calculation class. On Saturday after clinical, we got our results back. After I left clinical, I went to the cafeteria with a friend to eat. Before we ordered, we went to the bathroom to wash our hands. When we got there, we heard someone crying. When we heard the person, we recognized the voice. The lady is in our clinical group. I asked her what happened. She told me, she did not want to live anymore because she is a failure. She also mentioned, she had failed the math exam because of stress an anxiety. Later, she gave me her call phone to call her kids because she was going to kill herself with the stethescope. My friend who was with me, immediately went under the bathroomdoor and crabbed the stethescope from her after I alerted. We managed to calm the girl and later she ate and every seemed fine. The girl is going to have another chance to take the math exam again. She must get a 79 or better in order to stay in the nursing program. Now, I do not know what is going to happen if she does not pass the test. I was thinking about talking to the instructor privately about the matter. What would you guys do in this situation?

Sounds like this person has some real "issues"......I would be very leary about having her take care of anyone if she obviously can't handle not passing a math test, it's not the end of the world...........I failed my math test when we first started school last January......I didn't however want to off myself over it...please. This person definetly has some issues and maybe she has alot of personal stuff going on or maybe she's manic depressive and the failing of the math test is what sent her over the edge. Maybe she is just a drama queen, especially if you say after she seemed fine & ate and everything.................something doesn't add up with that person...... Do you know if she is having trouble with her husband/boyfriend/children...maybe a close family member/ friend is sick.........it could be anything really...but I would definetly try to get her to talk to someone......if you have a trusted nursing instructor to talk to maybe see them??? That's really sad for that person....

Hi futurenurse,

I'm very sorry to hear about the plight of your classmate - it sounds like you all did the exact right thing by intervening. I would absolutely notify nursing administrators at your school, her significant other or family as well.

Please remember that everyone's situation is different, and we need to all be treated with compassion and understanding. Until we've walked a mile in her shoes, we don't know her reasons...while it is unfortunate, her failing the math exam may just have been the proverbial "straw".

Good for you all for helping her out. Help her get help, you'll be glad you did.

vamedic4

I think you and your witness should tell someone in the nursing department because she is acting irrational and may be a DANGER TO HERSELF AND/OR TO OTHERS (Be sure to use those words)!!! Then I would not further involve myself.

I worked with Seriously Mentally Ill population in a clinical capacity (intakes, assessments, and treatment). I have no idea if she is mentally ill, but trust me when I say you two should leave her alone. Treating such patients is very emotionally and physically draining. I can only imagine what people go through who call themselves friends!!!

Good luck and stay focused.

That is horrible. I hope I never have to deal with anything like that. I am sorry because that must have been terrifying for everyone.

Thank you the advice everyone. I will talk to my instructor tonigt.