Nursing after attempting suicide

[em3120]

Last November I tried to end my own life. In December I was contacted by the Virginia BON that I had been assigned a case number. I'm assuming that somehow my treatment team reported me. I was then in contact with my investigator in January and did an interview. I have been focusing on my mental health and wellbeing ever since. I am finally preparing to return to work later this month. According to the VBON website, my license IS still active but I never heard anything back from the BON. I've attempted calling and was told my case was sent to the BON. This was 9 months ago. What do I do? Am I legally allowed to practice considering my license is still active?

[KristinaCalin, ASN]

I don’t have an answer to your question...just wanted to share some thoughts.

Maybe it varies by state, but it seems like a HIPPA violation if anyone treating you after this attempt reported you to the BON. If your state has a law requiring them to report a nurse suicide attempt that posed no danger to patients...well, that’s ghastly. Laws/procedure like that increase the many taboos surrounding mental health and suicide....and decreases the chances that people in need will seek help.

Maybe it’s just my opinion, but this is a matter between you, your doctor and anyone that YOU choose to share it with. If: A. You feel up to it and B. Your doctor clears you to return to work, then you should be able to return to work just as if you’d had a hysterectomy and not a mental health crisis.

People already struggling don’t need the added stress of losing their means of financial support. And that fear WILL keep people from seeking lifesaving treatment.

Sorry for the rant. I lost my daughter to suicide 6+ years ago. Since then, I’ve taken particular notice of all the things that happen in society that are largely responsible for our increasing suicide rates. Stigma is a big one, and I’d file this under that category.

I’m glad you are doing well and hope that you have been able to find some peace.