nursing license

[SCNursingStudent83]

Hey everyone!

I've never posted before so I excited about that but would like to get some information that I haven't been able to find in searching through different forums. What is the protocol for nursing that have attempted suicide? Are they put on probation, given a psych evaluation, or is there license immediately taken? I AM NOT SUICIDAL, I REPEAT, I AM NOT SUICIDAL!!!! My girlfriends were asking me today how that situation would be handles since that situation occured at a local call center and I wasn't sure how to answer it. I wanted to say there would be an attempt to work with them but again not sure.

Thank you for you responses!

I'm new to the sight and I start my nursing clinical in January 2010!!!

[CASTLEGATES]

Up to the shrink's eval if they're safe to practice. I'd also suspect substance abuse being possible.

[pandora44]

Speaking as a psych nurse, it would depend on a lot of different things. There are a whole lot of levels of suicidal. Does the RN have passing thoughts of suicide or is he/she fixated on the idea of killing themself? Do they have a specific plan? Do they feel they will be safe where they are? If they have a plan, have they started to put the plan in action, such as gathering razors or stockpiling pills? Are they engaging in any self-harm behaviors like cutting or hitting themselves? Have they ever attempted suicide before? Have they started to put their plan in action?

The above questions are used to assess suicidal patients. Someone having passing thoughts of suicide would likely be directed to a psychiatrist for an evaluation and antidepressants, but probably not an inpatient stay. For those with a concrete plan, self-harm behavior, and especially a history of suicide attempt, an inpatient stay is likely.

As far as I know, a patient does not have to tell their employer why they are in the hospital. However, most of the patients that I have that find themselves in this situation do tell those around them, including their employers. I do not know for sure, but I would think that most facilities would be willing to work the an RN to get through the situation.

Most inpatient stays for depression/suicidal ideation are short - typically 2-4 days to ensure the patient has passed the crisis point and will be safe at home. The real work comes in the weeks and months afterwards as the patient works through their issues with the help of a therapist. Depression is a mental illness, and suicidal ideation is a S/S of depression. You wouldn't lose your license for being ill and trying to get help. You wouldn't be put on probation, either, provided you haven't harmed your patients. The goal would be to get you back to good mental health.

Hope this answers your question.

[SCNursingStudent83]

Thank you both so much this information was very helpful!!!