UC San Diego

OBJECTIVE: This study explored nurse suicide in the United States. METHODS: Characteristics were compared between occupations using 2014 National Violent Death Reporting System data. RESULTS: Female nurse suicides were significantly higher (11.97/100,000) than in the female population (7.58/100,000) (p < 0.001); similarly male nurses (39.8/100,000) compared to the male population (28.2/100,000) (p < 0.001). Benzodiazepines and opioids were the most commonly used substances used in clinician suicide. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a public health imperative for future research and development of effective preventative strategies for nurses; a largely understudied population.