Understanding the factors underpinning suicidal ideation amongst the UK nursing workforce from 2022 to 2024

Nursing is vital to the health and care system, providing care and support to patients, service users and their families. However, it is essential to acknowledge that registered nurses themselves can face significant challenges, some of which can adversely affect their mental health, including thoughts of suicide. This report explores the prevalence of this issue and its impact. 

The report recognises that suicidal ideation is complex and that talking about causality is something to be avoided. 

If you need support, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123, or you can find useful guidance on the RCN’s website: Counselling service | Royal College of Nursing (rcn.org.uk). You can also contact your Employee Assistance Programme. In an emergency, contact 999. 

Some of our publications are also available in hard copy, but this may entail a small charge. For more information and to order a hard copy please call 0345 772 6100 and select option five. The line is open Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) between 10am-4pm.

You can download all electronic publications from the RCN free of charge.

Published by the Royal College of Nursing, 20 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0RN.

© 2016 Royal College of Nursing. This publication in hard copy format may not be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise disposed of by way of trade in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published, without the prior consent of the publishers.

For permission to reproduce RCN copyrighted text, please complete our copyright request form.