When a Coworker Completes Suicide

Abstract

The suicide death of a coworker is considered a psychiatric emergency for nurse managers and coworkers left to process the feelings associated with this type of grief. The occupational health nurse can assist nurse managers and coworkers in the grieving process. It is critical for the occupational health nurse to understand the psychological, social, and emotional implications for coworkers (suicide survivors) left to grieve the loss. Appropriate support and guidance immediately following the suicide death of a coworker will assist individuals through the normal grieving process and avoid suppressed emotions that may lead to personal and departmental dysfunction. M s. Ridenour, nurse manager for the emergency department, received a telephone call from Susan Cooper, the wife of Kevin Cooper, the day shift charge nurse. Susan told Ms. Ridenour that Kevin died the previous night. Ms. Ridenour found it difficult to comprehend this message. She had spoken with Kevin at 3:30 pm yesterday. The news caught her unprepared to respond. She expressed her sympathy and asked if there was anything Susan needed at this time. Susan thanked Ms.Ridenour for her concern and kindness ; then a long pause ensued. "There is more," Susan whispered softly.

Exposure to Suicide in the Community: Prevalence and Correlates in One U.S. State

“…[8][9][10][11] People bereaved by suicide have been shown to be at risk for their own suicidal behavior, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), prolonged grief, and depression. 12,13 Despite these findings, evidence on the effect of suicide death on non-kin relationships, such as classmates 14 and coworkers, 15 is just beginning to emerge. Clinicians have suggested that suicide bereavement is qualitatively different from that experienced by people bereaved by other abrupt deaths.…”

The Impact of Colleague Suicide and the Current State of Postvention Guidance for Affected Co-Workers: A Critical Integrative Review

“…Two articles [ 53 , 55 ] were appraised using the JBI checklist for text and opinion [ 48 ]. They both met all criteria, although it was unclear whether the stated position of either article was the result of an analytical process.…”

“…The most frequently reported emotions following colleague suicide are shock [ 28 , 32 , 52 , 53 , 55 , 56 , 58 , 62 , 63 ] and anger [ 28 , 52 , 55 , 57 , 63 ]. Anger may lead to further feelings such as ‘confusion, anxiety and shame’ that arise from perceptions of anger as an inappropriate response [ 28 ].…”

“…Managers must understand that staff are not only experiencing the loss of a colleague by suicide but are also working through the multiple elements of that experience and will require space, support, and empathy. Workers in a 1993 study cited by Lynn [ 55 ] (p. 462) expressed the intensity of their experience:…”

Posttraumatic stress in organizations: Types, antecedents, and consequences

“…Foxconn and France Telecom are examples of organizations that have experienced a rash of worker suicides (Burke, 2012; Clegg, Cunha, & Rego, 2016). Self‐blame is a particular concern following the suicide of a work associate (Lynn, 2008).…”