Work pressures contributing to rise in suicidal thoughts among nurses - RCN report reveals

Workload, bullying and harassment, and a lack of work-life balance cited as key factors contributing to suicidal thoughts  

A new report from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has revealed a 76 per cent increase in nursing staff seeking support for suicidal thoughts in the first half of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.

The RCN is urging health and social care employers to reduce work pressures, which have been linked to this alarming rise in mental health crises among nurses.

The report highlighted that over two-thirds of nursing staff who contacted the RCN advice service between February 2022 and February 2024 cited workplace issues as a major factor for seeking help.

Key factors contributing to suicidal thoughts included workload, bullying and harassment, and a lack of work-life balance.

The report also noted that nursing staff undergoing formal proceedings face significant distress.

RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive, Professor Nicola Ranger, emphasised the seriousness of the situation, sating: “It’s becoming increasingly clear that workplace pressures are contributing to a rise in suicidal thoughts among nursing staff.

“This is a very serious issue that requires the full attention of ministers and employers.”

She recognised that while nursing can be a brilliant and rewarding career, it can also be physically and emotionally draining.

Professor Nicola underscored that suicide is a complex issue and employers have a duty of care towards their staff, providing a healthy working environment and ensuring that “pressures at work do not become too great and push people into a mental health crisis.”

To address the problem, the RCN, in partnership with Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, has launched a pilot scheme aimed at improving working conditions for nurses.

“Together we will review staff experiences and explore how changes to workplace culture can improve staff wellbeing, including mental health,” they said.

The outcomes of the pilot will be used to develop UK-wide standards in health and care.

“Happy and healthy workplaces are the bedrock of quality care, and we desperately need a national set of standards across all health and care settings in the UK.

“These must be built around compassion and prevention and encourage staff to seek support, ensuring mental health interventions are effective and timely,” Professor Nicola noted.

Rachel Evans, Chief People and Strategy Officer at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, highlighted that compassion and kindness are fundamental to the high-quality care Oxleas aims to deliver.

“This is one of the three big priorities in our new strategy,” he said.

He expressed enthusiasm for being part of the RCN Compassion in Practice pilot, stating: “We know that we will only deliver great care if we take the very best care of our brilliant nursing staff and all our people.”

The RCN report also offered recommendations to address the rise in suicidal ideation, including:

• Implementation of preventative measures by all health and care employers to reduce the work-related pressures.
• Designated staff within organisations to support individuals at risk
• Suicide awareness and prevention training for HR staff, personal tutors, and occupational health clinicians.

Additionally, employers are encouraged to the Health and Safety Executive when work-related factors contribute to suicide.

It stressed the importance of creating a compassionate workplace culture that prioritises the wellbeing of nursing staff and encourages them to raise concerns and talk about mental health issues free from stigma, ensuring they receive the support they need.

The report concluded by urging governments to commit to fully funded mental health support for all nursing staff.