Name: Hannah V.

Lacambra BSN-11

Suicide is a major problem in diverse groups of patients seen by health

care providers. And as part of health care team, we must recognize the signs
and symptoms of depression and be aware of risk for committing suicide. We
should ask about suicidal thoughts or obtain the assistance of family members
if necessary. Helping a patient to seek treatment, make a crisis plan, or
arrange for hospitalization may be one of the most preventable tragedies to deal
with it.

In nursing practice, cases of patients expressing their suicide attempt or

other self-harm thoughts are becoming more common nowadays. Therefore,
contents regarding ethical issue such as Mr. Carl's case, needs really an
attention . We, nurses have a professional responsibilities to know and be
aware of the moral and ethical complications which relate to our professional
practice. There are some key points which ensure the ethical dilemma regard to
patients' suicide attempt could be solved efficient and rational.

First, to better resolve this kind of ethical dilemmas, I should assess the
patient's current situation when they make the decision. Because as a nurse it
helps us to decide if patient is competent to make the suicide decision and
further consider to take the correct action to deal with the ethical dilemma.

Moreover, in order for me as a nurse to better solve the case and making
the best moral and ethical decision, I should analyzed comprehensively before I
make ethical decision the ethical theory, the ethical principles and the national
nurses' code of ethics values statement, the associated literature relative with
this case and tell other health care team members about the patient ’s suicide
attempt even without the patient’s content. Hospital's self-harm and suicide
protocol is one of the efficient instruments for nursing staff to deal with the
situation like Mr. Carl. It provides the guide line for nursing staff to handle the
patient's suicide attempt.

In addition, collaboration with other health care providers is another key

point, the other health care professionals such as psychologist, social worker
and physician are able to work with the health care team to conduct a
comprehensive care plan for patient. And for me, that ’s the best thing I can do
if I am the nurse on duty that time for I believe that it is my duty to save the
lives of my patients by God’s grace.