This post is in response to a request by a nurse manager whose staff had recently dealt with a successful suicide onsite. She asked if I could suggest strategies she could share with her staff, who were very much affected by what happened.

In correctional healthcare, we work with individuals who often carry heavy burdens—mental illness, trauma, substance use disorder, and hopelessness. Despite our best efforts, there are times when a patient dies by suicide while in custody.

Such a loss is heartbreaking. It affects the patient’s family, the incarcerated community, custody staff, and the healthcare team. For correctional nurses, the emotional and professional impact can be profound.

Acknowledge the Impact

A patient suicide is not “just part of the job.” Even for experienced nurses, it can stir shock, sadness, guilt, anger, and self-doubt. You may find yourself replaying conversations or wondering if you missed something. These reactions are normal and do not signal weakness.

Give yourself permission to grieve. Remember—incarcerated or not, each life matters.

Take Part in the Debrief

Most facilities conduct a critical incident stress debriefing or similar review. These sessions clarify facts, reduce misinformation, and allow staff to share feelings in a supportive setting.

If a formal debrief isn’t offered, ask for one. Having structured time to talk about what happened helps both individual healing and team cohesion.

Seek Support

You do not have to cope alone.

• Colleagues who understand the pressures of correctional nursing can be a lifeline.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) often provide free, confidential counseling.
• Professional networks like the American Correctional Nurses Association (ACNA) offer peer connection and resources.

Sharing your experience with those who understand can ease isolation and help you process the event.

Care for Yourself

After a traumatic incident, self-care becomes essential.

• Limit exposure to gossip or speculation, which can intensify distress.
• Keep to regular sleep, nutrition, and hydration habits.
• Use stress-reducing tools like deep breathing, journaling, and mindful movement.

Reflect Without Self-Blame

Reviewing what happened can be part of the healing process, but be mindful of turning reflection into self-blame. Suicide is complex and often unpredictable, even with thorough assessment and intervention.

Instead, focus on professional growth:

• Refresh your knowledge of suicide risk assessment tools.
• Identify any barriers to care you encountered and bring them forward.
• Consider additional training in suicide prevention and crisis intervention.

Support the Whole Team

The impact extends beyond healthcare staff—custody officers, mental health providers, and chaplains may also feel the loss. Acknowledge their grief and stress, and keep communication open between teams.

Watch for Cumulative Stress

Repeated exposure to trauma can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout. Be alert for signs like emotional numbness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or withdrawal from others. If these persist, seek help promptly.

Moving Forward

Honoring the loss means acknowledging what happened, learning from it, and continuing the mission of providing safe, ethical, compassionate care to those still in your charge. Correctional nurses are often the first line of suicide prevention, and your role is critical. Supporting one another—and yourself—after such a tragedy ensures you can keep doing this vital work.

Please share strategies you have used in your facility after an adverse outcome in the comments section, below.