4042-25: Pilot of a Suicide Prevention Training for Nurses Boosts Confidence for Discussing Suicide

This session explores the impact of Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training on nurses’ confidence and screening practices. Through interactive discussion and role-play, participants will learn how psychiatric-mental health nurses can lead suicide prevention efforts, integrate best practices across healthcare settings, and enhance patient safety.

Presenter:  Elyse Paxson, MSN, RN, CNL, PMH-BC

Disclosures:  The APNA planners and faculty have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. Off-label uses will not be discussed during this presentation.

Session Length:  30 minutes

Target Audience:  RN, APRN

Learning Outcome:
Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to:

• Describe how structured suicide prevention training improves nurses' confidence.

Key Takeaway(s): 

• Suicide prevention at all healthcare sites is key to identifying people at risk for suicide and intervening early.
• Suicide prevention training that incorporates role playing can boost nurses' confidence in discussing suicide with patients.
• Psychiatric-mental health nurses are ideal instructors for staff suicide prevention training.

Keywords:  Suicide, Prevention, Training

Nursing Continuing Professional Development:
0.5 contact hours.  * In order to receive contact hours, you must: Listen to the entire presentation, complete the reflection activity, evaluation, and honor statement before the expiration date. Once all steps are successfully completed, a certificate will be generated online and available for you to print immediately. Contact hours cannot be awarded unless all required components are completed. 

The American Psychiatric Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Release Date:  January 12, 2026
Access to this course will end:  December 1, 2028

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