School Nurses’ Experiences of Suicide Prevention Work in Junior High School

Aims and Objectives The aim of this study was to describe school nurses’ experiences of suicide prevention work in junior high school. Background Over 40,000 children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 years died by suicide in 2019. Children and adolescents spend a significant amount of time in school, and as a result, school nurses’ health‐promoting work plays a crucial role in child and adolescent health. Design The study employs a descriptive, inductive approach, utilizing semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with ten practicing school nurses, all of whom had experience working in junior high schools in central and southern Sweden. The study was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines established by the Declaration of Helsinki. Results School nurses play a central role in suicide prevention work, where the need for increased competence is a clear challenge. Interprofessional collaboration, both internally and externally, is important for providing necessary support to the student. The school nurses found it difficult to concretize what suicide prevention work entailed; however, it was evident that they engaged in promoting mental health as part of their daily tasks. The school nurses observed improved student well‐being after receiving a diagnosis, facilitating tailored support, early intervention, and academic adjustments in the educational environment. The socioeconomic background also appeared significant for the student’s mental health. Conclusions The study may contribute to a deeper understanding and knowledge of school nurses’ work on mental health issues and suicide prevention, while also potentially fostering interest in engaging in suicide prevention efforts. Identifying suicide prevention efforts as well as early interventions for mental health issues from the perspective of school nurses can contribute to the increased utilization of preventive work aimed at promoting the mental health of children and adolescents.