Abstract
Among patients with psychiatric problems, the risk of suicide occurs frequently as a health problem. Questions of an ethical nature are often also of a professional nature, and also what is legal practice. This study explored how psychiatric nurses understand responsibility when working with suicidal patients, in the light of the dilemma that hindering a person committing suicide can also hurt his dignity. The purpose was illuminate how psychiatric nurses' understand their responsibility whilst working with suicidal patients.
Data were collected through qualitative in-depth interviews with four psychiatric nurses, who were strategically selected. Kvales principles have guided the interviews, analysis and interpretations.
During the analysis three patterns emerged. With regards the question concerning how psychiatric nurses understand their responsibility, a main finding was responsibility as an ethical attitude which is supported by Levinàs more than other researchers. Another finding was that knowledge gave an obligation to help. The third finding was the suicidal patient as a responsible person, having a responsibility for his own life and also for that of his child, wife or others who will be bereaved after a suicide.