Reflecting on a Difficult Clinical Encounter – Suicidal Ideation

This semester, I encountered a 17-year-old patient who had been admitted after a suicide attempt. He presented with a flat affect, minimal eye contact, and had superficial cuts on his wrists. During the assessment, he disclosed feeling like a burden and expressed deep hopelessness. As I listened to his story, I felt a wave of sadness and helplessness. I became emotionally charged because I saw a reflection of my younger brother in him—someone full of potential but lost in pain. I had to take a deep breath and refocus on being present, supportive, and nonjudgmental.

This encounter tested my emotional resilience and my ability to remain therapeutic in a vulnerable moment. I relied on techniques like active listening, maintaining a calm tone, and validating his feelings. I also reminded myself of the importance of teamwork—I consulted with the attending psychiatrist and social worker to ensure a safe and comprehensive plan for his care. It was essential to collaborate closely with the multidisciplinary team to create an environment of trust and safety for the patient.

Reflecting on a Difficult Clinical Encounter

Afterward, I took time for self-reflection and debriefing with a mentor. This helped me process my emotions and maintain professional boundaries. It reminded me that empathy is a strength, not a weakness, but it must be balanced with self-awareness and self-care to prevent burnout.

This experience reinforced the importance of suicide risk assessment, safety planning, and therapeutic presence. More importantly, it deepened my commitment to mental health care and my role as a nurse in offering hope, even in the darkest moments.

Submission Instructions:

o   How do I upload media files in my Canvas Studio account?

o   How do I embed Canvas Studio media in a discussion reply in Canvas as a student? APA