Connecticut Mental Health Screening and Suicide Prevention for Nurses

Target Audience

Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, and other healthcare professionals seeking education in mental health screening and suicide prevention.

Teaching Method

Self-directed learning completed independently, with scenario-based reflection.

Overview

Nurses may encounter patients experiencing trauma-related symptoms, depression, grief, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, or other behavioral health concerns in hospitals, outpatient settings, long-term care, home care, and community-based practice. Timely recognition and respectful screening can help identify patients who require further clinical assessment, immediate safety intervention, or referral to appropriate services.

This course examines common indicators, warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors associated with PTSD, depression, grief, and suicide risk. Learners review trauma-informed and person-centered communication, validated screening approaches, direct questions about suicidal thoughts and behavior, immediate safety considerations, escalation procedures, warm handoffs, referral, and objective documentation.

The course distinguishes screening from comprehensive assessment and diagnosis. A screening result identifies possible concerns and informs next steps. It does not establish a diagnosis or independently determine an individual’s level of risk. Nurses must respond within their scope of practice, follow organizational policies and setting-specific procedures, and communicate concerning findings to the appropriate clinician or emergency resource.

Connecticut requires actively practicing RNs and LPNs applying for license renewal after January 1, 2022, and once every six years thereafter, to complete two Contact Hours addressing screening for PTSD, suicide risk, depression, and grief, as well as suicide prevention. Connecticut APRN requirements also include two Contact Hours concerning mental health conditions common to veterans and family members of veterans during the first renewal period in which continuing education is required and at least once every six years thereafter.

This course is designed to address these Connecticut education topics. It includes identifying whether a patient is a veteran or a family member of a veteran when clinically appropriate and recognizing mental health concerns that may affect veterans and military-connected families. Licensees remain responsible for confirming that the course is accepted for their individual renewal requirements.

Learner Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

• Identify common indicators, warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors associated with PTSD, depression, grief, and suicide risk.
• Apply appropriate screening and communication approaches to recognize patients who may require further mental health or suicide-risk assessment.
• Select an appropriate nursing response, escalation pathway, referral, and documentation method following a concerning observation or positive screening result.

Disclosure

The planner(s) and author(s) of this educational activity have disclosed that there are no relevant financial relationships with any commercial interests related to the content of this course. This course is developed for educational purposes and does not receive commercial support.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the content is not guaranteed to be free from errors or omissions. Participants are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional for specific advice related to their circumstances. The creators and presenters of this course disclaim any liability for decisions made based on the information provided.