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ANNOUNCEMENT OF DOCTORAL FINAL EXAMINATION for Randi M. Arias-Losado, RN MS-L
November 21, 2024 @ 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 8:00 AM
The Experiences of Native Americans After a Nonfatal Suicide Event and Healthcare
– Abstract –
Dissertation Chair: Dr. Tullamora Landis, PhD, RN-BC, CNL
Native Americans make up only 2% of the population, yet have one of the highest suicide rates of any ethnic or racial group in the United States. High suicide rates in Native American communities can be attributed to a number of factors including historical trauma, genocide, and lack of access to healthcare. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of Native Americans who had a nonfatal suicide attempt and their encounter with healthcare providers prior to receiving the Caring Contacts intervention.
Five hundred and fifty-four Native American participants provided responses to three qualitative questions from the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire- 8 prior to receiving a culturally adapted suicide intervention. Thematic Analysis was used to interpret and identify patterns of meaning in the words of the Native participants. Through team analysis of the transcripts, an understanding of the participant’s experiences was developed. Thematic Analysis, with its idiographic focus, allowed for insight into the Native participants’ experience and how they make sense of their experiences as a Native person that has attempted suicide. The information provided during the baseline interviews of the Native participants allowed for extrapolation of meaningful themes related to Communication (subthemes: Counseling, Characteristics of Communication, and Role of Staff Communication), Access (subthemes: Care Received, Access to Medications, and Access to Services) , and Connection (subthemes: Provider Patient Relationship, Coping Skills, Provider Consistency, and Culturally Congruent Care). The themes informed the patient perspective of the healthcare received.
Healthcare workers, specifically nurses, may be the first person a Native person engages with post suicide attempt. It is imperative that nurses and all healthcare workers provide care to the Native patient after a suicide attempt that is culturally sensitive and void of stigma associated with both suicide, race, ethnicity, and culture.
