Tristin Kate Smith, a nurse from Ohio, tragically took her own life in August 2023. Five months prior to her suicide, she wrote a powerful letter addressing her “abuser,” referring to the U.S. health care system. The letter quickly went viral among nurses nationwide, resonating with many who share Smith’s frustration and disappointment.
In the letter titled “A Letter to My Abuser,” Smith expressed her deep desire to continue helping others but stated that she could no longer remain in an abusive relationship. As an emergency room nurse in Dayton, Ohio, she had witnessed firsthand the flaws and shortcomings of the health care system.
Smith’s father, Ron Smith, discovered the letter on her laptop two months after her death. In an effort to raise awareness about the struggles nurses face, he published the letter as a letter to the editor in The Oakwood Register, a local newspaper in Ohio. The goal was to shed light on the challenges nurses endure and the need for change within the system.
The mental health aspect of this tragedy is also highlighted. Tristin Smith battled with depression, but she never sought professional help. Many health care workers avoid discussing their mental health struggles due to fears of jeopardizing their licenses or negatively affecting their ability to serve. Dr. Lama Bazzi, a psychiatrist, emphasized the importance of providing a safe space for health care workers to seek help before their mental health deteriorates to the point of suicidal thoughts.
Unfortunately, the circumstances that led to Tristin Smith’s suicide are not unique. A 2021 report revealed that nurses were 18% more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population between 2007 and 2018. The demanding nature of their work, coupled with burnout and work-life imbalance, contributes to their vulnerability. Female nurses, in particular, face a higher risk of suicide compared to female physicians and the general population.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) acknowledges the mental anguish, toxic emotions, and burnout experienced by nurses as symptoms of a broken health care system. The ANA calls for continuous support for nurses and the addressing of chronic work environment challenges. The recent walkout by over 75,000 unionized Kaiser Permanente employees across six states highlights the concerns over staff shortages and the need for improvement.
Tristin Smith’s letter also touched on the issue of nurses feeling exploited by hospital administrators. She accused them of using and taking advantage of the workforce, while diverting funds away from patient care. Smith called for better workplace safety measures and for nurses not to be blamed for assaults that occur on the job.
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report revealed that instances of workplace harassment against health care practitioners, including threats, bullying, and verbal abuse from patients and coworkers, had doubled between 2018 and 2022. This increase in harassment contributes to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout among health care workers.
The ANA emphasizes the urgent need for action and prioritization of nurses. Without significant changes, more lives like Tristin Kate Smith’s will be lost. The voices of nurses must be heard, and their concerns addressed to prevent further tragedies in the future.
