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Two months after the tragic suicide of his daughter, Ron Smith discovered a note titled “Letter to my abuser.” However, the note wasn’t directed towards a person but towards the American healthcare system. Tristin Kate Smith, a 28-year-old nurse, expressed her frustrations and grievances regarding the toll that the healthcare system had taken on her and her fellow nurses.
Upon finding the letter, Ron Smith decided to share it in order to raise awareness about the impact of the healthcare system on nurses. The letter, initially published as a letter to the editor in the Oakwood Register, quickly gained viral attention among healthcare professionals who resonated with Tristin’s words.
Tristin Kate Smith was passionate about nursing and always knew it was her calling. Her father described her as an upbeat and confident person who loved caring for people. She had a wide range of hobbies, including writing, arts, baking, gardening, and outdoor activities like long boarding and hiking. She also had a deep love for animals and the ocean.
Ron Smith only discovered signs of depression when he was cleaning out his daughter’s home after her death. Although he knew she struggled with the working conditions of being an ER nurse, he was unaware of her mental health issues. It wasn’t until he found her note, dated a few months before her death, that he realized the extent of the challenges she faced.
Tristin’s letter addressed issues such as staffing shortages, assaults on healthcare workers, unfair compensation, and the overall stress and burden placed on nurses. While it’s impossible to determine the exact cause of her suicide, her expressed frustrations resonated with nurses across the country.
Dr. Jessi Gold, a psychiatrist specializing in the mental health of healthcare workers, emphasized that the reasons behind suicide are complex and cannot be simplified as “work equals suicide” or “stress in healthcare equals suicide.” However, she acknowledged that the healthcare environment has become increasingly challenging, contributing to mental health problems and, in some cases, suicide.
Many healthcare workers feel overwhelmed and unsupported, leading to burnout and a desire to leave the profession. Jennifer Silacci, founder of Therapy Aid Coalition, highlighted the lack of access to mental health resources as a major issue for healthcare workers. Stigma surrounding seeking help and fears of losing licenses or facing retaliation prevent many from receiving the support they need.
Surveys have shown that nurses are leaving the profession at an alarming rate, resulting in increased workloads and stress for those who remain. The cycle of burnout among nurses exacerbates the problem, as experienced nurses leave and younger, less experienced nurses are left to shoulder the burden.
Taccara Durrett, a registered nurse, expressed concern about the lack of training for new nurses, leading to fear and anxiety about making mistakes. She described the current state of healthcare as the worst she has ever seen, with nurses feeling stressed and burnt out.
Sarah Warren, a registered nurse and co-founder of Don’t Clock Out, shared her experience of being thrust into a leadership role early in her career due to the shortage of experienced nurses. The mental toll of the pandemic took a significant toll on her mental health, leading to therapy and medication.
An informal survey conducted by Therapy Aid and Don’t Clock Out found that the majority of nurses reported feeling burned out, concerned about staffing ratios and workplace violence, and experiencing depression and fear. The survey also revealed a concerning increase in suicidal thoughts among healthcare workers.
Tristin Smith’s letter shed light on the heavy workload and fear experienced by nurses in the emergency room. The expectation to care for more patients than is safe not only burdens nurses but also raises concerns for patient safety, further impacting their mental health.
Ron Smith recalls his daughter crying and becoming physically ill before going to work. He even discussed the possibility of her changing careers due to her extreme reactions.
The experiences shared by Tristin Kate Smith in her letter have sparked a conversation among healthcare professionals about the urgent need for change within the healthcare system. Nurses are calling for better support, improved staffing ratios, and increased access to mental health resources. It is crucial to address these issues to prevent further tragedies and support the mental well-being of healthcare workers.
