Abstract: Objective To explore the psychological processes and training needs of clinical nurses participating in suicide gatekeeper training, and to provide reference for the development of a systematic and standardized suicide gatekeeper training program. Methods Purposive sampling was employed to select 15 nurses who participated in the comprehensive training of suicide gatekeepers as research subjects. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted within these participants using a phenomenological qualitative research approach. Results Three core themes were extracted from the psychological processes of clinical nurses participating in suicide gatekeeper training: cognitive change, emotional and affective development, and volitional behavioral response. Three core themes were identified regarding the training needs of suicide gatekeepers: suicide communication skills, safety planning interventions, and ethics and regulations related to suicide. Conclusion Suicide gatekeeper training can enhance nurses’ awareness, knowledge, confidence, and behavior regarding suicide prevention. However, nurses experience a range of emotional responses during the training process, highlighting the need for proactive measures to address and mitigate negative emotional experiences. Furthermore, future training programs for clinical nurses serving as suicide gatekeepers should prioritize the development of skills in suicide communication, safety planning interventions, and an understanding of suicide ethics and regulations.

Key words: nurse, suicide gatekeeper, psychological process, training needs, qualitative research