I know all too well what you are saying here. It is a valid concern, and one that should be taken on a case by case bases. I was not there, so a big part of the picture is unknown to the rest of us. What did your gut tell you? What was the look in her eyes? What was her body language? These are all things to think about when you are concerned aboiut something like this, and they will dictate what you need to do next. What what you said there was no direct statement indicating the patients consideration of intent to cause herself harm, but you never really know. We are all diferant and we all see things dfferantly. I once had a close freind when I was in the Marines who always seemed happy, but one day I knew something was very wrong. I had that feeling you know. I did nothing becasue I did not know wht to do. That night she slit her wrist and me and another Marine found her in a pool. After several days she was released from the Naval Hospital and soon she was discharged. It was a close call; another few minutes who knows. She never made a direct statement either, but she knew enough to cut herself in a way that would have got the job done. All I am saying is trust your instincts in a situation like this one, and take it one case at a time. Also, find someone over you (a supervisor at the station, a Dr, Nurse, etc.) and tell them, and aslo document it. It may be nothing at all, or it may be something you never forget.
