This study explored nurse suicide in the United States. Characteristics were compared between occupations using 2014 National Violent Death Reporting System data. Female nurse suicides were significantly higher (11.97/100,000) than in the female population (7.58/100,000) (p < 0.001); similarly male nurses (39.8/100,000) compared to the male population (28.2/100,000) (p < 0.001). Benzodiazepines and opioids were the most commonly used substances used in clinician suicide. These results suggest a public health imperative for future research and development of effective preventative strategies for nurses; a largely understudied population. Display omitted •Female nurse suicides were significantly higher than in the female population.•Male nurse suicides were significantly higher than the male population.•Benzodiazepines and opioids were the most common substances used in nurse suicide.•Future research and suicide preventative strategies for nurses are needed.