Suicide is the act of taking one's own life.
In assisted suicide, another individual knows of the patient's intention and facilitates the act by providing a means for the patient to carry out the suicide. The American Society of Pain Management Nurses is a national organization dedicated to promoting and providing optimal care of patients in pain. This is accomplished through education, standards, advocacy, and research. The ANA statements assert that nurses are obligated to promote comfort and relief of pain as part of comprehensive and compassionate end of life care, including, at times, the refusal or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments. Pain management nurses should advocate for healthcare environments that provide humane and dignified care of the dying.