Managing a hospital or other healthcare facility is a demanding job. There are many things to consider — from patient care and satisfaction to the safety of your staff. Unfortunately, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there has been a rise in violence in healthcare settings. A recent National Nurses United survey found that 48% of nurses experienced a small or significant spike in workplace violence.
As a manager of a healthcare setting, what can you do to mitigate violence without going over your budget or creating additional work for your staff? Pikes Peak Security is here to break it down.
1. Know the Risk Factors
Understanding the risk factors of healthcare violence and ensuring your staff understands them as well can help you stay one step ahead of any nefarious behavior. One of the most effective protections you can offer your healthcare workers is to implement a zero-tolerance policy toward violence in the workplace. This policy should cover everything — from workers and patients to visitors, contractors, and anyone else who may come in contact with your healthcare facility’s personnel.
2. Implement Prevention Programs
Another thing you can do to mitigate healthcare violence is to implement prevention programs. Take the time to assess your facility and identify methods for reducing the chances of violent incidents occurring.
According to OSHA, a detailed workplace violence prevention program, combined with engineering controls, administrative controls, and training, can reduce workplace violence in healthcare settings.
3. Provide Training and Other Resources
Providing training and reputable resources to your team can also help mitigate workplace violence. Knowledge is power, and the more resources you provide, the more confidence you can give your staff in your facility’s ability to control violent situations. For instance, you can establish a workplace violence protection program, create a detailed employee handbook, and create a manual of standard operating procedures.
4. Hire a Reputable Security Team
Hiring an upstanding security team to patrol your facility is an effective way to mitigate violence in your healthcare center. Highly trained security guards can offer the following services:
- Managing access to restricted areas
- Calming down upset patients
- Providing customer service to patients and their families
- Responding to theft
Healthcare facilities have unique security needs. If you’re looking for a security team that can do all the above with the utmost professionalism, look no further than Pikes Peak Security for your Colorado healthcare facility. We can alleviate some of the stress off of your shoulders so you can focus on other, more pressing matters.
Prevent Workplace Violence With Pikes Peak Security
If you’re looking for ways to mitigate violence in healthcare settings, there are many things you can do. By understanding the risk factors, implementing prevention programs, providing training to your staff, and hiring a top-tier security team, you can reduce violence in your facility and help your patients and staff feel safer while in your care.
Pikes Peak Security is your premier source for exceptional security guard services in Colorado. For more information on how our highly trained staff can help your healthcare facility thrive, contact us today for a no-obligation quote.
