Denver Health’s Post

It is crucial to educate healthcare professionals on the significance of being proactive rather than just reactive when it comes to security.

As a child, I was constantly worried about when I would be physically or verbally attacked. I was the target of a group of bullies from fourth through eighth grade. I never knew when I might be threatened, punched, or jumped. At recess? At lunch? On the way home? I lived in a state of constant fear and vigilance. Why am I telling you this? Because this is what drives my focus on healthcare violence prevention and mitigation consulting. Healthcare workers - especially nurses and other clinicians - also live in constant fear of verbal and physical abuse. Which patient will it be today? Does that patient really know where I live? Will I get punched like my co-worker? I know what that constant drumbeat of fear feels like. I know how it makes it hard to focus on anything else. That’s why I’ve dedicated my work to creating safety for healthcare workers. One hospital, one clinic, one enterprise level healthcare organization at a time. Until everyone healthcare worker is physically and psychologically safer from violence. That’s my why. PS- What’s your why? #healthcare #healthcaresecurity #security #healthcareleaders #violenceprevention #workplaceviolence

Thank you for sharing your why David Corbin, CPP, CHPA. You have inspired me to share mine and I hope others follow. Here is my why... Throughout my professional career, I’ve collaborated closely with healthcare professionals, witnessing instances of preventable workplace violence. These ranged from a doctor throwing food at nurses to patients with cognitive challenges assaulting medical assistants. Nurses confided in me that they preferred to seek assistance from doctors rather than hospital security in times of distress. On a personal note, I found myself in an impossible situation, after being thrown into a wall I was locked in a room alone with an individual, twice my size, in behavioral health crises, relying solely on verbal de-escalation techniques for resolution (thankfully I was pretty skilled in those techniques and I was not harmed further while locked in the room). However, the gravity of the issue struck me profoundly when my sister faced a life-threatening encounter with a visitor wielding needles scavenged from sharps containers. Fortunately, a vigilant security officer intervened promptly, ensuring her safety and providing crucial support. Inspired by this transformative incident, I recognized the urgent need for systemic change. I resolved to dedicate my career to fostering safer environments within healthcare facilities, advocating for measures to combat workplace violence nationwide, knowing that my efforts contribute to reuniting healthcare security and medical professionals with the common goal of safety. This is my why. What is yours? #IAHSS #HealthcareSafety #EmergencyManagement #BestPractices #EM #Preparedness #Conference #Networking #ProfessionalDevelopment #Growth #HealthcareSecurity #IAHSS #AI #AccessControl #VisitorManagment #ArmedSecurity #HealthSafety #Security #Hospital #HealthcareLeadership #Healthcare #SecurityProfessionals #HospitalSecurity #Innovation #RiskManagement #SecurityConsulting #Performace #HealthcareHeros #WorkplaceViolence

As the risk of violence toward healthcare workers is increasing, the problem is so severe that many states are getting involved to enforce protective measures. In Colorado, H.B. 24-1066 aims to prevent violence by requiring hospitals, free-standing emergency rooms, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and federally qualified health centers to establish a workplace violence prevention committee. It also mandates them to document and review violence incidents. Opponents argue that the bill doesn’t do enough to prevent these situations. The Colorado Hospital Association's latest statement said, '...The proposed legislation does little – if anything – to protect healthcare workers from the workplace violence currently threatening their safety...' In-House Health is HQ’d in Colorado and we’re following the progress of the bill and the discussion it has created. Violence prevention is tightly related to our organization’s core goal of creating sustainability for nursing teams (at the bedside and in general).

Did you know it's four times more likely for a worker in healthcare to be affected by violence than other industries? Many incidents go unreported because healthcare workers might think their assailant’s actions can be attributed to altered conditions affecting their mental state. As a result, 70% of incidents aren’t reported by nurses, according to the Indiana Hospital Association. Violence isn’t part of the job. Reid Health is committed to providing high-quality care, but also to the safety of those in our care and staff. To help support an environment of safety and security, the Reid Health Police Department gives assistance with violent incidents. Reid’s Police Department takes proactive measures to ensure the safety of Reid team members by presenting programs on staff safety as well as other related topics. As we recognize Hospitals Against Violence Day, join us in combating purposeful acts of violence in the workplace and our communities. To report incidents of violence, please call the Reid Health Police Department at (765) 983-3200.

Webinar Reminder: Develop and Enhance your MSD Prevention Program in Health and Community Care is tomorrow at 1pm! Hope to see you there.

🩺 Calling All Healthcare Professionals! Elevate Your Knowledge with our Domestic Violence CME Course 🤝 Are you a dedicated healthcare professional looking to make a real difference in your patients' lives? Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that often goes unnoticed, and your role in identifying and addressing it is paramount. Join us on an enlightening journey towards better patient care with our exclusive CME course on "Domestic Violence for Physicians & Physician Assistants." 🔍 What to Expect: ✅Define domestic violence ✅Describe the various categories of domestic violence ✅Identify underlying motivating factors that contribute to domestic violence ✅Describe the prevalence of domestic violence in the United States By enhancing your knowledge and skills in this critical area, you can become a beacon of hope and support for those in need. Join us in the fight against domestic violence and help create a safer, healthier future for your patients. Register Now: https://bit.ly/49touJW #textbasedcme #Physician #PhysicianAssistant #HealthcareProfessionals #CME #CE #DomesticViolenceAwareness #PatientCare #ContinuousLearning #MedEd #eMedEvents

Welcome Dr Zhang!!

Bullying doesn’t just harm staff wellbeing - it can affect patient safety too ⛔ A 2015 study of NICU clinicians showed that even ‘mild incivility’ in a clinical setting causes significantly more errors of diagnosis, as well as mistakes in clinical procedures. Bullying therefore breaks down the teamwork that’s essential for high quality care, which can seriously impact patient outcomes. Our recent webinar for NHS Scotland takes a closer look at the methods and practices that can help you tackle bullying in your trust head-on. You’ll learn about the practical steps that can help you make changes quickly, along with the methods that will spread kindness across your teams. Ready to resolve conflicts more effectively? Catch up on the webinar now. ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/ek8kwNYP #Kindness #BeKind #BullyingatWork #NHS #NHSScotland #Healthcare

Bullying doesn’t just harm staff wellbeing - it can affect patient safety too ⛔ A 2015 study of NICU clinicians showed that even ‘mild incivility’ in a clinical setting causes significantly more errors of diagnosis, as well as mistakes in clinical procedures. Bullying therefore breaks down the teamwork that’s essential for high quality care, which can seriously impact patient outcomes. Our recent webinar for NHS Scotland takes a closer look at the methods and practices that can help you tackle bullying in your trust head-on. You’ll learn about the practical steps that can help you make changes quickly, along with the methods that will spread kindness across your teams. Ready to resolve conflicts more effectively? Catch up on the webinar now. ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/ek8kwNYP #Kindness #BeKind #BullyingatWork #NHS #NHSScotland #Healthcare