By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    improving patient experience
    6 Ways to Improve Patient Satisfaction Within Hospitals
    December 1, 2021
    degree for healthcare job
    What Are The Health Benefits Of Having A Degree?
    March 9, 2022
    custom software development is changing healthcare
    Digital Customer Journey Mapping and its Importance for Healthcare
    July 21, 2022
    Latest News
    Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
    May 16, 2025
    Learn how to Renew your Medical Card in West Virginia
    May 16, 2025
    Choosing the Right Supplement Manufacturer for Your Brand
    May 1, 2025
    Engineering Temporary Hospitals for Extreme Weather
    April 24, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Can Thinking Younger Make You Live Longer?
    April 20, 2011
    Image
    Obesity’s Outlook Unchanged
    June 13, 2011
    When It’s An Emergency Elderly Not Treated As Well in Hospitals
    July 16, 2011
    Latest News
    Building Smarter Care Teams: Aligning Roles, Structure, and Clinical Expertise
    May 18, 2025
    The Critical Role of Healthcare in Personal Injury Recovery: A Comprehensive Guide for Victims
    May 14, 2025
    The Backbone of Successful Trials: Clinical Data Management
    April 28, 2025
    Advancing Your Healthcare Career through Education and Specialization
    April 16, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Protecting Workers Against Violence is Worth the Cost
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Business > Hospital Administration > Protecting Workers Against Violence is Worth the Cost
BusinessHospital Administration

Protecting Workers Against Violence is Worth the Cost

thielst
Last updated: February 27, 2012 12:36 pm
thielst
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

I was recently interviewed for an article in Healthcare Finance News about the cost of protecting workers against violence.  It came about because of a ANA survey  looking safety concerns in the workplace and the report that healthcare facilities are not doing enough to keep nurses safe.

I was recently interviewed for an article in Healthcare Finance News about the cost of protecting workers against violence.  It came about because of a ANA survey  looking safety concerns in the workplace and the report that healthcare facilities are not doing enough to keep nurses safe.  While we often think of the hospital, workplace violence can, and does, also occur in nursing homes and ambulatory or private practice settings.

Healthcare worker violence is an issue related to security, which falls under the broader umbrella of hospital safety.  From a general standpoint, healthcare security is important, but competing priorities sometimes get in the way of organizations doing more to secure access to the facility or expend additional resources on training.  Most hospitals and some other healthcare settings do have security staff.  However, security staff can’t be everywhere at once and just adding more isn’t always the best answer.

The best person to identify when something isn’t right (a safety or security risk) in their environment, is the person who works in that environment on a daily basis.  The result is that we must rely on employees and others in the organization to notice and report any suspicious behavior and to be more defensive in their contact with patients, families, visitors and even other staff.  Unfortunately, as an industry we have tried to create warm and inviting environments for the public and healthcare workers have historically been too caring and trusting.

More Read

Complex Systems, Part II
Domestic Medical Tourism is Taking Off
Life Sciences Venture Investing Outperformed Tech Venture Investing Over the Past Decade
Tips to Create Unique Social Media Content for Your Hospital
A Quick Guide to the Marketplace Open Enrollment – Begins Nov 15

The risks to employee (and patient) security and safety are continually evolving and expanding.  I believe our healthcare organizations must create policy that mandates reporting of any suspicious behavior, threats, and/or violence.  But, they should also create a culture where staff feel safe in doing so.  Organizations can also do more to educate their employees of the evolving risks and help them gain skills to identify risks and respond to difficult situations. 

As it relates to our patients (or their families), they are sicker than they have ever been before and unfortunately the ER is sometimes used as a dumping ground for individuals who belong in other settings.  We need to help our staff become better at identifying threatening behavior sooner and support them with response from other clinical or security staff.  Our organizations also have to develop strong relationships with law enforcement and other community leaders to address concerns as they arise.

As for the investment cost of security … it is so much less than poor employee morale, high turnover and absenteeism rates, negative media coverage, investigations, fines, litigation, worker’s compensation claims, and higher insurance costs. But, keep in mind that a balanced approach is best.

Another one of my posts that addresses the culture of safety and the CEO’s role may also be of interest.

TAGGED:security
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

Clinical Expertise
Building Smarter Care Teams: Aligning Roles, Structure, and Clinical Expertise
Health care
May 18, 2025
Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
Grounded Healing: A Natural Ally for Sustainable Healthcare Systems
Health
May 15, 2025
Learn how to Renew your Medical Card in West Virginia
Learn how to Renew your Medical Card in West Virginia
Health
May 15, 2025
Dr. Klaus Rentrop Shares Acute Myocardial Infarction heart treatment
Dr. Klaus Rentrop Shares Acute Myocardial Infarction
Cardiology
May 13, 2025

You Might also Like

Drug Co-Pay Cards: Can We All Just Get Along?

August 3, 2011

Business Roundtable Offers Pragmatism on Social Security and Medicare

January 17, 2013
health insurance across state lines
BusinessFinanceHealth ReformPolicy & LawPublic Health

Selling Insurance Across State Lines

December 4, 2013
word cloud of content marketing words on Siren Interactive's blog SirenSong
Business

The Importance of Content Marketing For Orphan Drugs

February 19, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?