In healthcare environments, what you don't say can be just as powerful as what you do say. Research shows that approximately 93% of communication is affected by body language and non-verbal cues, making your silent signals a critical component of patient care. For healthcare professionals, mastering non-verbal communication isn't just about improving patient satisfaction—it's about creating...

“Situational Awareness: Your First Line of Defense in Healthcare" — Episode 33

Co-host: Marcus—former healthcare security director

Co-host: Natalie—nurse practitioner and clinical team leader

Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts

Active assailant incidents in healthcare facilities present one of the most extreme challenges for staff, patients, and security professionals. While the primary goal in any such event is always to escape from danger if possible, circumstances may arise where escape is not an option. In these rare but high-risk situations, individuals must rely on a contingency plan that includes barricading,...

Healthcare organizations universally include respect and dignity in their core values. Walk through any hospital lobby, and you'll likely see these words prominently displayed on mission statements and value posters. Yet for many institutions, there remains a significant gap between these aspirational statements and the lived experience of staff and patients.

The challenge isn't in writing...

In healthcare environments, personal protective equipment (PPE) is non-negotiable. No responsible clinician would examine a patient with a highly contagious disease without donning the appropriate gloves, gown, mask, or even powered air-purifying respirators when necessary. These physical barriers protect healthcare workers from biological threats that could cause serious harm.

But what about...

When healthcare organizations assess workplace safety risks, their focus typically lands on patient-to-staff violence, environmental hazards, or procedural errors. Yet one of the most pervasive safety threats often goes unaddressed in traditional safety initiatives: lateral violence—the disrespect, hostility, and aggression that occurs between colleagues.

As we observe National Safety Month this...

Most healthcare organizations have meticulously developed protocols for nearly every physical safety concern. There are specific steps to follow for needle sticks, detailed procedures for patient falls, and precise methods for handling hazardous materials. When it comes to verbal abuse, however, many institutions offer little more than general advice to "stay calm" or "be professional."

As we...