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...
Posts about Workplace Violence
Red Flags: Spotting Antecedents to Prevent Workplace Violence
The stark reality facing healthcare leaders today is undeniable: 81.6% of nurses report having experienced at least one type of workplace violence in the past year, with 45.5% reporting an increase in incidents in their units. This is especially alarming when you consider that less than a third of healthcare facilities have clear workplace violence incident reporting mechanisms in place. Perhaps...
Verbal De-escalation: Essential Skills for Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare environments are high-pressure settings where emotions can run high and tensions can escalate quickly. With 76% of emergency room nurses reporting experiences with workplace violence and The Joint Commission noting a consistent increase in violence-related incidents over the past five years, the ability to prevent escalation when able and de-escalate situations verbally when necessary...
How to Budget for Conflict Prevention (and Why You Can't Afford Not To)
Healthcare organizations methodically budget for equipment, technology, supplies, and facilities. They forecast staffing needs, plan for market changes, and invest in strategic growth. Yet when it comes to conflict prevention, many organizations struggle to establish structured budgeting approaches. Conflict management initiatives often fall into the nebulous category of "soft skills" or...
Why Compliance Training Won't Save Your Reputation
Healthcare organizations invest heavily in regulatory compliance training—from annual workplace violence prevention modules to harassment awareness courses. Administrators track completion rates, verify documentation, and prepare for surveys with meticulously maintained records. When regulators visit, these training programs provide evidence of "reasonable efforts" to address workplace safety...
Situational Awareness: Your First Line of Defense in Healthcare—Podcast
“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
The ROI of Respect: How Culture Impacts Operational Outcomes
In healthcare's data-driven environment, leaders constantly evaluate return on investment for clinical initiatives, technological implementations, and operational changes. ROI calculations influence everything from capital expenditures to staffing models. Yet when it comes to the culture of respect within an organization, many leaders rely on intuition rather than metrics, assuming that while...
How Much is Conflict Costing You?
Healthcare leaders track countless financial metrics—from length of stay and operating margins to supply costs and reimbursement rates. Yet one of the largest cost drivers in healthcare remains largely unmeasured and unmanaged: workplace conflict.
Surviving Hostage Situations in Healthcare Active Assailant Attacks
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,...
When 'Nonviolent' Isn't Enough: Redefining the De-escalation Standard
Healthcare organizations have embraced de-escalation training as a cornerstone of workplace violence prevention. These programs typically aim to prevent physical aggression through verbal and non-verbal techniques that calm agitated individuals. Success is often defined simply: if no one gets hurt, the de-escalation is deemed successful.