Written by Robin Chae, BC Healthcare Operations Manager
This week is Healthcare Security and Safety Week and we are acknowledging and thanking our incredible Healthcare Security Officers for their service, commitment and diligence. Their never-ending hard work and commitment to safety ensure that we maintain safe, secure and accessible environments for all our clients daily.
The role of a Healthcare Security Guard is quite complex, always changing and requires officers to adapt quickly and efficiently. Responding to an aggressive individual, dealing with a family member who just lost a loved one and safely walking a staff member to their vehicle are just a few examples of what our Healthcare Security Officers are responsible for. This dynamic environment can be both mentally and emotionally challenging, and our Healthcare Security Officers continue to support others with a positive attitude.
In recognition of this week, BC Healthcare Operations Manager, Robin Chae recalls his experience as a Healthcare Security Officer and highlights the importance of this challenging role.
“My personal experience as a healthcare security officer was extremely rewarding, as I didn’t realize how involved and unique it is to be a Security Officer at a hospital. I was exposed to various challenges and situations that can only be truly understood when you are wearing that uniform.
There were countless times where I was exposed to situations involving aggressive individuals. This can be quite scary, and I learned that through teamwork and trust, we can safely manage and achieve our goal of protecting our patients, staff and the team.
During one of my shifts, I recall getting spat on, being called names and hearing racial comments. Despite these challenging experiences, I learned the importance of empathy. There are many patients that come through our hospital doors due to mental health and drug addiction and I was able to see first-hand how this impacts their lives and our community.
This allowed me to positively change the way I approach and serve our patients. Most importantly, it helped me to better understand the important role that I played in the hospital; I was no longer just a Security Officer but a hospital care worker.
Being exposed to all these challenges was both mentally and emotionally draining. When I look back on how I managed and survived through this, I must thank my co-workers and my managers who supported me.
I am truly honoured to be in my current role as the Healthcare Operations Manager, as I am now able to call upon experiences that I’ve gained and apply them to our program. My goal is that through our continued development and strengthened operations, we can provide our Healthcare Security Officers with an opportunity to best serve our community. I’m confident that our Officers will gain experiences, qualities and varied skillsets, which will positively impact the experiences of the clinical staff, patients and visitors.”
Just like any other clinical function, Healthcare Security plays an important role within the patient care system. This requires our Healthcare Security Officers to think and provide services like a patient care provider. Our healthcare security officers are required to be leaders when in need, decisions are only made after exercising empathy and actions are taken with care. These qualities that our officers possess help us to maintain a high standard of service, which positively influence and change the experience of our clinical staff, patients and visitors.
Without the dedication and professionalism of our Healthcare Security Officers, we would not be able to achieve the level of strengthened service that we have today. Some say they are the heroes in the shadows but this week, we are placing a special spotlight on our valued members.
Please join us in celebrating the role of healthcare security and safety and share our appreciation for our Healthcare Security Officers.