What are the job duties of a Hospital Security Officer?
Hospitals are places where patients go to obtain services to fix them physically and emotionally. They have to be safe.
A hospital security officer makes sure of this. His or her main work is to ensure that assigned duties are performed so that hospital property and people within remain safe from external threats.
As a hospital security officer, you protect staff, patients, and visitors and ensure that all hospital property is secure. Your duties are to patrol the building and its grounds, monitor all activity in and out of the hospital, and endeavor to prevent vandalism, theft, fire, and disturbances within the facility. You frequently report to your manager or other security personnel about what you have observed on your rounds. You must be on the lookout for all sorts of issues at the hospital, including maintenance issues, which may compromise people’s safety or the integrity of the building.
What are the Training Requirements for a Hospital Security Officer?
Typically, a hospital security officer will undergo a training program prior to assuming job duties. It is not unusual for him or her to have other experience in the areas of security or police work. For example, a security guard may also be a current or former police officer. The type of training program required to work hospital security will typically vary by jurisdiction and the standards of both the training course provider and the security officer's employer. A hospital may choose to hire its own security staff or may contract with an outside staffing agency to provide and manage a security team. Some jurisdictions require private security officers to be licensed through a government agency.
What Are the Requirements to Become a Hospital Security Officer?
The qualifications needed to become a hospital security guard include a high school diploma and basic security officer training. Additional qualifications include a clean driving record, a valid driver’s license, and a cleared background check. Basic security officer training prepares you to understand and handle a variety of things pertinent to your job, such as legal responsibilities, weapon safety, and observational skills. Some courses specifically focus on security officers interested in work at medical facilities.
Hospital Security Officer Responsibilities
Examples of Hospital Security Officer Duties
The actual responsibilities and duties of a hospital security officer will vary depending the hospital where the guard works as well as his or her experience level. Some areas of the hospital may be under more extreme security measures than others. For example, many hospitals take special security precautions in maternity wards so as to prevent the abduction of newborn infants. Areas of the hospital in which drugs or other types of expensive equipment are stored may also benefit from a stronger security presence.
Patrols assigned facility, on foot, to guard and protect persons and property against vandalism, arson, prowlers and other conditions that could lead to loss of life or property.
Inspects buildings for open doors or windows, damage, safety hazards, and faulty mechanical problems.
Responds to emergency radio calls including accidents, bomb threats, fires and hostage situations.
Investigates suspected crimes on the premises including larcenies and stolen articles.
Assists the general public, visitors and employees by answering questions, locating offices and escorting to specific locations.
Reports all pertinent data of action taken during a shift by maintaining a written log and orally giving information to shift supervisor.
Restrains and detains persons who damage property and molest or harass persons for arrest by police authority.
Operates two way communication system to monitor and provide assistance for routine activities and as contact for the medical examiner and investigators.
Performs related work as required.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities of a Hospital Security Officer
Key skills for Hospital Security Officers
Assertiveness.
The ability to think on your feet.
The ability to remain calm in challenging or dangerous situations.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to listen.
Confidence working with people from all backgrounds.
Teamworking skills.
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