10 Unique Benefits of Being a Healthcare Security Officer

Making an Impact in Healthcare Today 

In today’s employer’s market, job satisfaction and a sense of purpose are top of mind for many employment seekers. If you're looking to make a meaningful difference in a highly vulnerable yet vital industry, consider a career as a healthcare security officer.  

Healthcare security guards play a unique and critical role in safeguarding patients, staff, and visitors: Not only is it much more proactive than waiting for incidents to occur and responding; it's about co-creating a culture of safety and security by partnering with clinicians to identify and mitigate aggression at its earliest stages.   

Curious about the benefits, the special skills required, or the challenges of the job? Read on to find out how being a healthcare security officer at GardaWorld is distinct from other security roles.

The Significance of Healthcare Security

In an era where violence and workplace burnout  in hospitals is on the rise across North America, healthcare security officers play an instrumental role in providing valuable support and security in a vital public sector.  

“Healthcare security guards have one of the most physically and emotionally demanding roles in the security industry,” says Don Giancioppo, Regional VP, Northeast Region for GardaWorld Security Services. “However, they also experience tremendous job satisfaction because they are making a profound impact on people's lives and their families,” he explains in a recent conversation about GardaWorld’s industry-leading approach to healthcare security.

Here are ten (10) benefits of being a healthcare security officer at GardaWorld: 

1. Rapidly Growing Industry: The healthcare industry is rapidly growing, offering positions at all skill levels and ample opportunities for career advancement. 
2. Community Service: You provide a valuable service to the community by ensuring the safety and security of patients, staff, and visitors. 
3. Diverse Skill Set: You learn and apply a diverse set of skills, including conflict prevention, surveillance, de-escalation, health and safety, and basic emergency response. 
4. Flexible Hours: Healthcare security officers often work flexible hours and spend more time on their feet, which can improve physical and mental health. 
5. Career Development: Gain experience and knowledge that can help you pursue other careers in law enforcement, firefighting, or paramedicine. 
6. Proactive Approach: Unlike some security roles that primarily respond to alarms and emergency requests, healthcare security officers take a proactive approach to prevent incidents.   
7. Critical Role: Your role enables clinical professionals to focus on medical issues while you handle security matters. 
8. Mitigating Violence: You help mitigate the rising violence seen in healthcare settings, creating a safer environment for healthcare workers. 
9. Enhancing the Patient Experience: Your presence enhances the patient experience in hospitals and healthcare facilities. 
10. Staff Well-being: By preventing incidents and ensuring security, you help prevent staff burnout and maintain high job satisfaction in an employee's market. 

VIDEO: Learn more about GardaWorld’s unique approach to healthcare security

Healthcare Security: Special Skills Required

To excel as a healthcare security officer at GardaWorld, you need specific skills and qualities.  According to Jeff Young, GardaWorld’s National Director for Healthcare, candidates with the following attributes tend to excel at the job: 

1. Advanced Communication Skills: Effective communication is vital in healthcare security, as officers need to interact with patients, staff, and visitors in a variety of situations. 
2. Empathy: An empathetic and non-judgmental approach is crucial when dealing with individuals in distress. 
3. Active Listening: Being a good listener is essential for understanding and addressing security concerns and potential risks.

Discover the GardaWorld Difference 

The role of a healthcare security officer at GardaWorld is distinct and rewarding. It offers a unique opportunity to make a significant difference in the healthcare industry, enhance safety, and improve the patient experience. With specialized training and a proactive approach to security, healthcare security officers play a critical role in the healthcare ecosystem. 

Interested in making an impact in your community? Visit GardaWorld’s Careers section today.