I began my career at North York General Hospital as a casual security guard in late April. Through dedication and hard work, I was promoted to a full-time site-trained guard in May. By July, I had advanced to the role of Security Supervisor. In this capacity, I ensure that all guards perform their tasks efficiently, conduct assigned patrols, and complete their reports, including incident reports, accurately and promptly. I also make sure that policies and procedures are followed accordingly.Having 5 years of security knowledge really helped me to push from a casual guard to site supervisor in a short period of time.

Healthcare security officers are expected to respond to alarms, emergency requests, and use verbal de-escalation skills to resolve safety incidents. They are also expected to maintain confidentiality and discretion when handling private information, along with presenting strong customer service. At times, healthcare security guards will be required to effectively manage agitated or aggressive patients or visitors. At any moment, a patient could get upset and it’s important to know the techniques to properly deal with them. Other responsibilities include: Patient/Visitor/Hospital Staff DutiesAssisting with visitor management is an important duty for a hospital security guard. This could include visitor screening or escorting visitors after hours. Other duties may include assisting in the transfer of high-risk patients or performing morgue release procedures. Security is often the first person a visitor encounters when entering a facility, so it’s important to proactively approach and challenge (in a professional and courteous manner) unauthorized people. Other duties include: Responding efficiently and effectively to fire drills, external and internal disasters and/or drills, trauma alerts, emergency response codes, etc. Maintaining self-control in stressful situations, Managing verbally or physically aggressive situations without injury to patients and staff, using verbal intervention/de-escalation skills, remaining calm, exercising judgment, and avoiding unnecessary physical force and abusive language, Assisting clinical staff in the application of clinical restraints, including physical holds when necessary.