A hospital security guard is typically the first person to greet guests when they enter a hospital. These guards provide visitors with information and help them find their way, but their roles are multi-faceted and change rather often. So what exactly do they do?

In this article, we’ll discuss:

• What a hospital security guard is
• Job description & key responsibilities
• How to become a hospital security guard
• Armed vs. unarmed hospital security
• Challenges hospital security guards face
• Why hospital security is important

Let’s start by finding out more about a hospital security guard.
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What is a hospital security guard?

Like many other security guards, a hospital security guard plays a critical role in keeping patients, staff, visitors, and valuables safe within a healthcare facility. They act as a reassuring presence, preventing unauthorized access and managing emergencies to maintain a secure environment conducive to care and healing.Empathy is a key trait for hospital security guards, as they frequently interact with individuals in distress or in high-pressure situations. Their ability to approach these interactions with understanding and compassion helps to maintain trust and calm tense circumstances.
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Why is hospital security important?

Hospital security plays a vital role in creating a safe and supportive environment where healthcare services can thrive. Additionally, aggressive or violent behaviors can be common in hospitals, making the presence of hospital security staff even more important.Security guards provide critical protection against theft, violence, and other threats, keeping everyone in the facility safe. A secure hospital also fosters trust among patients, staff, and visitors, reinforcing the perception that the facility prioritizes their well-being.
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6 key responsibilities of hospital security guards

Although a hospital security officer holds many of the same responsibilities as any other security guard, they face unique challenges that require a different mindset. Hospital security guards’ roles extend beyond traditional security duties, requiring vigilance, sensitivity, and collaboration with hospital staff. Here are the 6 key responsibilities in the hospital security job description.
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1. Monitoring and securing premises

Hospital security guards keep the premises secure yet accessible in the event of an emergency. Here’s what they do:

• Patrolling hospital grounds: Guards routinely patrol on foot or with a vehicle to detect unusual activities, breaches, or threats.
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• Inspecting for safety hazards: They identify and report potential risks like fire hazards, spills, or blocked pathways.
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• Access control to sensitive areas: Guards make sure only authorized personnel access high-security zones like the neonatal unit to protect vulnerable patients.
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• Checking locks: They verify that doors, windows, and cabinets are securely locked to prevent theft or unauthorized access.
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• Clearing emergency routes: Guards maintain clear pathways to facilitate swift access for ambulances and emergency teams.
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2. Managing visitor and patient safety

Guards ensure that hospital visitors feel welcome, safe, and as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. They help by:

• Doing guest control: Guards verify visitors’ credentials and monitor movement within the hospital.
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• Visitor screening: They check for prohibited items to ensure compliance with hospital policies.
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• Escorting visitors after hours: After-hours escorts help reduce the risk of unauthorized activities.
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• Performing morgue release procedures: Security personnel supervise the morgue's access and release of bodies with proper documentation.
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• Assisting in transfers of high-risk patients: They support staff in moving patients who may pose risks due to medical or behavioral conditions.
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• Managing visitation hours and procedures: Guards enforce time restrictions and help regulate the flow of visitors.
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• Mediating and de-escalating conflicts: Skilled in mediation, hospital security guards diffuse volatile situations to maintain a peaceful environment.
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3. Handling emergency situations

Hospitals see emergencies on a daily basis, and security guards help in their own capacities. They assist by:

• Responding to incidents like theft, violence, or medical emergencies: Guards are trained to act quickly to help reduce disruption in normal operations.
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• Leading in evacuations: They guide staff and patients to safety during fire drills, disasters, or other emergencies.
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4. Collaborating with hospital staff

Security guards are part of the team at hospitals. They work with staff by:

• Assisting healthcare professionals: Guards provide backup during challenging or volatile situations like behavioral disturbances or emergencies.
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• Helping to subdue aggressive or agitated patients: They support medical staff by restraining individuals when necessary and helping to move them when needed.
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• Helping to carry or transport patients: Guards assist in moving patients, particularly in emergencies or during heavy workloads.
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5. Customer assistance

When you walk into a hospital, one of the first faces you’ll likely see is a security guard’s. These guards assist customers by:

• Providing guidance and directions: Guards help visitors navigate the hospital’s layout to find specific departments or rooms.
• Explaining and enforcing hospital policies and procedures: They communicate rules clearly and make sure that everyone complies.
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6. Writing reports

Reports help management know what’s happening at the hospital so they can make adjustments to policies and procedures. Guards submit the following reports:

• Writing incident reports: Guards document occurrences like thefts, accidents, or conflicts in detailed reports for hospital and legal records.
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• Security guard logs: They maintain daily logs that record patrol activities, visitor access, unusual observations, and completed security tasks to ensure transparency and accountability.
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How to become a hospital security guard

Becoming a hospital security guard requires a balance of technical expertise, physical ability, and interpersonal skills to meet the unique challenges of a healthcare environment.

Let’s take a look at what it takes.
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Essential skills

There are some skills you must have to succeed as a hospital security guard. These are:‍

• Strong observational skills: Attention to detail is critical, particularly for monitoring premises and writing guard logs and reports.
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• Physical fitness: Guards must be able to handle tasks like patrolling, assisting with lifting patients, and responding to emergencies.
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• Effective communication: Hospital guards must be professional and approachable to visitors. They must also be able to collaborate well with hospital staff.
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• Empathetic mindset: An empathetic approach helps when responding to patients in distress or intervening when a patient is at risk of self-harm.
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• De-escalation abilities: Because of the increased chances for patients and visitors in distress, guards must be able to defuse high-pressure situations and calm agitated individuals.
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• Tech-savviness: Guards need skills in writing reports and managing security systems.
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Requirements and training

Every state has its own requirements for security guard training and licensing, so it’s best to check with your state to find out what qualifications you may need. However, many requirements are the same regardless of where you are.

‍Here’s what you need to become a hospital security guard:

• Educational qualifications: A high school diploma or GED is typically required. College education is optional but can improve your career prospects.
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• Common certifications include:
  
  • Security guard licenses 
  • CPR and first aid training
  • Mental health crisis intervention
  • Optional taser training, depending on the employer
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• Background checks and screenings: Expect criminal background checks, drug testing, and psychological evaluations.
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• MOAB training: Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB) training is often required to build effective de-escalation skills.

Some hospitals may require specialized healthcare security training tailored to their unique environments.
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Licensing renewal

Licensing and renewal requirements vary by state. Most states and licenses require renewal every couple of years, with continuing education to ensure candidates are always up-to-date with new policies.

Security guards need to maintain their licenses to avoid legal liabilities.

Tools like Belfry can help with renewal tracking and compliance management to help security guards and operations stay organized.
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Career growth opportunities

As a hospital security guard, you may wonder what kind of career growth you may see in the future. You can expect:

• Advancement within security: Experienced guards can progress to supervisory roles or specialize in areas like risk management.
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• Transition to management: Skills gained in hospital security can open pathways to security management or hospital administration roles.
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• Transferable skills: Observation, communication, and de-escalation skills are valuable across many industries, allowing a shift in career if desired.
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• Earning potential: Hospital security guards can earn up to $61,000 annually at the high end, with opportunities to increase pay as they gain experience. This varies widely based on location and position.
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Armed vs. unarmed hospital security

While most healthcare environments prioritize creating a welcoming and non-threatening atmosphere, some situations or locations may necessitate the presence of armed guards to enhance security and deter potential threats. The decision to deploy armed security is typically based on a risk assessment and facility-specific requirements.
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When are armed guards used?

Armed hospital security guards are commonly used in hospitals located in high-crime areas, handling sensitive or valuable assets, or housing high-profile patients. Guards must meet stringent licensing requirements and have the appropriate firearms certification.

Tools like Belfry streamline the process of tracking and renewing armed guard licenses, ensuring compliance and reducing the administrative burden for both guards and employers.
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Pros and cons of armed security

• Pros: Armed guards provide a visible deterrent against potential threats, offering reassurance in high-risk environments. They can respond quickly to severe security incidents and add an extra layer of protection for all involved.
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• Cons: The presence of armed guards can sometimes create tension or discomfort, potentially conflicting with the hospital’s goal of fostering a welcoming and compassionate atmosphere. Striking a balance between deterrence and approachability is essential.
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Challenges hospital security guards face

Hospital security guards navigate a unique and demanding environment, facing challenges that require skill, empathy, and vigilance. These challenges stem from the dynamic nature of healthcare settings and the critical need to balance safety with compassion.Here are some of the biggest challenges for hospital security staff:

• Addressing aggressive behavior and high-stress situations: Guards often manage emotionally charged environments where patients, visitors, or staff may exhibit hostility or distress. 
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• Managing diverse populations: Hospitals serve individuals from all walks of life, including patients in crisis, grieving families, and vulnerable populations. Security guards must navigate cultural sensitivities and varied emotional states with professionalism and empathy.
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• Protecting valuable assets: Hospitals house expensive medical equipment and high-risk products like controlled substances which may be targeted for theft or misuse. 
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• Preventing infant abductions and protecting vulnerable patients: Guarding infants in maternity wards or NICUs and safeguarding patients unable to protect themselves demands constant alertness and specialized protocols.
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Belfry simplifies compliance & security operations

A hospital security guard holds many complex responsibilities. On top of performing all their duties, they must remain compliant with the licensing requirements in their state. Belfry can help both administrators and security guards by simplifying compliance and security operations. Here’s how:

• Licensing compliance: Belfry’s integrated dashboard makes it easy to keep track of security guards’ licensing status and ensures that no certifications lapse.
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• Schedule management: With Belfry, administrators can automatically schedule shifts and assignments to ensure no post goes uncovered.
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• Improved collaboration: Belfry’s mobile app allows instant messaging between guards, dispatchers, and administrators, allowing for quick reporting and response.

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