Training and Development

Training and Development

The need for adequate training of security personnel is vigorously espoused by management and line personnel alike. It is a subject that gets constant attention at security meetings and seminars; is probed during security reviews and audits; gets considerable space in magazines, newsletters, and journals; is sanctioned by consumers and providers; and is the basis of many lawsuits. However, this almost insatiable quest for proper training appears to break down at the design and implementation stage in many healthcare security programs. One of the most critical challenges—and one of the most basic responsibilities—of the security administrator is to provide the means for each person in the security department to achieve the competency level required to perform the function as stated in the job description. A good security officer training program requires a master plan that addresses everything from identifying needs for the newly hired security officer to ongoing education and development activities established for seasoned security staff and security department leadership positions. It cannot be understated how important the verification of skill levels and documentation are to the successful healthcare security training plan. The proper training of the security staff is a direct reflection on the security administrator’s commitment to quality and customer service.

Training Concepts

The term training includes reassignment training and, more importantly, continuous training throughout the career of the security staff member. Security officers are often classified as “trained” or “not trained.” This concept should yield to the idea of level of training.

There is a difference between training and education. Christopher Hertig, an instructor at York College of Pennsylvania, makes such a distinction. He states, “Training is an intensive process whereby an employee’s job behavior is modified. Training prepares and enables a person to perform job tasks at a greater level of efficiency. Education is knowledge about something. It’s the understanding of concepts and principles that enable a person to grow professionally; knowledge that provides one with an appreciation of various job functions. Education teaches the ‘whys’; training teaches the ‘hows.’”

Security Officer Training

STATEMENT: Healthcare facilities (HCFs) will ensure that any individual performing security services are trained to meet local, state or federal standard for security officer training and healthcare security industry standard practices.

Intent:

a. Training should include a method to verify that the training received resulted in an acceptable level of competency for each person trained.

b. Retraining, especially for high-liability subjects such as weapons training, workplace violence prevention and response skills, and management of physical aggression should be conducted at least annually.

c. Training records for each individual should be maintained by the HCF according to the HCF record retention policy.

d. Training records should include the subject matter, time and duration of training, and instructor’s name and affiliation.