Hospital Security Jobs

Hospitals can be very busy places, and they also have need of the services of watchful security guards to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the hospital. These valuable facilities are generally very busy and have a limited security force in place that will certainly be multi-tasking throughout their shift.

Job Duties of Guards in Hospital Security Jobs

A security guard in a hospital has a wide variety of tasks. This is largely due to the size of the facility and the number of people, including staff, that are constantly coming and going. Tasks often include providing security for staff, visitors, and patients, watching out for suspicious activities and people, being alert for fires and safety problems, locking and unlocking doors. Oftentimes, they may also help shovel sidewalks and direct traffic in snowy conditions, greet visitors, enforce parking rules, keeps emergency lanes clear, and more.

Since hospitals are highly trafficked with both hospital staff, patients, employees and visitors, security guards need to have highly developed social skills. They must be friendly, and need to be able to stay calm under potentially stressful circumstances. On occasion, they will also need to be able to physically interact with individuals – patients as well as some visitors – when necessary. Security guards at a hospital may only work at night, but many hospitals use them both day and night.

Hospital Police Provide Better Security

Hospital police provide a stronger form of security. They also have the ability to enforce the law within the hospital property. They have the power to arrest, conduct investigations, and even attend prison inmates while being treated at the hospital. Their gun, however, must be given to them on each shift and they are not allowed to carry it off duty.

Training for Hospital Security Staff

When you get a hospital security job, you will most likely need to go through their training program, which is offered by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS). Some things that will be covered are terrorism, preventing infant abductions, and working with the safety program of the hospital.

Qualities Needed to Successfully Win Hospital Security Jobs

Hospital security guards must meet the requirements of the state for security guards that they are in. Licenses for security guards apply, as well as any required training. Some hospitals require that security guards have at least two or three years’ previous experience as a police officer, and to be licensed to carry a gun.

Working in hospital security jobs, you can expect to get paid between $20,000 and $30,000 annually, which includes some overtime. Security supervisors typically receive a salary between $27,000 and $42,000.

Quick Facts About Hotel Security Work

Job Title: Security Guard, or Security Police
Tasks: Protect staff and property on the hospital grounds. Job may require constant walking, or may sit near entrance, or at computer monitor. May also serve as door greeter, give directions, be responsible for safety, etc.
Training: Requires guard certification, weapons training and license if required. High school diploma.
Special Skills Required: Need to be sociable, calm under difficult circumstances, and physically able to restrain others. Many hospitals require law enforcement experience.
Salary: Starts out at $20,000 and goes up to about $30,000.

Helpful Links:
International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS)