I work here at SSH in armed security. I remember when I first began working at this hospital in April 2018, and security was called to assist with a young female patient who was suicidal. This particular young lady completely lost control during her visit with us. She attempted to hurt herself, cursed staff constantly and she physically resisted all restraining attempts administered by the staff. She had a boyfriend, and I later escorted him out of the hospital because he had interfered with the medical staff. In the middle of all of this, Lance cared for this young patient. After we had physically restrained the patient, and after her sedating medication had taken effect, I listened as Lance spend approximately 5-10 minutes talking with the patient about what had just happened. Lance was extremely calm and caring, and I could perceive that he was being genuine with the patient. Lance stressed to the patient that she was safe, cared for, and that he and the rest of the staff would never harm her. Lance patiently listened to her as she recounted all that had occurred. Lance showed no anger or frustration with her.
I have included this story because of the impact that Lance made on me during that event. It encouraged me and Lance was an example of what it meant to be a professional nurse. I was able to learn from him and apply that to my own occupation in security. I will briefly explain this thought. Much of what staff members attend to in public health care pertains to the consequences of particularly personal choices made by the patient regarding their suicide and family disputes. Security officers are often called on to mitigate all these issues. Lance demonstrated to me what it meant to be compassionate, caring, and professional, even though that patient described above had not made the best of choices for her life. I apply this thought or principle regularly during my duties. Security officers must always be professional in the midst of stressful circumstances.