This team has been an invaluable resource to our organization, providing expert care and intervention for individuals with behavioral health needs and support to our front-line staff. Although the team was discontinued, their return in February of 2025 marked a pivotal moment in our efforts to ensure our staff had the support they needed, and our patients received the attention they deserved. The team’s revitalization was a crucial step toward addressing workplace violence and providing timely intervention and support during moments of need.  

Since being reintroduced, BERT has demonstrated unwavering commitment, compassion, and professionalism in their work. They have quickly stepped into their essential roles to provide the best care for our patients and address the needs of our staff and workplace violence.  

This remarkable team is made up of three individuals who bring expertise in behavioral health, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed care. Their ability to work seamlessly alongside other disciplines while providing specialized care to individuals in crisis ensures that the most vulnerable members of those, we care for are treated with dignity and respect.  

BERT’s return has filled a critical gap in our ability to respond effectively to patients with behavioral needs and behavioral health emergencies. They have greatly improved the support that the front-line staff have needed for a long time. This collaborative approach enables us to offer basic care, such as assisting with hygiene tasks to patients who may be resistant or unable to cooperate with various tests due to their behavioral health needs. The team has also been instrumental in supporting our patients, such as accompanying paranoid patients to MRI or helping a patient understand the need to have their blood drawn by ensuring both safety and comfort throughout the process.  

Additionally, the BERT team plays a crucial role in improving staff support and morale. Their ability to handle challenging behavioral emergencies with professionalism and compassion reduces the emotional strain on frontline staff. Nurses, providers, social workers, and other team members feel more confident and supported when BERT is involved, knowing that they have this team by their side during difficult and high-stress situations. This added support allows for more effective care and promotes a healthier work environment for the staff involved.  

The team’s quick revival and strong impact have demonstrated the importance of having these specialized nurses who are prepared to handle complex and sometimes dangerous situations with sensitivity, expertise, and care. Their reintroduction is a testament to their dedication and the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement in both patient care and staff and patient safety.  

 
Testimonial from staff:  
 

"I’ve had the privilege of seeing the impact BERT has made firsthand. I’ve watched them handle some of our most intense and challenging behavioral emergencies with such skill and compassion. Whether it’s a patient experiencing a mental health crisis, agitation, or thoughts of self-harm, the BERT team has skills that help us to provide the care we need.”  

“Their approach to de-escalation is both effective and appreciative. They treat every patient with respect, taking the time to truly listen to and understand their needs. They work collaboratively with us nurses and providers, which makes a tremendous difference in how we manage these situations.”  

“Thanks to BERT, we can provide care to patients who might otherwise be difficult to manage. I can provide the care the patient needs without fear of being struck or kicked.”  

“The return of BERT has been an incredible asset to our department, and I’m so grateful for their dedication and hard work. They have truly filled an essential gap in our ability to provide the care that our patients need during a crisis.”  

“BERT has supported FBC during some of the most critical times and is always a calm and supportive resource to our team. We are incredibly grateful for their expertise, leadership, and guidance to ensure our patients receive the best care.”  

“We know we can rely on them to step in and handle challenging patients, which helps to ease the emotional burden that we had to shoulder before they came back.”  

The BERT team’s amazing ability to make a significant impact this past year speaks volumes about their passion and commitment to those they serve. Their tireless dedication to providing immediate, specialized care to those in need while ensuring that each patient receives the compassionate care they need during some of their most vulnerable moments has been invaluable. Equally important, the support they provide to frontline staff ensures that we can deliver care safely and effectively, without being overwhelmed by the challenges these situations can present.  

The BERT team has proven that they are not only a necessary resource but an irreplaceable one.