Hospital Security Safety Concerns

work as unarmed hospital security in a psych unit. Recently, I was required to sit alone in a small, confined area outside six patient rooms. Four rooms place patients within striking distance. The area has no barrier, and both exits require badge access (one is a small sally port). If a patient becomes aggressive, I have almost no time to escape. Patients often include: psychotic, paranoid, intoxicated, detoxing, violent, homeless, PTSD, and legally diverted from jail. Multiple female sitters have been physically attacked on this unit. All nurses and PCAs stay behind a locked nurse station with cameras and phones. I (a *’* female) am the only one required to sit unprotected. Training was minimal, and I have only a small panic alarm—no radio and no partner. Supervisors said upper management does not care, and I will be written up if I am not sitting exactly in the assigned spot. I fear for my safety, and I am worried about retaliation if I report this.