First person you meet

[needsmore$]

our hospital is beginning it's redesign process. we are expanding from a 17 bed-to a 40 bed unit. currently, when a person enters the ed entrance- the first person they encounter is usually the triage nurse/tech team.

i believe, (jcaho not withstanding) that the first face they should see is the security guard who can direct them to the triage nurse.

do you guys have 24 hr security in your ed?

for those with security in their ed, does your security guard leave your ed frequently to check on other areas of the hospital (makes rounds) or is one always in the ed 24/7?

just trying to gather some input as i am on the triage redesign group working with the architect. i believe i like the 24/7 security guard seated on the folding chair at triage model-

your input-what works for your eds?

thanks

anne

[Hrtnurse14]

In the facility I work at, the visitors need to enter the triage area and be seen first. This is just to the right of the door they enter at. Immediately at the triage area is the registration desks. Triaging is done at that time at the desk if the pt isn't critical and brought right back. Immediately behind the reception desk, just a few feet away is an area (walled off but with a counter) where our security sits. From that vantage point security is able to see the fast-track area and waiting room as well. If a person is brought back to the main ED from the outside they must walk past security. We have several on duty at one time and at times they must respond to calls from the floor units and do rounds. They have a variety of credentials including current officers, retired officers, and certified security. Just their presence I feel helps diffuse some situations before they occur. I hope this helps.

Mary Ann

[needsmore$]

Thanks all for your insight- It seems the common ideal would be that security should maintain a visible presence in the ED entry /triage area 24/7. This is my ideal as well.

Anne

[TinyNurse, RN]

our security and metal detecors are there 24/7

congrats on the construction of your new ER!