Advancing Healthcare Safety Through Preparedness and Leadership
Healthcare facilities face unique safety challenges, especially when it comes to workplace violence and gun-related incidents. It is imperative to have the key elements of preparation, communication, and collaboration in place. These elements are critical, not only to protect patients, but to support the healthcare professional staff who show up every day to care for others.
Recently, Jessica Cheverie MSN, RN Director of Clinical Services at TRL Systems, joined the ACNL in Action podcast hosted by the Association of California Nurse Leaders to discuss gun safety, workplace violence, and preparedness in healthcare settings. Jessica, who is an ACNL member, was joined by Mark Reed, Executive Director of Campus Support Operations at City of Hope, for a thoughtful and practical conversation grounded in real-world experience.
Why Preparedness Matters in Healthcare
While learning from a nurse leader’s perspective, one of the greatest risks hospitals face is not having a clear, practiced response plan in place. Unlike other industries, healthcare environments must account for vulnerable patients, complex unit layouts, and emotionally charged situations. Jessica emphasized the importance of proactive planning and regular drills tailored to each unit’s specific needs. Rather than relying on generic policies, she highlighted the value of leadership-led preparation that actively involves staff, security teams, and interdisciplinary partners. One framework discussed was the Observe, Orient, Decide, Act (OODA) Loop a model that helps teams think clearly and respond effectively under pressure. Regular drills and debriefs help staff move through these steps with greater confidence should a real incident occur.
Thoughtful Training Over Fear-Based Drills
A major theme of the discussion focused on how organizations train. Poorly planned drills can unintentionally traumatize staff, especially when they involve surprise simulations or loud, realistic scenarios.
Instead, the conversation stressed a trauma-informed approach to preparedness that includes:
Clear communication before drills
Defined goals for each exercise
Gradual progression from discussion to walkthroughs to simulations
Psychological safety for staff at every stage
Effective training isn’t about inducing fear. It’s about building clarity, confidence, and coordination.
The Role of Nurse Leaders and Interdisciplinary Teams
Nurse leaders play a pivotal role in shaping safety culture. Jessica shared how breaking down departmental silos strengthens preparedness efforts. When nursing, security, risk management, quality, and environmental services collaborate, safety planning becomes more realistic and effective.
She also referenced upcoming legislation, including California’s AB 2975, which will require weapons detection systems in certain hospital areas beginning in 2027. These policy shifts highlight how advocacy, leadership, and operational planning must work together to protect healthcare workers.
Creating a Culture Where Safety Is Spoken About
One of the most powerful points raised was the stigma surrounding workplace violence in healthcare. Incidents too often go unreported because they are viewed as “part of the job.” Jessica challenged that mindset, encouraging healthcare professionals to speak up, report concerns, and assess their environment just as they would in any other high-risk situation. Awareness and communication can prevent escalation and protect both staff and patients.
A Shared Responsibility
When working in hospitals, clinics, or the community, safety starts with education and open dialogue. The podcast reinforced that meaningful change happens when organizations plan ahead, listen to their teams, and treat safety as a shared responsibility rather than a reactive measure. This blog only scratches the surface. The ACNL in Action podcast episode dives deeper into real-world scenarios, legislative updates, and practical strategies healthcare leaders can apply today. Listen to the full episode of ACNL in Action to hear directly from Jessica Cheverie and Mark Reed on how preparedness, leadership, and collaboration can create safer healthcare environments.