SJLH effort addresses 'aggressive behavior'

“Aggressive behavior is becoming more and more of a problem in small rural hospitals across the nation, and having adequate staff to handle these problems as they occur is a never ending issue,” said Tony Rebo, Plant Operations Manager and Safety Officer at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.  “That’s why I attended an instructor training sponsored by MOAB (Management on Aggressive Behavior).”

The three day course held in Lewistown, MT provided attendees with hands-on instructions and the skills needed to teach and train other staff.  The course included strategies for preventing and diffusing aggressive behavior, strategies for controlling and restraining aggressive individuals, and strategies for managing physical confrontations.  

“Our hospital just isn’t big enough to hire a full time security staff, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t face the same challenges as hospitals that do have security,” added Rebo.  “My role as the Safety Officer at SJLH is to provide a safe work environment and to ensure the safety of our patients and visitors.  This certification will help me do that.”

Rebo’s certification allows him to provide training to staff on how to handle aggressive behavior at the hospital.  He emphasized that the key is to recognize exactly what you’re being confronted with.  “With anxiety, we will provide support; with aggression we will provide assertiveness,” stated Rebo.  “Our role will be to recognize and be proactive in situations, and to be able to act in the most appropriate manner that will provide our staff, patients, and visitors with a safe environment.”