I want to tell you about the incredible teamwork I’ve seen growing between our security and behavioral health teams.
Employees Know Best
Last year, we created a new model that includes 24/7 security guard supervision within our 8 Bernstein psychiatry unit. This suggestion came directly from behavioral health employees. This has proven to be a wonderful partnership.
Teamwork and Gratitude
On New Year’s Day, 8 Bernstein had a particularly challenging day. Team members recognized that this partnership with security was critical to staying safe that day. Many people praised the efforts of Officer Hakim Godette and patient care associate Calton McCollough that day. I was impressed by the gratitude the 8 Bernstein team expressed in a written letter to security, signed by everyone on that shift:
Our staff would like to recognize our colleagues from the Department of Security. Your officers have been consistently professional, vigilant, compassionate, and a real asset to our mission to maintain a safe milieu. We would like to specifically thank Officer Hakim Godette for his unrelenting support and dedication. He was an active participant, working in concert with our staff to help de-escalate multiple dangerous situations.
Taking the time to recognize our co-workers makes us stronger and better.
Some of the 8 Bernstein staff: Tainia Rivera, RN; Michele Kelley, RN; Carlton McCollough, PCA; Jung Soo Han, RN; Tasia Pinto, RN; and Lindsey Briggs.
Officer Hakim Godette with some of the 8 Bernstein team: Liz Metz, RN and nurse manager; Michele Kelley, RN; Charles Harrison, RN; Georgina-Andrea Irvine, RN.
New Careers
In addition, I recently learned that two security guards who used to rotate at this 8 Bernstein post fell in love with the team and the patients there and decided to become patient care associates. Kimberly Harris says, “People are people. Whether I’m in security or patient care, I treat our psychiatry patients like the wonderful humans they are.” She transitioned to a PCA role in CPEP after two years as a security guard. She was born at Beth Israel and had her children here.
Kimberly Harris, former security guard who is now a PCA in the CPEP.
Officer Joseph Robinson is also currently making the transition to become a PCA on 8 Bernstein.
We are lucky to have them.