Hospitals and health care centers strive to maintain safety, sanitation and a friendly demeanor with their visitors and patients every day. From keeping appropriate bedside manner to safely monitoring visitors who enter and exit the building, hospital staff have their hands full. Large hospitals and emergency centers can welcome as many as 1,200 visitors per day! What are the ways these facilities maintain health and safety?

There are 3 main ways that a healthcare badging system can effectively manage security, sanitation and professionalism:

Most clinics and healthcare centers have adopted some form of badging system that helps keep patients, staff and visitors safe, not only from the threat of violence but also from the spread of illnesses. First, doctors, nurses, security guards and other staff members wear color coded badges and lanyards. This way it is easy to immediately identify qualifications in emergency situations. These color codes also help maintain security within hospitals because they are more difficult to fake or duplicate.

According to statistics, 75% of all workplace assaults between 2011 and 2013 happened in the healthcare field, and much of the violence was directed at nurses. It is also said that the statistics are inaccurate, because much of hospital violence goes unreported. Some of this violence cannot be prevented because it comes from patients who are in volatile states or at a cognitive disadvantage. However, the threat of violence that comes from visitors and outside sources should be reduced, and badging systems can aid in the effort to protect healthcare staff.

Badge systems for hospital staff often include color codes, which are easy to identify from a distance. However, many healthcare centers have adopted smart badge systems for their staff. These types of ID cards have a memory chip that securely stores data, and allows them to enter secure areas of hospitals. Not only does this keep multiple entry points of the building secure, it also helps protect sensitive information like patient records.

Hospitals must also maintain cleanliness and prevent the spread of illnesses. With as many as 1,200 visitors coming and going from some hospitals, it can be difficult to maintain safety and sanitation. Temporary badges for visitors have helped healthcare providers maintain efficiency and security. For larger hospitals, blank badges can be used once and then recycled. The visitor’s name and information can be printed onto a sticker and applied to the disposable plastic card. Once the visitor leaves, they throw the badge away and it is recycled. This cuts down on the time staff members would normally use to check visitors in and out. It also helps prevent germs from being spread.

For smaller clinics and centers, color coded visitor badges can be used. These visitor name tags can be re-ordered every 3 months (or at other intervals) to prevent theft and falsification. Smaller healthcare centers can sanitize these badges each day to prevent the spread of illness from patient to visitor. Each time the badges are re-ordered, they can be customized with a specific number, code or date. This makes it more difficult for the badges to be stolen and re-used.

Lastly, hospitals must maintain a friendly and healthy relationship with patients and visitors. As stated earlier, much of the violence against doctors and nurses goes unreported. That is because healthcare professionals care about their patients and don’t want to make them the enemy. Badging systems and other security measures can help doctors and nurses maintain a friendly demeanor. If the hospital adopts an effective security system that includes ID badges for everyone on campus, then healthcare professionals can focus on providing quality healthcare.

The 3 main aspects of hospital security include:
– Ensuring that only authorized individuals are on campus
– Keeping sensitive data secure (file rooms that contain patient records)
– Processing visitors who come and go

Badge systems help maintain security and cleanliness by:
– Identifying every person on campus, including staff & guests
– Allowing access to secure areas to only authorized staff with the use of smart cards
– Requiring that guests prove who they are and to wear approved visitor badges while on campus

NameTagWizard.com offers quick turn-around on campus ID badges for hospitals, schools and businesses. These cards can be fully customized to include photos, logos, QR codes, bar codes and custom text. If you’re in the healthcare field, or any industry that requires security, these custom ID cards can be the first step to creating a safer work environment.

Related Posts:

Flash Passes, Proximity Cards and Smart Cards

Ethics of Student Location Tracking

Sources:

https://insights.identicard.com/blog/effective-hospital-security-system-hospital-visitor-management-access-control-solutions

https://www.advantidge.com/id-badge-printer-support/learning-center/industry-solutions/healthcare-and-hospitals/

https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2016/05/03/nearly-75-percent-of-all-workplace-assaults-happen-in-health-care

https://www.advisory.com/daily-briefing/2016/12/07/violence-against-nurses

https://www.visitorpasssolutions.com/Blog/A-busy-hospital-lobby-balances-security-health-and-efficiency/

College is expensive – that’s an understatement, and there is no halt in sight for the growing cost of earning a degree. Many grads are closing their textbooks and entering the workforce with an average of $37,172 in student loan debt. Currently the total student loan debt across all demographics is $1.52 trillion! (Forbes.com). That’s difficult to comprehend. There are ways however, to keep debt under control while attending school. By taking advantage of student discounts and only borrowing funds to cover essentials like books and tuition, college kids can keep their debt from growing to an astronomical figure.

The student ID card has several innate perks. Not only does this little plastic ID card help students purchase meal plans on campus, check out books from the library and access school buildings, it can also help them save money at popular restaurants and retailers.

Most stores and restaurants don’t advertise their student discount, so kids looking to save money should never be too shy to ask.

The following are 8 perks students have access to if they just flash their student ID:

1. Discounts on food! What college kid doesn’t eat pizza, burritos and ice cream? Some of the most popular chains offer student discounts, including Chipotle, Papa Johns and Dairy Queen. Check out even more options here.

2. Savings on electronics and digital services. Favorites like Apple, Sprint and Adobe have student discount programs. Kids can get their course work done a little cheaper with savings like these!

3. Discounted oil changes and auto insurance. Not all college students live on campus. Commuters know the ongoing expense of maintaining a vehicle. Businesses like Jiffy Lube and Geico can help students save money on common car services and insurance.

4. Discounts at attractions and museums. Many courses require visits to art galleries, museums and the like. Rather than college kids taking on the full expense of gallery and museum visits to write papers and reports, they can take advantage of discounts.

5. Savings on travel. Most college students head home for the holidays, and for kids whose parents can’t cover the expense, there are often discounts offered on public transportation, rental cars and airfare. It never hurts to ask. Just have your student ID card on hand!

6. Movie night on the cheap! The pressure of college coursework and financial woes has been known to lead to anxiety and depression. Students can take a break from it all by seeing the latest blockbuster at their local AMC or Cinemark theater. Many theaters offer a break to students who show their college ID card.

7. Document copies and printing. Most college instructors require thesis papers, reports and other course work to be printed and bound. This cost can add up quickly throughout each semester. Students can save on prints and copies at stores like FedEx Office.

8. Shopping! Most students have a part time job to help make ends meet. Some of kids’ favorite stores can help stretch those meager earnings just a little further. Clothing stores like Banana Republic, J.Crew and Charlotte Russe are known to offer discounts. When it’s time for new clothes, kids should remember to flash their student ID at the checkout counter!

With the college debt crisis growing, it’s important for students to keep control of their finances. Parents can help instill financial responsibility in their kids before they head off to school, but students should also be made of aware of savings they have access to by simply showing their student ID card.

From food to oil changes to a new outfit, college kids can take care of their everyday needs AND save money. Many discounts are 10 to 20%, but some bookstores offer up to 50% off on subscriptions to important reads like the New York Times. These savings quickly add up and can help cut down on borrowed funds.

At NameTagWizard.com, we’re the identification experts. Universities and colleges can save by bulk ordering ID cards and other forms of identification here. Our online design tool makes it easy to upload names, logos and photos. Ordering custom photo IDs is fast, simple and affordable for schools and businesses.

See more posts like this:

Protecting Students’ Right to Privacy

Flash Passes, Proximity Cards & Smart Cards

Sources:

https://www.bestcollegesonline.com/blog/100-stores-that-give-a-student-discount/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackfriedman/2018/06/13/student-loan-debt-statistics-2018/#3bd536707310

https://www.businessinsider.com/college-students-with-id-basically-eat-for-free-at-these-restaurants-2018-2

The adolescent years are key in identity development, and as schools continue finding ways to keep kids safe, such as requiring them to wear IDs and uniforms, are they also inhibiting students’ growth into adulthood? Psychologist Erik Erikson stated that identity “enables one to move with purpose and direction through life.” The life skills that schools are looking to instill in our youth are often compromised by the need protect them from violence. How can administrators allow students to develop as individuals while also protecting their well being at school?

Some schools have gotten creative with student IDs. As long as the ID photo is an accurate depiction of the student’s likeness, there is no reason why kids can’t express themselves. For example, a high school in Farmington Hills, Michigan has adopted a quirky tradition that allows kids to dress up in costumes for their ID pictures. Some students choose Harry Potter characters, while others throw it back to the 90s with iconic “Clueless” references. Regardless of each student’s take on humor, this tradition is both fun and safe! It empowers students to express themselves, to show their likes and hobbies, and also gives them a say in how they want to be identified.

Most schools have award programs for good grades, community service and good attendance. These types of awards can be turned into pins or badges that are attached to the student’s ID card or lanyard. Kids who are succeeding in the classroom, on the court and field, or in their community can be recognized by their teachers and fellow students. This empowers kids to keep working toward their goals and it gives them a strong sense of self each time they put their ID card on.

Schools can create award systems with color codes for A/B honor roll, A honor roll, creativity, sportsmanship, community service and more! These merits can be represented by small pins or stickers that attach to the student’s ID card. To go even further, they can be turned in for cash credits that purchase lunch, books, supplies and more. There are many ways that institutions can get creative and encourage students to wear their ID cards.

Libraries, zoos, art museums and other local establishments can also get on board by offering student discounts. This keeps kids interested in learning and experiencing what their community has to offer. Discovering one’s surroundings and world is also a key part of identity development. When students are encouraged to venture out, they’re given a sense of independence and self-esteem that is vital for transition into adulthood.

Student IDs can also aid in creating relationships with staff and classmates. Healthy social interaction should also be taught in schools, and is a large part of succeeding in the job force. Student IDs help kids to identify one another by name, and can provide an ice breaker for conversation. Creative and funny ID card photos are even better, because they allow each student to feel unique and memorable. Photo IDs can foster healthy social interaction in schools! This goes well beyond providing a bland picture that is only intended to improve safety on campus.

There are many ways to allow students to thrive and grow, while also keeping them safe. Read our recent posts about tracking student success with QR code badges and the 3 main types of ID cards to gain insight into some of the latest trends in student identification.

As school starts back across the nation, parents, teachers and administrators are ready to implement their latest plans and teaching strategies to improve retention, behavior and safety. Safety is of growing concern in today’s schools. Initiatives like requiring clear book bags, student ID cards and strict dress codes are all commonly used to help keep students safe, but what NEW things are being done?

Student ID cards are generally worn in obligation and have somewhat of a negative reputation. However, new app-based programs being implemented across the U.S. are shedding a positive light on student IDs and student tracking. With a simple and easy-to-generate QR code, student IDs can be upgraded for use with smartphone apps that boost student engagement and crack down on bad behavior.

Student Recognition and Reward Programs

Programs such as PBIS Rewards help teachers, students and parents stay on the same page about student learning and success. These types of school programs use QR codes that connect to profiles on smartphone apps. Students can earn points that can be used toward purchases and other types of rewards. PBIS and similar programs eliminate paper tickets and boost instructional time, while allowing teachers, kids and parents to see a clear representation of what is happening in the classroom. Students are more engaged and accountable in the learning process because they feel empowered to keep earning positive feedback.

Positive Behavior Reinforcement

Schools have also begun using apps to cut down on behavioral issues. Programs like Hero provide a convenient and measurable way to keep track of disciplinary actions, late arrivals, absences and can also aid in safety when a student is unaccounted for. These programs make classroom management easier and keep school offices more organized. They also provide a unified standard for student discipline so that each student feels he or she is treated equally. Hero can connect classes, schools and districts to one unified behavior management standard. This helps with positive reinforcement and with intervention. Administrators and parents can see clear trends in student behavior, both at an individual level and school level, and they can intervene before issues escalate.

Schools using programs like Hero have real data that shows them percentages of suspensions, late arrivals and more and they can watch these numbers decrease over time. Schools in 45 states are using Hero. Many other schools have adopted similar programs.

“Research has proven that when school culture is more positive, discipline-related issues decrease. At the same time, in-class instruction time grows and student performance thrives,” according to Hero. Ten and 15 years ago, students were expected to wear ID cards at school, but were not given an incentive to do so. New programs that work with simple QR codes on IDs are helping to encourage kids and keep them accountable.

Some schools may be hesitant to use programs that track student learning and behavior. Perhaps they are concerned with the ethical implications of tracking a student’s every move, they’re afraid of the cost of IDs and the accuracy of QR codes, or the programs themselves are too costly. Also, schools have had to crack down on cell phones in the classroom, which might inhibit some institutions from using programs like PBIS and Hero, however most classrooms offer instructional tablets. These programs can be used on those devices as well.

Tracking programs may not be the best option for some schools or teachers, but cost and technology shouldn’t be the deterrent. There are free behavioral and learning tracking apps online, such as Class Dojo. Stephanie Jones, a dedicated special needs teacher in Jacksonville, Florida swears by Class Dojo.

“It’s easy to use with their app as well as on the computer. Parents have access to view their points – positive and negative, so they know exactly what’s happening in the classroom. You can also update with “class stories” so parents can see what’s going on in your classroom, on field trips – whatever you want to show them,” says Mrs. Jones.

Moreover, for apps that work with QR codes, these codes can be easily generated online and are easy to print. They are more forgiving than barcodes because if they are damaged, they can still be scanned with a smart phone to connect to a website or app. There are many businesses that create and print ID cards with QR codes. Here at NameTagWizard.com, you can order fully customized photo IDs for students and employees. Reordering is quick and affordable, so updating IDs for a new school year can be done with just a couple of mouse clicks.

At NameTagWizard.com, we are the Identification Experts, and our sole purpose is to connect names with faces. As technology continues to evolve, we will be doing more than that! More recently, name tags and IDs are used to not only connect a person and their name, but also a person and their digital profile. Schools across the world will continue to grow and use tracking apps to keep kids safe and help them succeed. Our product line will also expand to include everything you need to identify students and employees in today’s digital world.

Security on school campuses is always of high importance, but it’s especially vital at the start of a new year. The beginning of the school year is the best time for parents, teachers and administrators to implement new rules and plans, and this is a key time to apply new safety regulations. Schools can aid in the prevention of school violence and school trespassing with the use of photo ID card policies. When students show up for orientation, they should be handed a photo ID and encouraged to wear it any time they are on campus. As school populations grow and technology becomes more advanced, it’s more challenging to keep kids and staff safe. Knowing which types of photo IDs are available and how they work are the first steps to creating and implementing a school photo ID policy.

There are 3 main types of ID cards that are used by colleges, schools and corporations. These are traditional photo ID cards, or flash passes, proximity cards and smart cards. Each card offers a different level of security and potential uses.

1.Traditional Flash Passes – These are traditional photo ID cards that contain the student or teacher’s name, photo and school mascot or logo. They are often called flash passes because they are quickly shown to security officers or patrol guards to gain access to campus or rooms. These types of IDs are beneficial because they help identify who is permitted to be on campus. They rely on human eyes however, and if a person can skip past a security guard, they can gain access to campus with no further measures taken. Although flash passes do not offer extra security, they are still commonly used by schools and can be used to increase safety. Traditional photo ID cards can provide security in the following ways:

• Color coding: Each level of student and staff can wear a different color plastic card. At a glance this can help security officers and administrators identify between a teacher or other staff member, a student and their grade level (which often coincides with areas on campus the student should be), and a visitor. Be sure to offer visitors a temporary ID card that is a unique color to differentiate them from others on campus. Visitor ID cards can be customized with unique ID numbers or expiration dates. Expiration dates make it harder for these cards to be faked or stolen from campus and re-used.
• With Lanyards: Have each grade level, administrative staff member and maintenance employee wear a different color lanyard. Color coding of ID cards and lanyards makes it more difficult for the cards to be duplicated with fakes. Each person on campus should be aware of what the colors mean. Color codes can also help identify students on unauthorized areas of campus. (For instance, 12th graders being on 9th grade halls or wings without need.)
• With Bar codes: Bar codes can be used to confirm attendance at school and at school events. They can also help keep track of where a student was last seen, in case they were to disappear.

Implementing color codes is a simple yet effective way to boost security. Small measures like these make it more difficult to forge IDs, because anything outside of the color codes set up by the school would be easily identified.

2. Proximity Cards – Proximity cards offer another layer of security beyond that of flash passes. Proximity cards use radio frequency to send a special number to door-side card readers. These cards are very difficult to forge, because the card reader will only unlock the door if the scanned number matches an identified number in the school security system. These types of cards can provide security at every access point on campus, from the front entrance to the library and cafeteria (wherever a side-door card reader can be installed). It is difficult to keep security and patrol officers in each of these locations, so proximity cards help to fill that gap.

3. Smart Cards – Many schools and larger corporations are implementing the use of smart cards. Smart cards offer the highest level of security. These cards not only help identify students and staff, they can also be used to purchase lunch, buy drinks or snacks from vending machines and check out library books. These cards contain a chip that communicates with a network, and they allow kids to sign into computers, use printers on campus and more. Parents can also monitor their child’s use of funds, and pre-load the card with lunch money, printer money and more. This eliminates the child’s need to carry cash that can be easily stolen or lost. Schools also benefit from smart cards because they save money on paper, ink and other supplies that are often wasted or overused.

What information should be included on a student ID card?

It is essential for any photo ID to include the most recent photo of the student, which is updated at least once each school year, the student’s name and grade level and the school mascot.

However, some schools also include clubs the student is a member of, sports the child plays and other mentions such as honor roll. These additions can turn a common photo ID into something the student is proud to wear, and can help teachers, coaches and parents locate students after school hours, if needed. Schools can even implement a pin system or star system. Each new accomplishment can come with a new pin on the child’s ID card!

For elementary schools looking to implement a badge policy, the following are important to include on each child’s ID card:

Elementary school name, school mascot or logo, grade level, classroom number, teacher name and parent name. If the student rides a bus, it is also important to include the bus number. All of this information can help keep young students safe on campus, and makes it much easier to guide kids back to their classroom if they are lost.

There are many ways schools can use badges and IDs to keep their kids safe. At NameTagWizard.com we are always open to hearing your ideas. Do you have a unique way you have used school photo IDs on your campus or in your workplace?