Situational Awareness

Many workers experience an increased risk to their personal safety when their work takes them out into the community into people’s homes. Research shows that unsafe situations and violence can often be predicted and that an increased awareness of these factors is empowering for community-based workers to stay safe as they navigate their day. Building the skills to recognize potential issues that can arise outside of the office is essential for the safety of the worker and people they are serving. This class covers practical strategies to promote safety before leaving the house, while in the car, arriving at a location, meeting with someone in the community, and how to leave that meeting if necessary.

• Build awareness of risk factors for violence

• Explore warning signs of danger

• Respond to unsafe situations in the street, in the home, and in the car

• Evaluate personal safety practices and self-care

Kari Quast retired from the University of Minnesota Police Department after completing 24 years of service. Ms. Quast was a patrol officer for 21 years of her career protecting the University of Minnesota community and surrounding areas. She accepted a new position as the Mental Health Police Officer, the first of its kind in the state of Minnesota, working directly with campus students and faculty with a population of 60,000+. In addition to mental health, Ms. Quast was also part of the University of Minnesota Employee Threat Assessment Team and the Behavioral Consultation Team.

MN Board of Social Work

2.0 CEUs (CEP-275)

MN Board of Nursing

This activity has been designed to meet the Minnesota Board of Nursing continuing education requirements. However, the nurse is responsible for determining whether this activity meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education.