Workplace violence in healthcare is a growing crisis, with over 80% of nurses experiencing violence in 2023, leading to increased burnout and turnover. This session explores a multidisciplinary approach to mitigating violence through Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, which enhance surveillance, control access, and reinforce territorial boundaries. Drawing on industry reports, empirical research, and C-suite interviews with nine leading health organizations, as well as project case studies, we highlight actionable interventions in design, staffing, and operations. Special attention is given to high-risk areas like psychiatric, emergency, and pediatric units, where tailored solutions can improve staff safety. By integrating environmental design, institutional policy, and community partnerships, this presentation redefines how healthcare spaces can shield caregivers, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and empowered to provide quality care.
Senior Vice President and Health Practice Support Leader
HKS
Stan Shelton is Senior Vice President and Health Practice Support Leader at HKS. Before joining HKS, Stan served as a healthcare executive for over 30 years, with a unique career that included broad and deep Human Resources leadership, as well as leading over $600 million in construction projects from inception through occupancy, emergency preparedness and response, and strategy development and implementation. Notably, he guided the human resources strategy and processes that helped Woman’s Hospital be named one of Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare for 18 consecutive years. Additionally, he was responsible for planning, designing, and constructing a $350 million replacement hospital as a client of HKS. Stan is passionate about creating an environment that enables the healthcare team to thrive. He holds an undergraduate degree in Business from LSU in Shreveport and a Master of Science in Organizational Development from Pepperdine.
Regional Practice Director, Health
HKS
Whitney K. Fuessel is a Regional Practice Director, Health, and a Partner at HKS. Based in Houston, Whitney focuses on the human experience in the built environment. She draws fresh ideas from her team of designers and planners, creating a collaborative, balanced approach. She plays a significant role in Women and Children’s facilities, Research, and Citizen HKS.