Welcome to the fellowship.

You have received a Securisyn challenge coin which symbolizes our shared vision to enhance patient safety and eliminate unplanned extubation. Below is the history and rules of challenge coins. Take your time and read through each bullet. After all, when someone from the fellowship presents a coin, you’ll want to know what happens next.

 

  1. Challenge coins started during the Vietnam War as a way for members of a unit to exclude non-members from frequenting the same bars. Initially, enemy bullets or other ordinances were used to prove someone was a member of the unit. Eventually, a more civil challenge coin was used, and the challenge is also called a “coin check.”

  2. Challenge coins are earned. You will be presented a coin to award performance, commitment, and contributions to the collective good. You don’t buy a challenge coin.

  3. Coins must always be carried, and challenges can be called out anywhere, at any time. You can only take four steps to reach your coin.

  4. A challenge is for a round of drinks – everyone in the room or within shouting distance is in on the challenge. If everyone who is challenged manages to produce a coin, the challenger is on the hook to buy the drinks. Be careful who you challenge.

  5. If the person/people challenged fails to produce a coin, the challenge must be honored, and drinks must be purchased by those that don’t have a challenge coin. Each person can only be challenged in one gathering.

  6. The coin must be unsheathed when presented – it can’t be in a container nor in a pouch of any kind. You shouldn't wear your coin like a bracelet or belt buckle.

  7. Try to keep your coin as clean as possible. Dirty coins are a sign of disrespect.

  8. Never hand someone else a coin in response to a challenge. Doing so is the same as giving the person the coin. The coin can be placed on the table, and anyone who wants to examine it is honor-bound to return it to its original location.

  9. Do not abuse your coin – accidental drops are not looked kindly upon and will be treated accordingly by others.

  10. There are zero exceptions to these rules. They apply whether you’re wearing clothes or not, so think ahead. Remember, you’ve got four steps to get within arm’s reach of your coin.