Recruiting with Intention
Facilities in many parts of the country are feeling the staffing crunch for Sterile Processing (SP) professionals. Our roles demand a high degree of technical knowledge, and some places do …
Process THIS! Episode 151: New Perspectives on Chemical Exposure Limits in Sterile Processing
On a daily basis, Sterile Processing professionals use chemicals that can cause workplace-related injuries or make us ill over time. Although these chemicals are a necessary part of our jobs, …
Process THIS! Episode 143: Breaking Down Biofilm
Biofilm is “comprised of living cells and a structure to protect them . . . that has potentially infectious material within it.” The structure creates a physical barrier between the …
Process This! Episode 134: Clarifying Water Treatment Methods
The quality of our water varies dramatically—by location, season and source—and the presence of impurities can have a significant impact on all aspects of instrument processing. For the safety of …
Process This! Episode 133: Cybersecurity Concerns in Healthcare
Like every business, healthcare systems are vulnerable to cyberattack in all of its many forms. For those in healthcare, however, the security of the information we access has special significance. …
Process This! Episode 130: Tips for Loaned Tray Management
Managing loaned instrument sets presents difficulties for even the most organized Sterile Processing departments (SPDs). Hospitals and surgery centers with high procedural volume as well as those performing cutting-edge surgeries …
Process This! Episode 129: Discussing POU Treatment with Procedural Partners
Surgical instruments require consistent care from use, through processing and storage, and back to the procedural area. This care saves healthcare systems money and, more importantly, assures that practitioners have …
Process This! Episode 128: Demystifying IFU
Following manufacturers’ instructions for use (IFU) is among the most important responsibilities of the Sterile Processing (SP) team, and every item in our departments has an IFU—surgical instruments, processing equipment, …
Process This! Episode 127: Skincare Strategies for Healthcare Workers
Our skin is not just a thing of beauty. It is our largest organ. It prevents water loss and protects us from infection, allergens and ultraviolet light. Although proper hand …
Process This! Episode 125: Chemical Safety in the SPD
The chemicals used in Sterile Processing departments (SPDs) pose serious risks, and Alex Hilliker of ChemDAQ, Inc. believes that chemical safety is not discussed enough. In episode 125, host Jon …
Process This! Episode 124: AORN Guidelines Update
In episode 124, host Jon Wood speaks with AORN Senior Perioperative Practice Specialist Amber Wood about how AORN Guidelines address numerous pertinent topics related to Sterile Processing, including challenges associated …
Process This! Episode 123: Confronting Excessive Instruments
In episode 123, host Jon Wood speaks with Dr. Leo Gordon on the topic of excessive instruments found in Sterile Processing trays. As a physician, Gordon shares his unique viewpoint …