In episode 122, host Jon Wood speaks with members of the KiiP team about sterile barrier wrap, more commonly known as “blue wrap.” Karina Engels from Owens & Minor/Halyard, Amanda Benedict from AAMI, Tanya Magana of Ecolab, Jennifer Zeck from Solventum, and Sterile Processing technician Tiffany Reece discuss the importance of consistent standards for wrap. They review what to do when encountering multilayer or potentially compromised wrap and explain how KiiP works to investigate concerns an...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr
In episode 121, host Jon Wood speaks with Hannah Schroeder about one of the most important tools in Sterile Processing (SP): workstations. Schroeder discusses the primary functions, evolution and future potential of the SP workstation. She elaborates on the need for a proper workstation to support surgical device inspection, quality assurance and preparation and packaging. Earn CE Now...
Nov 14, 2024
In episode 120, host Jon Wood speaks with Frederick Westermeyer about his journey in rediscovering Sterile Processing (SP) after surviving a traumatic medical issue and the resulting infection that lead to an amputation. As an SP clinical educator, Westermeyer has a unique perspective surrounding his healing and adjustment to the new challenges in his life. He also elaborates on the difficulties of recapturing his spark of energy, curiosity and enthusiasm for the SP profession and how he was ult...
Oct 31, 2024•30 min
In episode 119, host Jon Wood speaks with Sterile Processing (SP) Consultant and Clinical Educator Casey Czarnowski about sharps injuries. Czarnowski explains the dangers of bloodborne pathogens contracted by seemingly minor scrapes, cuts and pokes. These injuries can occur during Operating Room setup and teardown and in the Sterile Processing department (SPD), both in decontamination and on the clean side. To limit the potential dangers, Czarnowski offers considerations for proper sharps educat...
Oct 15, 2024
In episode 118, host Jon Wood speaks with HSPA’s Director of Education Natalie Lind about bullying in Sterile Processing (SP). Lind discusses how the prevalence of bullying in Sterile Processing departments not only breaks down morale but also has direct and negative effects on the quality of patient care. The conversation explores the potential causes of bullying as well as how to recognize that bullying is present in your area and steps to take to resolve it. Earn CE Now...
Oct 01, 2024•33 min
In episode 117, host Jon Wood speaks with Jan Prudent about cultivating confidence among the Sterile Processing (SP) team and helping staff members overcome self-doubt. Prudent discusses strategies for being mindful of team members in order to build a positive work environment. Her suggestions include rounding on team members, periodic check ins, providing genuine encouragement, and taking opportunities to publicly acknowledge individuals for their hard work or extra effort. Earn CE Now...
Sep 13, 2024
In episode 116, host Jon Wood speaks with Tami Heacock, System Director of Sterile Processing with Lee Health, about instructions for use (IFU) and the daily challenges faced in the Sterile Processing department (SPD). Heacock discusses the wide range of detail levels found in IFU, from the simple to the intricate, and the pitfalls that either version can create, especially when left to individual interpretation. Earn CE Now...
Aug 30, 2024
In episode 115, host Jon Wood speaks with Jeremy Thompson and Gary Wright, Sterile Processing Educators at the University of Kansas Health System, about the hiring challenges in Sterile Processing and modifying the culture to make employment more attractive. The conversation delves into the focus of the importance of educational opportunities and utilizing a career ladder to incentivize and support all employees. Earn CE Now...
Aug 15, 2024
In episode 114, host Jon Wood speaks with Barry Pickrem about the contrast between the Canadian Standards Association for Sterile Processing and the standards found in the United States, particularly ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017/(R)2022 Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities. Pickrem also discusses the work of stakeholders on the technical committees setting the Canadian standards. Earn CE Now...
Jul 31, 2024
In episode 113, host Jon Wood speaks with Elizabeth Casey about cultures in Sterile Processing (SP) and the importance of keeping a positive outlook despite the many negative aspects encountered in the field. Casey discusses how approaching SP as part of the surgical team and changing our attitudes about how we care for one another and our patients can improve our outlook and create a more positive environment. Earn CE Now...
Jul 11, 2024
In episode 112, host Jon Wood speaks with Michele McKinley about the unique possibilities for partnership between the Biomedical and Sterile Processing departments. McKinley addresses how to build this relationship, the opportunities and challenges of collaboration, and how critical this interaction is when considering the best interests and protection of patients. Earn CE Now...
Jun 26, 2024•29 min
In episode 111, host Jon Wood speaks with Preston Rosales about the differences between bosses and true leaders in Sterile Processing (SP). Rosales explains that leaders are often bosses, but bosses are not always leaders, and offers scenarios that define reactions of the two. Their conversation includes development strategies for leaders, such as characteristics that may make one successful, and some approaches that can advance one into a leadership position. Earn CE Now...
Jun 17, 2024
In episode 110, host Jon Wood speaks with Jennifer Behlmann about mentoring in Sterile Processing. Behlman discusses the importance of passing on knowledge and experience to others through a deliberate process of “intentional mentorship.” She also shares details about her own mentorship journey both inside and outside the Sterile Processing department, and identifies what it takes to become an effective, successful supporter for mentees. Earn CE Now...
May 30, 2024
In episode 109, host Jon Wood speaks with Malinda Elammari, Clinical Education Specialist at Healthmark Industries, a Getinge company, about unexpected data on packaging in the SPD. Elammari reviews packaging types and levels as well as confusion and misconceptions that can be found. Earn CE Now
May 15, 2024
In episode 108, host Jon Wood speaks with Julie Morrill and Karen Raposa, regional managers at HuFriedyGroup, aChicago-based dental supply and equipment company. Morrill and Raposa sink their teeth into infection prevention compliance associated with dental instruments. They also discuss common challenges when processing tiny, delicate dental instruments in the Sterile Processing area. Earn CE Now...
May 01, 2024•25 min
In episode 107, host Jon Wood speaks with Hannah Schroeder, Clinical Education Specialist at Pure Processing. Schroeder provides her recommendations and rationalizations for record keeping, time stamping, organization, and foot-traffic flow to contribute to the success of the Sterile Processing department (SPD). Benefits of SPD ergonomic initiatives and efficient layout are also discussed. Earn CE Now...
Apr 15, 2024
In episode 106, host Jon Wood speaks with Kimberly Ames, the Global Programatic Lead Recruiter and U.S. Recruitment Manager at Mercy Ships, about the importance of the Mercy Ships mission, what it takes to volunteer, and the steps necessary to go from application to serving. Also featured on this podcast is Brenda Esparza, the HSPA Foundation’s first Mercy Ships scholarship recipient who served in Sierra Leone, Africa, last year. Esparza will share details about her experience serving as a Steri...
Apr 01, 2024•28 min
In episode 105, host Jon Wood speaks with Ann Hewitt and Bob Straub from CENORIN about the critical importance of drying instruments prior to sterilization. More specifically, they discuss how moisture present on devices prior to undergoing steam sterilization or low-temperature sterilization can negatively affect the processes and potentially result in patient injury. Earn CE Now...
Mar 15, 2024•33 min
In episode 104, host Jon Wood speaks with HSPA Clinical Educator Sue Klacik about several key AAMI standards and technical information reports (TIRs) that affect Sterile Processing. Specifically, she provides updates about ANSI/AAMI ST108, Water for the processing of medical devices, AAMI TIR99 Dilator and ultrasound probes processing in health care facilities, and ANSI/AAMI ST113 Comprehensive guide for steam sterilization for dental facilities, which is being developed with the American Dental...
Feb 29, 2024•34 min
In episode 103, host Jon Wood speaks with Marcy Duffy, Intuitive’s Genesis Reprocessing Product Manager, about robotics in reprocessing. She identifies critical factors to consider when planning a robotics service line, including workflow and layout, assessment of current equipment, understanding how a robotics program fits into current operations, and steps to ease the transition for Sterile Processing leaders and their teams. Earn CE Now...
Feb 14, 2024•30 min
In our 102nd episode, host Jon Wood speaks with fitness trainer and nutrition coach, Brenda Edwards, about physical, emotional and mental health. Specifically, she shares her recommendations for mobility activities to address the physical demands within the Sterile Processing department. Click the link to see Brenda’s SP workout! https://cghustle.zoom.us/rec/play/8f6Wi63aLuQ3PLgBRnwgLfqE2ds4o2jgYvL5zI-WReeJiQjv832iqoU2CZySvfLSCXfJjeE0c5g7Nv39.w75R8NTsaVXJJ8X7 Earn CE Now...
Jan 31, 2024•26 min
In our 101st episode, host Jon Wood reviews the most recent articles found in HSPA’s PROCESS magazine related to water quality. Specifically, he explores the article, “A Leader’s Guide to Understanding and Following ST108,” authored by Marie Brewer, and key aspects of “Guarding the Gateway: Ensuring Water-Related Safety and Quality in Sterile Processing,” by Norm Thompson. Earn CE Now
Jan 12, 2024•28 min
In our 100th episode, host Jon Wood revisits 10 must-hear segments from a variety of HSPA interviews conducted in 2023. Some of these discussions include surgical instruments and IFU, a PPE “arsenal” found at a VA hospital, and English as a second language in Sterile Processing. These conversations and more are discussed in this, one-hour special podcast. Earn CE Now
Jan 03, 2024•53 min
In episode 99, host Jon Wood speaks with Sue Klacik and Terra Kremer about how time, temperature and humidity affect soil drying on medical devices. They also address challenges associated with weather conditions and the transporting of soiled instruments to Sterile Processing areas. Earn CE Now
Dec 14, 2023•34 min
In episode 98, host Jon Wood speaks with HSPA President, Monique Jelks, about her journey into Sterile Processing (SP), her passion for problem solving, process improvement and supporting fellow SP professionals—and how they helped lead her to become President of the HSPA Board of Directors. Earn CE Now
Dec 01, 2023•35 min
In episode 97, host Jon Wood speaks with AORN’s Senior Perioperative Practice Specialist, Amber Wood, about the AORN guidelines writing process and the documents’ relevance to Sterile Processing (SP) practices. Amber also addresses how others can become involved in the AORN guideline-writing process. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.
Nov 14, 2023•27 min
In episode 96, host Jon Wood speaks with HSPA Clinical Educator, Sue Klacik, who has served on the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation’s (AAMI’s) standard committees for many years. She shares her unique insights about the importance of AAMI standards and their critical roles in ensuring best practices and appropriate processes are followed to promote patient safety and positive outcomes. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive C...
Nov 01, 2023•27 min
In episode 95, host Jon Wood discusses pasteurization and its role in Sterile Processing with HSPA’s guests, Richard Radford and Ann Hewitt of Cenorin. Radford and Hewitt discuss the history of thermal disinfection—and how the process that was originally applied to the food industry has been adopted by the healthcare industry. Specifically, they discuss the benefits and application of using water and heat over toxic chemicals when disinfecting instruments. This podcast episode has reached its 2 ...
Oct 16, 2023•55 min
In episode 94, host Jon Wood discusses water and steam issues with Dr. Jonathan Wilder. From wet loads to extended dry time, Wilder explains the causes, effects and potential solutions for these challenging and dangerous situations. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit.
Oct 02, 2023•33 min
In episode 93, host Jon Wood follows-up on Process This! episode 92 where he discussed borescopes with Andrew Sundet, Sales and Marketing Manager at Clarus Medical. Joining Wood and Sundet for this episode is Ehren Arndt, Head of Customer Success and Partner Solutions who shares an exceptional step forward in the usage of borescopes—the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This podcast episode has reached its 2 year mark and no longer available to receive CE credit....
Sep 18, 2023•35 min
