Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment Podcast

• The $50 Billion Dollar Problem: Why Automation is Sterile Processing's Future

  The hidden $50 billion hemorrhage destroying hospital finances has finally been exposed. In this riveting conversation with Christopher Salkowitz  from RST Automation, we uncover how outdated sterile processing methods are creating a perfect storm that's forcing rural hospitals to close and burning out the dedicated techs who keep surgeries running.Drawing on groundbreaking research by Dr. Peter Nichol, Chris reveals the shocking statistic that each operating room loses $200,000 annually solely from incorrect or incomplete surgical trays. Even more alarming, fewer than 20% of sterile processing quality issues are ever reported. The financial drain is massive, but the human cost is equally devastating as SPD teams work harder than necessary with inadequate tools.Chris paints a vivid analogy: imagine supermarkets without scanners, where cashiers memorize prices and process everything manually. The chaos would be unmanageable, yet this precisely describes how most SPD departments function without proper automation. The AI-powered systems from RSC don't replace techs but amplify their effectiveness by handling instrument identification in seconds, allowing staff to focus on critical inspection tasks.What makes this conversation particularly urgent is the demographic reality facing healthcare. As baby boomers transition to Medicare Plus with its lower reimbursements, hospitals that don't embrace efficiency will simply not survive. The disconnect between OR leaders, SPD managers, and hospital executives has allowed this problem to persist far too long, with each department experiencing the pain in isolation.The vision for sterile processing in 2030 is "streamlined" – organized, efficient, with higher wages justified by doubled productivity. For technicians, managers, and executives alike, this episode is a call to action. The cost of inaction is simply too high. The future of healthcare depends on evolving now, before more hospital doors close permanently.Connect with Christopher Salkowitz on LinkedIn to request demos and learn how automation can transform your department. Share this episode to spread this urgent message throughout healthcareBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sterilization-station-a-sterile-processing-empowerment-podcast--6710761/support.

  --------  

  30:49

  --------

  30:49
• Beyond Scrubbing: How Alyssa Ellis Elevates Surgical Technology

  Alyssa Ellis, known as @beyondassisting on Instagram, transforms surgical technology education by sharing honest insights about the blood, sweat, and purpose behind the field that she once feared but now champions as both a certified surgical technologist and first assist.• Started as a surgical tech after accompanying friends to school who both quit within two weeks• Maintains both surgical tech and first assist certifications to preserve her foundational skills• Explains the difference between surgical technologists (instrument passers) and first assists who help retract, suture, and cut• Identifies confidence as the biggest challenge for new techs, emphasizing the importance of supportive preceptors • Describes the physical demands of holding retractors and standing for 12-hour shifts• Recommends consistent instrument placement and thorough note-taking when preparing for complex cases• Emphasizes emotional intelligence and "reading the room" when working with surgeons under stress• Advises new techs to focus on watching the procedure rather than staring at their Mayo stand• Started her social media platform to fill her passion for teaching that wasn't fully satisfied in her first assist role• Teaches the importance of communicating directly with surgeons rather than ignoring requests for unavailable itemsDownload Alyssa's app at beyondassistingmvtso.com and use code CST student for 30% off. Follow her on Instagram @beyondassisting.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sterilization-station-a-sterile-processing-empowerment-podcast--6710761/support.

  --------  

  57:06

  --------

  57:06
• Disrupting Sterile Processing: How Shantel Berwald Transforms SPD Culture

  Shantel Berwald, a trailblazer in sterile processing leadership, shares her journey from surgical tech to SPD director and reveals how she's transforming department culture. Through personal experiences and practical insights, she demonstrates how effective leadership in sterile processing balances technical expertise with people-focused management and strategic vision.• Journey from surgical tech to SPD director through hands-on learning and curiosity• Describes leadership style as "disruptive in the best way possible" - focusing on efficiency and patient safety• Emphasizes the technical complexity and scientific foundation of sterile processing that often goes unrecognized• Predicts culture shift as the next major evolution in SPD, particularly in OR-SPD relationships• Advocates for quality over quantity and slowing down to ensure attention to detail• Shares experiences designing the new Critical Care Tower with one-way flow and future-focused capacity• Maintained team motivation during renovations through transparency and hands-on leadership• Builds vendor partnerships based on clear expectations, mutual respect, and patient-centered collaboration• Involves frontline technicians in equipment decisions through trials and collaborative problem-solving• Advises new leaders to establish boundaries while finding common ground focused on patient outcomesConnect with Shantel on LinkedIn or in SPD Facebook groups to continue the conversation about leadership in sterile processing.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sterilization-station-a-sterile-processing-empowerment-podcast--6710761/support.

  --------  

  22:13

  --------

  22:13
• Transforming SPD Education: Beyond the Classroom with Renee Moran Folds

  Sterile processing educators shape the future of healthcare by developing skilled technicians whose work directly impacts patient outcomes and safety, often in ways that go unseen and unrecognized.• Successful SPD students demonstrate self-motivation, resilience, and the right mindset to overcome challenges• Effective SPD education goes beyond textbooks to include guest speakers, real lab experiences, and discussions about patient impact• Finding externships and mentorship opportunities is crucial for students completing certification requirements• Students should utilize resources like Beyond Clean podcast and network with industry professionals• SPD professionals act as "superheroes without capes," handling instruments that save lives without patient recognition• Building confidence through practice and teamwork helps students master complex skills and information• Current SPD students value hands-on lab experiences and the opportunity to make a difference in patient careFor coaching to elevate your SPD career, visit sterilizationstation.org to explore our three-tier program designed to create your success roadmap. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sterilization-station-a-sterile-processing-empowerment-podcast--6710761/support.

  --------  

  27:27

  --------

  27:27
• Trapped or Trained: Why Your Mindset Matters in Sterile Processing

  Mindset is everything in sterile processing, where the difference between fixed and growth perspectives determines your ability to thrive amidst complex challenges and high-pressure situations.• Growth mindset believes abilities improve with effort while fixed mindset assumes skills are static• Real-world examples show how perspective transforms workplace challenges into learning opportunities• Catch negative self-talk and use the power of "yet" to reframe limitations as temporary• Surround yourself with growth-minded colleagues who encourage questions and constructive feedback• Handle mistakes with grace and responsibility rather than defensiveness• Ask better questions about the "why" behind sterile processing procedures• The whole department benefits when individual technicians commit to continuous growth• You're not stuck or behind—you're in a process of development like instruments being preparedKeep growing, keep believing, and keep showing up because the cleanest tools come from the strongest minds. Follow us on Instagram @sterilization_station52 or email questions to [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sterilization-station-a-sterile-processing-empowerment-podcast--6710761/support.

  --------  

  15:37

  --------

  15:37

Weitere Bildung Podcasts

Trending Bildung Podcasts

Über Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment Podcast