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 not have access to academic programs or training courses that prepare students for working in a Sterile Processing department (SPD).

In episode 154, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with DeMango Griffin Sr. and James Johnson of BJC HealthCare in St. Louis. The guests discuss the diverse pathways to a career in the SPD. Griffin describes the challenges he has found in staffing his department and shares methods that have worked at his facility to find interested candidates. The conversation stresses the importance of advocating for the SPD with healthcare administration and supporting employees in their journeys toward certification. It’s time to stop waiting for vacancies and start recruiting proactively and building talent internally.

ABOUT OUR GUESTS DeMango Griffin Sr. Senior Clinical Program Manager BJC HealthCare DeMango Griffin Sr., BS, MHA, CRCST, CHL, CER, CIS, is a healthcare leader with more than 25 years of experience in sterile processing and perioperative support services. He currently serves in a senior leadership role, overseeing multiple Central Sterile departments within BJC HealthCare with operational responsibility across high-volume acute-care facilities. Griffin earned his master’s degree while working full time and has built a reputation for driving operational improvement, regulatory compliance, staff development, and patient safety initiatives. His expertise includes SP/CS operations, Joint Commission readiness, AAMI standards implementation, workforce development, productivity management, capital planning, and multi-site leadership. Griffin is passionate about mentoring the next generation of SP professionals and strengthening local workforce pipelines through education and certification support.

James Johnson Sterile Processing Supervisor BJC HealthCare James Johnson has more than 20 years of leadership experience in logistics, inventory management, transportation, and operational oversight. In his current supervisory role, Johnson focuses on patient safety, operational efficiency, and team development. He is committed to ensuring regulatory compliance, improving workflows, and maintaining the highest standards in instrument processing and infection prevention. Known for his strategic mindset and hands-on leadership style, James excels at building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. His diverse background enables him to effectively streamline processes, optimize resources, and support healthcare teams in delivering safe, high-quality patient care.

The code required for CE credit will be mentioned during the podcast.  Please make note of the code when you hear it to complete the quiz at the end for CE credit.