Sterile Processing (SP) professionals are uniquely positioned to thrive in Infection Prevention (IP), but making the career leap can feel overwhelming. In this webinar, Garrett Hollembeak explores how SP professionals can transition into IP roles by building on their existing expertise, leveraging certification pathways and aligning with infection prevention goals. As the complexity of medical device reprocessing increases and the margin for error decreases, infection preventionists with frontline sterile processing experience are necessary to patient safety. Tune in to learn how to prepare for a career in IP, address the unique challenges of this transition, and make a compelling case for why SP professionals are not only qualified but essential to this evolving field.

In this three-part series, Doretha Bailey examines the importance of critical-thinking skills in the Sterile Processing department (SPD). In part two, she reviews strategies for enhancing critical-thinking skills. Sharing examples from her department’s training and education programs, Bailey explains how to promote a culture of inquiry and continuous improvement.

As a new educator, Yohaira Espinal felt the weight of continuous training and was witnessed the challenges her preceptors faced. These realizations led her on a two-year journey to create an improved method for training and onboarding new staff members. In this webinar, Espinal describes her path and outlines an in-depth course that transforms the first week of training into a strong foundation for continuous learning.

Infection preventionists (IPs) are often viewed as the “audit police,” showing up, pointing out mistakes, and leaving people feeling anxious or discouraged. Too often, audits feel one-sided with Sterile Processing (SP) teams being told what to do but not why. Without context, internal audits can feel punitive rather than protective. In this webinar, Eva Ghabrial explains how her team initiated a conscious shift from enforcement to partnership. She explores how intentional listening and meaningful education helped others view IPs not as critics but as supporters and, following the change, how compliance improved naturally.

In this three-part series, Doretha Bailey examines the importance of critical-thinking skills in the Sterile Processing department (SPD). In part three, she expands on how to teach critical-thinking skills using real-world scenarios. Through case studies and simulations, Bailey demonstrates how to use critical thinking to enhance problem solving, increase readiness and promote team building.

In this three-part series, Doretha Bailey examines the importance of critical-thinking skills in the Sterile Processing department (SPD) and offers practical strategies for sustained improvement. In part one, Bailey discusses the challenges and barriers to critical thinking among Sterile Processing (SP) professionals. She provides effective strategies for elevating critical-thinking skills in an effort to improve service to the Operating Room, increase confidence and take ownership of procedural processes.

In this webinar, Donielle Horn and Jaime Serrano discuss the instrument coordinator’s role in a Sterile Processing department (SPD) and how fostering collaborative care can improve surgical instrument management. Using examples from their own hospital, they explain their process for identifying obstacles in their instrument management process and the strategies used to overcome them. Listen to gain skills in planning, tracking and managing surgical instruments, ensuring their availability and readiness, as well as a clearer understanding of how to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.