Issues & Challenges In Sterile Processing a Podcast Conversation

Jason Marosi
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A podcast conversation about the problems SPD professionals face every day: Instrument reprocessing, sterilization standards, staffing pressure, leadership challenges, workflow breakdowns, infection prevention, and patient safety.

  1. Sep 7

    Episode 8 Title: Experience vs. Competency:

    🎙️ Episode 8: Experience vs. Competency — When Time in SPD Doesn’t Equal TrainingIn this powerful episode of Issues and Challenges in Sterile Processing, Jason and Nancy tackle one of the most important — and controversial — topics in Sterile Processing today: does years of experience really mean someone is competent?The conversation dives deep into the difference between simply spending time in SPD versus truly understanding the science, standards, and critical thinking required to protect patients every single day. From onboarding failures and rushed annual competencies to favoritism, lack of training, and dangerous assumptions in departments, this episode pulls no punches.Topics include:🔹 Experience vs. true competency🔹 Why competency validation matters for patient safety🔹 Common training gaps in SPD departments🔹 Decontamination, Prep & Pack, Sterilization, HLD, and equipment competency🔹 Why “they’ve been here forever” is NOT a competency program🔹 The dangers of easy sign-offs and favoritism🔹 How leadership can build stronger competency programs🔹 Real-world scenarios that happen in SPD every dayJason and Nancy also share their personal opinions, leadership experiences, and real-world examples from the field while emphasizing the importance of following AAMI standards and manufacturers’ IFUs.🔥 Final Message:“In sterile processing, we can’t afford to assume competency. It has to be built, validated, and maintained—because at the end of the day, everything we do directly impacts patient safety.”📚 Sponsored by Sterile Processing University🌐 Visit: Sterile Processing University🎥 Watch & Subscribe on YouTube:Issues & Challenges in Sterile Processing Podcast YouTube Channel🎧 Available on YouTube and streaming platforms.👍 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help support SPD education and patient safety awareness.#SterileProcessing #SPD #PatientSafety #AAMI #Healthcare #SterileProcessingUniversity #InfectionPrevention #SurgicalInstruments #Leadership #Podcast #Education #HLD #Competency #Training

  2. Sep 7

    Episode 16 What's In The Air with Alex Hilliker from Chem DAQ SD 480p

    What’s really in the air inside your Sterile Processing Department?In Episode 16 of Issues & Challenges in Sterile Processing: A Podcast Conversation, co-hosts Nancy Chobin and Jason Marosi welcome special guest Alex Hilliker, Executive Vice President of ChemDAQ, Inc.Together, they discuss the risks associated with chemical exposure in sterile processing and the importance of protecting healthcare workers from hard-to-detect sterilant and disinfectant gases. The conversation explores continuous chemical-vapor monitoring, workplace safety, regulatory guidance, monitoring technology, and practical solutions departments can use to create a safer working environment.Topics include:• Chemical-exposure risks in Sterile Processing• Ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and peracetic acid• Continuous real-time vapor monitoring• Fixed and portable monitoring systems• Regulatory guidance and workplace protection• Practical strategies for improving employee safetyReal topics. Real challenges. Real solutions.This episode is sponsored by ChemDAQ, Inc.—protecting people and powering safer workplaces through chemical-vapor monitoring technology.Learn more about ChemDAQ:www.chemdaq.comSales and Product Information:(800) 245-3310sales@chemdaq.comTechnical and Customer Support:412-787-0202Please like, share, and subscribe for more conversations addressing the real issues and challenges facing Sterile Processing professionals.#SterileProcessing #HealthcareSafety #WorkplaceSafety #ChemicalSafety #ChemDAQ #SterileProcessingDepartment #SPD #InfectionPrevention #EmployeeSafety #HealthcarePodcast

  3. Aug 28

    Episode 14 Instrument inspection Are you Inspecting Right

    🎙️ Are You Inspecting Right?Instrument inspection is a critical part of protecting patients, supporting surgical efficiency, and ensuring every instrument is safe and ready for use.In this episode of Issues & Challenges in Sterile Processing: A Podcast Conversation, hosts Nancy Chobin and Jason Marosi discuss:🔎 Common mistakes made during instrument inspection⚠️ How missed defects can affect sterilization and surgical outcomes💻 How instrument-tracking systems improve accuracy and accountability✅ Ways to combine proper inspection techniques with technology to reduce errors and strengthen complianceReal conversations. Real solutions. Real impact.▶️ Watch on YouTube: @SterileProcessingUniversity🎧 Listen on Spotify, Amazon Podcasts, or Apple Podcasts🌐 Visit: spdceus.com/podcast/#SterileProcessing #InstrumentInspection #PatientSafety #SPD #SurgicalInstruments #InstrumentTracking #HealthcarePodcast #SterileProcessingUniversity

  4. Aug 28

    🎙️ EPISODE 15 — LOANERS & SALES REPS: FRIENDS, FOES, OR PARTNERS?

    🎙️ EPISODE 15 — LOANERS & SALES REPS: FRIENDS, FOES, OR PARTNERS? Loaner trays show up. Sales reps are waiting. The OR needs the instruments. And Sterile Processing is expected to make sure everything is clean, compliant, properly processed, and safe for the patient. So where do sales reps fit into the process? Are they simply vendors—or can they become valuable partners with SPD and the OR? 🔥 Episode 15 of Issues & Challenges in Sterile Processing: A Podcast Conversation takes on the sometimes complicated relationship between Sterile Processing, the OR, loaner instrumentation, and vendor representatives. We’re talking about: 🔹 Loaner tray delivery and turnaround times🔹 Cleaning and sterilization requirements🔹 Following manufacturers’ IFUs🔹 Communication between SPD, the OR, and vendors🔹 Accountability and professional boundaries🔹 Building stronger partnerships without compromising standards🔹 Keeping PATIENT SAFETY at the center of every decision Sales reps can be an important resource—but successful relationships require communication, accountability, clear expectations, and respect for the Sterile Processing process. 🎧 Don’t miss Episode 15! Real Issues. Practical Solutions. Safer Tomorrows. 🎙️ Listen. Learn. Lead.A podcast for Sterile Processing professionals. #SterileProcessing #SPD #PatientSafety #LoanerInstrumentation #SalesReps #MedicalDeviceReprocessing #SurgicalInstruments #OperatingRoom #InfectionPrevention #Healthcare #SterileProcessingProfessionals

  5. Jul 28

    Episode 12 Decontam and SPD foundations and Best Paractices Part 2

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMrmvJ0P0EM&t=1229s#:~:text=Decontamination%20is%20the,at%20www.spdceus.com/podcast.

  6. Jul 28

    Episode 13 Ethics in SPD Doing the Right Thing

    🎙️ Ethics in SPD: Doing the Right Thing Every Day | Issues & Challenges in Sterile Processing PodcastWhat does ethics really look like in Sterile Processing?It's more than following policies and procedures. Ethics is about making the right decision—even when no one is watching. Every instrument we process, every tray we inspect, and every concern we raise has a direct impact on patient safety.In this episode of the Issues & Challenges in Sterile Processing Podcast, we explore the ethical principles that guide Sterile Processing professionals and discuss how integrity, accountability, respect, compassion, and a commitment to "do no harm" shape the work performed behind the scenes every day.In this episode, we discuss:Why ethics is the foundation of patient safetyMaking difficult decisions under pressureSpeaking up when something isn't rightBuilding a culture of accountability and trustThe importance of integrity in every step of instrument processingRespecting coworkers, surgeons, and patients through excellenceHow ethical leadership strengthens SPD departmentsReal-world ethical challenges faced by Sterile Processing professionalsPractical ways to promote ethical decision-making in your departmentWhether you're a Sterile Processing Technician, Lead Tech, Supervisor, Manager, Educator, Infection Preventionist, or Healthcare Leader, this conversation will reinforce why doing the right thing is never optional—it's essential.Ethics guides our choices. Safety is our promise.🎧 Listen on:YouTubeSpotifyApple PodcastsAmazon Music🌐 Learn more about Sterile Processing University:https://spdceus.com

  7. Jul 10

    Episode 11 Deontam and SPD Foundations and Best Pracatices Part 1

    Issues & Challenges in Sterile Processing – A Podcast ConversationEpisode 11: Decontam and SPD Foundations & Best Practices – Part 1Join Nancy Chobin and Jason Marosi as they discuss one of the most critical areas in sterile processing—decontamination.In this episode, we examine the foundations of effective decontamination practices and why getting the basics right is essential for patient safety, instrument quality, regulatory compliance, and the overall success of the Sterile Processing Department (SPD).Topics include:• The importance of proper decontamination workflows• Foundational SPD best practices• Common mistakes and how to avoid them• Cleaning principles that impact sterilization success• Staff education, consistency, and accountability• Real-world insights from years of sterile processing experienceWhether you're new to sterile processing or a seasoned SPD professional, this conversation offers practical information and valuable discussion designed to support continuous learning and improve daily practice.Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us educate and support the sterile processing community.Watch for FREE CEUs:🌐 https://www.sterileprocessing.comSubscribe on YouTube:▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@SterileProcessingUniversity

  8. Jul 10

    Episode 10: Equipment Capacity Planning in Sterile Processing – Having the Right Tools for the Job

    Join Jason and Nancy as they discuss the critical role equipment capacity planning plays in Sterile Processing. Having the right number of washers, sterilizers, ultrasonic cleaners, drying cabinets, and other essential equipment is key to supporting surgical services, reducing delays, improving efficiency, and protecting patient safety.In this episode, you'll learn:✅ What equipment capacity planning is and why it matters✅ Warning signs your SPD may be under-equipped✅ How surgical volume impacts equipment needs✅ The consequences of poor planning on staff, workflow, and patient care✅ Best practices for evaluating and advocating for equipment upgrades✅ Real-world challenges and solutions from SPD leadersWhether you're a technician, supervisor, manager, educator, or healthcare leader, this episode offers practical insights to help your department operate more effectively and safely.Subscribe for more discussions on Sterile Processing, leadership, compliance, patient safety, and industry best practices.#AlbumDeepDiveWithJasonFriends #SterileProcessing #SPD #PatientSafety #HealthcareLeadership #CSSD #CentralService #SterileProcessingDepartment #AAMI #HealthcareEducation #SPDManagement #SurgicalServices

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A podcast conversation about the problems SPD professionals face every day: Instrument reprocessing, sterilization standards, staffing pressure, leadership challenges, workflow breakdowns, infection prevention, and patient safety.

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