sterile processing
sterile processing
By Tony Thurmond , CRCST , CIS , CHL , FCS
SP Certification Promotes Quality , Safety and Professionalism
For all sterile processing ( SP ) employees , regardless of their backgrounds , experiences or titles , a critical point must always be prioritized : it is never acceptable to cut corners or do the bare minimum , even when resources are limited and pressures are high . Promoting and demonstrating professionalism and excellence with each vital process is essential for patient safety , service quality and positive outcomes .
The success ( or failure ) of any profession or organization lies largely on the shoulders of the individuals doing the work and providing the service , as well as the leaders who support , mentor , educate and encourage their teams . To do our best as SP professionals — and maintain that level of quality — we must reach beyond personal limits and comfort zones and push for continued excellence , knowledge growth and skill development . Seeking and attaining certification is among the most beneficial ways to grow and thrive in the discipline and promote quality in the department and for the departments the SPD serves .
The Healthcare Sterile Processing Association ( HSPA )’ s Certified Registered Central Service Technician ( CRCST ) serves as the introductory certification and recognizes entry-level and existing technicians who have demonstrated the experience , knowledge and skills necessary to serve competently as an SP technician . The CRCST also serves as the sturdy foundation for secondary HSPA certifications such as the Certified Instrument Specialist ( CIS ) and Certification in Healthcare Leadership .
Some healthcare facilities require SP certification for technicians upon their hiring , while others organization offer a grace period such as within six months or a year after the hire date . Other facilities may not require certification at all ; if you work for such a facility , I strongly urge you to seek certification on your own and encourage your teammates to do the same . While attaining and maintaining certification cannot guarantee that all tasks will be performed completely and correctly , it does demonstrate one ’ s job knowledge and provides a level of assurance that they can understand foundational concepts and correct practices and processes and also appropriate resolutions to address certain challenging situations . Completing tasks consistently and accurately ultimately comes down to an individual ’ s personal commitment to service excellence , continuing education and experience with mastering essential tasks .
Breaking down certification barriers
SP professionals may postpone certification due to test anxiety and fear of failure . Peer pressure can contribute to those pressures as well and cause some individuals to question the depth of their knowledge and assume they lack the understanding and experience to attain certification . As a veteran SP professional who has attained multiple certification , I assure any of my professional peers that they , too , can pass their certification exams , even if they haven ’ t been successful previously .
In my opinion , stepping confidently and deliberately onto the certification path is one of the best way to succeed now and in
the future . This can be achieved by being dedicated and focused throughout the journey and leaning on the SP leader and competent colleagues to lend guidance and support . Some facilities have found success by providing in-department certification education and study groups for technicians on all shifts . This is a helpful way to learn , ask questions , and understand the science and reasons behind the processes and content , while also tapping the support and camaraderie of fellow peers . If your facility does not offer in-department certification training and support , consider asking the SPD educator ( if your department has one ) to assist you . In the absence of a dedicated educator , request a supervisor or manager ’ s assistance .
Certification study tips It is important that those seeking certification carefully read each chapter of the HSPA Sterile Processing Technical Manual , with the focused intent of mastering the material . If questions arise , it is also important to ask for clarity to ensure correct understanding of the content . After reading each chapter , I recommend walking around the department to observe whether departmental
The success ( or failure ) of any profession or organization lies largely on the shoulders of the individuals doing the work and providing the service , as well as the leaders who support , mentor , educate and encourage their teams .”
practices align with the best practices and standards identified in the technical manual . If not , look to see how you can make the necessary changes to do it the correct way and bring the issues to the attention of the supervisor or manager . Such checks can help greatly with test taking because as one reads the question or scenario on the exam , they will be reminded how the material directly applies to everyday SP practices and processes .
Additionally , when reviewing chapters in the manual , it can be helpful to develop multiple-choice questions to test yourself . This is especially helpful for subjects in which you may have limited knowledge or experience , or certain tasks that may prove challenging within the department . Review the questions and reread the chapter to gain a clearer understanding of the content and what could be asked on the exam . Further , I encourage students who are seeking certification to think of the scenarios as they review the chapters .
Certification can increase professionals ’ hourly pay and prepare technicians for future opportunities within the department . Above all , it helps demonstrate an employee ’ s commitment to serving as a proficient , quality-driven contributor who is focused on promoting quality service in the name of patient safety .
For more information about HSPA and its certifications , visit www . myhspa . org .
Tony Thurmond , CRCST , CIS , CHL , FCS , is an HSPA past-president and current columnist . He serves as the central service manager for Dayton Children ’ s Hospital in Dayton , Ohio .
30 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • july 2024