119. Spanish Speakers in Sterile Processing – Interview with Angie Holland
07/25/2024
119. Spanish Speakers in Sterile Processing – Interview with Angie Holland
Learning a second language is challenging enough on its own but imagine doing that while also mastering the jargon and science of sterile processing. This is the reality for thousands of sterile processing technicians across the industry! In this episode, we speak with Angie Holland, a bilingual Spa
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118. Implementing Standards on the Go: Insights from a Traveling Leader
07/11/2024
118. Implementing Standards on the Go: Insights from a Traveling Leader
Do you want to be a traveling sterile processing leader or even a permanent manager of your own department?  Then this episode is for you!  Leadership in sterile processing is an increasingly difficult job, but now imagine that you only have 3 months to fix a department.  Where do you start?  In thi
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117. Launching a New HSPA Chapter: Insights and Tips from Leslie Kronstedt
06/27/2024
117. Launching a New HSPA Chapter: Insights and Tips from Leslie Kronstedt
Starting a new HSPA chapter in your area can seem daunting. How do you create a non-profit, open a bank account, or write bylaws? Leslie Kronstedt from the Western Wisconsin Sterile Processing Professionals chapter has the answers! In this episode of the Ask the Educator podcast, Leslie shares her j
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116. The Critical Role of Documentation with Andy Mikos
06/13/2024
116. The Critical Role of Documentation with Andy Mikos
In this episode, we dive into the essential training of sterile processing technicians, focusing on the vital skill of documentation and record-keeping. Join us as we speak with Andy Mikos, from Getinge, to better understand sterilization systems thoroughly. Discover why mastering these systems is k
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115. Sterile Aware Awards An Interview with Charlie Webb
05/30/2024
115. Sterile Aware Awards An Interview with Charlie Webb
Adam Okada speaks with Charlie Webb about the Sterile Aware Awards for sterile processing and device packaging. Do you know a superstar tech, supervisor, or manager that deserves recognition? Tune in to learn how you can nominate a deserving industry professional for a Sterile Aware Award!Thanks for
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114. The Critical Role of Borescopes in Sterile Processing with Cheron Rojo
05/16/2024
114. The Critical Role of Borescopes in Sterile Processing with Cheron Rojo
In this episode of the Ask the Educator Podcast, we delve into the transformative advancements in sterile processing technology over the past two decades, with a particular focus on borescopes. These remarkable tools allow us to inspect inaccessible areas within medical devices. Yet, despite their a
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113. The Dirty Side of Environmental Cleaning with Seth Hendee
05/02/2024
113. The Dirty Side of Environmental Cleaning with Seth Hendee
Educated sterile processing professionals know that the environmental cleaning of their departments should be done to the same standards as an operating room surgical suite. But are they being treated that way?There’s a document that can help with that. Kevin & Adam speak with fellow Clinical Educat
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112. A Call to Action for ALL Sterile Processing Professionals
04/11/2024
112. A Call to Action for ALL Sterile Processing Professionals
In the past, we discussed arthroscopic shavers and the progress (or lack thereof) we’ve made as an industry with compliance for cleaning and inspection. In this episode, we are putting the onus back on the YOU, the sterile processing professional, to learn and share as much information and education
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111. Nominees for the HSPA Board of Directors - Angela Warner, Nicholas Day, and Stacey MacArthur
03/14/2024
111. Nominees for the HSPA Board of Directors - Angela Warner, Nicholas Day, and Stacey MacArthur
As an HSPA member, what issues need to be prioritized? How can the Board of Directors help solve these issues? HSPA Board of Directors nominees, Angela Warner, Nicholas Day, and Stacey MacArthur join Adam Okada on the Ask the Educator Podcast! Get to know each nominee and their goals before you cast
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110. Nominees for the HSPA Board of Directors: Joseph Avila, Tim Hurtado, and Tori Ruiz
03/01/2024
110. Nominees for the HSPA Board of Directors: Joseph Avila, Tim Hurtado, and Tori Ruiz
In this episode, we interview three distinguished nominees for the HSPA Board of Directors - Joseph Avila, Tim Hurtado, and Tori Ruiz. Join Kevin Anderson & Adam Okada as they uncover their unique perspectives on the industry and their visions to drive positive change. Listen to this podcast episode
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109. Interview with Arlene Bush, HSPA Presidential Nominee
02/29/2024
109. Interview with Arlene Bush, HSPA Presidential Nominee
Join Kevin Anderson and Adam Okada as they interview Arlene Bush, a nominee for the HSPA Board of Directors presidency. Arlene shares her career background, passions, and commitment to serving HSPA members. Tune in for an insightful conversation with one of this year’s nominees before you vote!  
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108. Arthroscopic Shavers – 2020 vs. 2024
02/22/2024
108. Arthroscopic Shavers – 2020 vs. 2024
One of the initial topics explored on the Ask the Educator Podcast was the complex issue of arthroscopic shavers and their cleaning and inspection procedures.Fast forward four years later, where do we stand? Have the essential enhancements been implemented, or are we confronted with recurring challe
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107. Getting Involved in Sterile Processing Mission Trips: Interview with Sean Weir
02/08/2024
107. Getting Involved in Sterile Processing Mission Trips: Interview with Sean Weir
In this episode of the Ask the Educator Podcast, we are joined by Sean Weir. Sean shares his passion for sterile processing and how he got involved in mission work. He is committed to helping others and has been involved in mission work for many years. He also shares some tips for those who are inte
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106. Ultrasonic Lumen Flushing: Is Yours Working?
01/25/2024
106. Ultrasonic Lumen Flushing: Is Yours Working?
We load our ultrasonic machines with laparoscopic and robotic instruments, and hopefully, we have the capability to attach them to our flushing mechanism. But how do you know if that flushing mechanism is working?Once the lid is closed, we really have no idea what goes on inside the machine, and as
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105. How to Kill Microorganisms with Sterilization
01/11/2024
105. How to Kill Microorganisms with Sterilization
Do you know how your sterilizer kills microorganisms? Or more importantly, do you know the mistakes that we make that could prevent them from being killed? Healthmark Industries Clinical Education Specialist, Malinda Elammari, illustrates how this sterilization process works.A follow-up to Healthmar
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104. What is the Cost of a Sterile Processing Error? Interview with Gregg Agoston
12/28/2023
104. What is the Cost of a Sterile Processing Error? Interview with Gregg Agoston
In sterile processing, we know that mistakes can be costly. But without hard data (and a monetary value) these errors are often abstract and hard to quantify, thus making them fade into the background of our minds.Gregory Agoston, from Specialty Care, may have found a solution! Listen in to learn mo
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103. Reprocessing Ultrasound Probes & Understanding Percutaneous Procedures
12/07/2023
103. Reprocessing Ultrasound Probes & Understanding Percutaneous Procedures
Are you reprocessing ultrasound probes in your sterile processing or endoscopy department? If so, are you aware of the percutaneous procedures that may be being performed utilizing these probes?Dr. Daniel Lightfoot (Nanosonics) joins the podcast to talk about reprocessing these ultrasound probes saf
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102. State Mandated Certification in Sterile Processing: A 20 Year Anniversary | PART 2
11/24/2023
102. State Mandated Certification in Sterile Processing: A 20 Year Anniversary | PART 2
It’s been 20 years since New Jersey and later New York were able to have legislation passed for mandatory certification in Sterile Processing. In those 20 years, only 3 other states have been successful at getting this type of legislation on the books. Why are so many others failing, where NJ & NY h
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101. State Mandated Certification in Sterile Processing: A 20 Year Anniversary
11/23/2023
101. State Mandated Certification in Sterile Processing: A 20 Year Anniversary
It’s been 20 years since New Jersey and later New York were able to have legislation passed for mandatory certification in Sterile Processing. In those 20 years, only 3 other states have been successful at getting this type of legislation on the books. Why are so many others failing, where NJ & NY h
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100. Ask the Educator's 100th Episode!!
11/09/2023
100. Ask the Educator's 100th Episode!!
We are celebrating Healthmark's 100th Podcast Episode! Kevin, Adam, Stephen and Malinda discuss the purpose of this podcast, look back at old episodes and plans for future episodes!Shoutout to all our listeners!! We appreciate you and hope to continue sharing our knowledge.Thanks for listening! Plea
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99. Sterile Processing Education Collaboration
10/26/2023
99. Sterile Processing Education Collaboration
Sterile processing managers and educators are often buried under day-to-day department tasks and solving unexpected problems. How can leaders find time for education? Michael Matthews (Agiliti) joins us to discuss resources SPD leaders can access to help them fulfill educational responsibilities!Tha
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98. AI and Automation Inspection for Sterile Processing & Endoscopy
10/12/2023
98. AI and Automation Inspection for Sterile Processing & Endoscopy
How ready is your department for the revolutionary changes that are coming with Artificial Intelligence (AI)? In this podcast episode, we’ll talk with the father of the modern borescope, Jahan Azizi, about how automation and AI are going to change the way we do our inspection steps. Can it really be
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97. Learning to Lead SPD as an OR Nurse: Interview with Aimee Space
09/28/2023
97. Learning to Lead SPD as an OR Nurse: Interview with Aimee Space
International guest, Aimee Space, joins Kevin Anderson on Healthmark's Ask the Educator podcast to discuss her career path in OR & SPD. Listen in as Aimee shares advice for all SPD professionals looking to climb the leadership ladder!
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96. Endoscope Reprocessing Training - an HSPA Sponsored Program
09/14/2023
96. Endoscope Reprocessing Training - an HSPA Sponsored Program
In endoscopy and sterile processing, we often run into the same issues. Training staff to do incredibly complex tasks, while they are under constant pressure to perform quickly. Stress often leads to mistakes, which then leads to hospital-acquired infections.What if there was a better way to perform
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