The healthcare environment is already a stressful one with a fast pace, constantly shifting priorities and emergent needs, and demands of consistent excellence.  But this environment gets even more challenging when there is one or more workplace bullies in our midst.  In this episode, we speak to Ka

With infections linked to flexible endoscope reprocessing making headlines, many departments are turning to disposable scopes to reduce the risk. In this episode, we talk with Jill Berends (Ambu) about the latest studies on disposable scopes, their impact on patient outcomes, and the steps Ambu is t

2024 saw the release of AAMI TIR99 for the reprocessing of probes & dilators.  But many facilities are not aware of this new document and the recommendations that can help your department make informed decisions on these complex devices.  As the co-chair for the AAMI working group that wrote this do

Every reprocessing professional that has worked with flexible endoscopes knows one irrefutable fact...Flexible endoscopes are complex devices that are difficult to clean. In this episode, we speak with Harry Oussoren to discuss the importance of tools like borescopes to enhance visual inspection, th

In the busy world of instrument reprocessing, we may overlook important details, such as keeping instruments in the open position for cleaning and sterilization. In this episode, Clinical Educator Emeritus, Stephen Kovach explains the importance of this practice, shares ways to improve it, and provi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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