🎙️ 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

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

🎙️ 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