Shows
Beyond Clean PodcastBeyond Clean Canada: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Passion, Purpose, & the Power of PodcastingWhat happens when burnout meets a breakthrough? In this episode of Beyond Clean Canada, we're joined by veteran Sterile Processing professional and host of the 'Sterilization Station' podcast, Bill Rishell, for a powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention, and finding purpose through a career in Sterile Processing. From sneaking onto his first night shift to building a national podcast platform, Bill shares his journey of growth, mentorship, and why he's on a mission to empower the next generation of #CleanFreaks. He also breaks down why knowing the "why" behind what we do is the first step in transforming the future...
2025-09-0333 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastTransforming SPD Education: Beyond the Classroom with Renee Moran FoldsSterile processing educators shape the future of healthcare by developing skilled technicians whose work directly impacts patient outcomes and safety, often in ways that go unseen and unrecognized.• Successful SPD students demonstrate self-motivation, resilience, and the right mindset to overcome challenges• Effective SPD education goes beyond textbooks to include guest speakers, real lab experiences, and discussions about patient impact• Finding externships and mentorship opportunities is crucial for students completing certification requirements• Students should utilize resources like Beyond Clean podcast and network with industry professionals• SPD professionals act as "superheroe...
2025-07-2827 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastTrapped or Trained: Why Your Mindset Matters in Sterile ProcessingMindset is everything in sterile processing, where the difference between fixed and growth perspectives determines your ability to thrive amidst complex challenges and high-pressure situations.• Growth mindset believes abilities improve with effort while fixed mindset assumes skills are static• Real-world examples show how perspective transforms workplace challenges into learning opportunities• Catch negative self-talk and use the power of "yet" to reframe limitations as temporary• Surround yourself with growth-minded colleagues who encourage questions and constructive feedback• Handle mistakes with grace and responsibility rather than defensiveness• Ask better questions ab...
2025-07-2715 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastSkills with Jill: Bridging the Gap with Sterile Processing and AccredidationSend us a textThe critical but often overlooked realm of sterile processing comes to light through expert insights on building effective partnerships with healthcare accreditation teams. Regulatory professional Amy Asleson shares her 17 years of experience navigating the complexities of SPD and accreditation collaboration.• Accreditation professionals often have clinical backgrounds but limited understanding of sterile processing operations• Building effective partnerships requires sterile processing managers to proactively reach out and educate accreditation teams• Risk assessment tools bring together multidisciplinary teams to evaluate incidents and ensure appropriate responses• Regular multidisciplinary rounding with infection prevention, EVS, eng...
2025-07-2423 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastTough Love & Tough Topics: What SPD Students Really Need to HearSend us a textSterile processing veteran Tameka Jones shares unfiltered insights about what it really takes to succeed in SPD, going beyond classroom theory to prepare students for real-world excellence.• SPD work requires deep understanding of instrumentation, protocols, and manufacturer instructions• Most students underestimate the level of commitment required in sterile processing• The disconnect between classroom learning and floor reality requires personalized instruction• "Return demonstration" teaching ensures students truly understand processes before certification• Sterile processing should be viewed as a starting point with numerous career advancement paths• Making training personal by...
2025-07-2122 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastSkills with Jill: From Bedside to Leadership - Building a Culture of Excellence in Sterile Processing with Diana AndersonSend us a textCuriosity drives quality in sterile processing. That's the fundamental message from Diana Anderson, an 18-year healthcare veteran who transformed her career from bedside nursing to sterile processing leadership by constantly asking "why?" Join us for this fascinating exploration of quality systems in sterile processing as Diana shares practical wisdom gained through her journey. She reveals how understanding the clinical application of instruments creates powerful learning moments: watching a rigid laparoscope connect to a camera or viewing surgical technique videos for orthopedic procedures brings clarity to the meticulous work of reprocessing. Diana's a...
2025-07-1715 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastSPD: Your Secret Weapon for Device SuccessSend us a textWhat if the key to your medical device success isn't in the OR, but in the basement? The Sterilization Station podcast uncovers a powerful but overlooked influence on device outcomes - the relationship between sales representatives and Sterile Processing Departments.Host Bill Rishell welcomes Gyda Loveres, an experienced medical device sales leader who started her career by dropping off trays at SPD. Their conversation reveals how treating SPD professionals with respect, communication, and emotional intelligence transforms transactional interactions into partnerships that drive success."Treat people like people," Gyda emphasizes t...
2025-07-1432 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastAI Meets SPD: Transforming Instrument ManagementSend us a textEtay Gafni, founder of LayerJot, shares how AI technology is transforming sterile processing by supporting technicians with instrument identification and tray management solutions. His company's innovations help SPD teams work more efficiently while improving accuracy and reducing workload.• LayerJot began after visiting an SPD department and recognizing the challenges technicians face memorizing thousands of instruments• Building AI that can recognize surgical instruments required tens of thousands of photos and specialized algorithms to identify subtle differences• SID (Surgical Instrument Directory) provides free access to a catalog of 3.5 million instruments through mobile...
2025-07-0732 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastUnmute Your Mic: 10 Reasons Podcasters Should Never Give UpSend us a textSupport the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2025-07-0511 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastEvery Tray Tells a Story: Why There Are No Routine Days in Sterile ProcessingSend us a textIn this episode of Sterilization Station, we challenge the dangerous mindset of “just another day” in sterile processing and uncover the deeper purpose behind every shift. Behind every tray, scope, and instrument is a real patient — someone’s story, someone’s life. Your hands are part of their healing.🔍 In This Episode:💡 Why “just another tray” is never just that — each one holds a human story.⚠️ The real danger of becoming desensitized to the importance of our work.🧠 Visualization techniques to reconnect with your purpos...
2025-06-2814 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastFrom Ego to Echo: Building a Lasting Impression in Sterile ProcessingSend us a textEvery day in sterile processing, we're writing our legacy not with ink or on resumes, but through how we make people feel and the impact we leave on others.• The difference between ego and legacy: ego seeks personal recognition while legacy focuses on who we've helped grow• Five legacy killers: saying "it's not my job," correcting to control rather than coach, needing to be the smartest person, holding grudges, and belittling others• Ways to build lasting legacy: speaking encouragement aloud, being consistent, apologizing quickly, owning mistakes, and defending others when t...
2025-06-2818 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastSurgical Tech Spotlight: From Operating Table to Classroom with Hailee EllisonSend us a textSurgical technologists ensure every instrument is sterile and ready when surgeons need them, serving as vital team members in the operating room while also training future professionals in this specialized healthcare field.• Discovery of surgical technology often happens unexpectedly, as with Haley who switched from nursing after experiencing her first OR rotation• Developing a "surgical conscience" means maintaining sterility standards and patient safety even when no one is watching• Successful surgical techs must master multitasking, anticipating surgeons' needs while monitoring multiple activities in the OR• Collaboration between surgical techs an...
2025-06-2347 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastOrganization and Consistency: The Twin Pillars of Sterile ProcessingSend us a textSterile processing excellence is built on two powerful habits: organization and consistency, which directly impact workflow, team culture, and patient safety. Carol Malone joins us to explore how these fundamental traits form the foundation of trust in healthcare settings.• Leaving workspaces clean and stocked is an act of kindness to coworkers and yourself• Disorganized spaces create ripple effects that impact morale and workflow efficiency• Visual systems like labeled storage, cleaning logs, and standardized workstations support consistency• SCOPs (Self-Created Operating Procedures) develop when staff lack understanding of the "why" behind p...
2025-06-1652 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastFrom Student to Standout: Conquering Your First Sterile Processing InterviewSend us a textStanding at the threshold of your sterile processing career, that first interview can feel like a daunting challenge. But what if you could transform those nerves into your greatest advantage?This episode of Sterilization Station is dedicated to sterile processing students and externs ready to take that crucial first step into the professional world. We're breaking down the mindset shift that changes everything: you're not begging for a job—you're offering your work ethic, reliability, and hunger to learn to a department that needs precisely what you bring.Through fi...
2025-06-1110 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastFrom the Operating Room to Art Studio: A Surgical Technologist's Creative JourneySend us a textCandice Plasan navigates the precision-driven worlds of surgical technology and tattoo artistry, bringing passion and creativity to both realms while drawing surprising connections between them.• Candice's path to surgical technology was inspired by her mother's brain aneurysm during her high school years• After technical school, she fulfilled her goal of working in the same hospital that saved her mother's life• The high-pressure environment of surgery requires quick adaptation, precision, and emotional resilience• Hospital culture creates "uniform chaos" where teams align instantly during emergencies despite hierarchical tensions• Her current ro...
2025-06-0936 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastFighting Burnout in Sterile ProcessingSend us a textBurnout in sterile processing is a silent epidemic affecting the healthcare heroes who ensure every surgical instrument is safe for patient use. What causes dedicated SPD professionals to reach their breaking point, and how can we create more sustainable work environments?In this candid conversation with sterile processing thought leader Hank Balch, founder of Beyond Clean, we dive deep into the ten most common factors contributing to burnout in SPD departments nationwide. From the crushing weight of understaffing to the psychological impact of constant high-stakes work, Hank shares insights gained from...
2025-06-0238 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment Podcast25 Creative Ways To Land Your Sterile Processing ExternshipSend us a textThe externship drought in sterile processing education creates a significant barrier for students who've completed their coursework but can't find clinical placements to finish certification. Bill Rishell offers 25 proven strategies to break through this challenge and secure the hands-on experience needed to launch your career.• Connect with local HSPA or CBSPD chapters to build professional relationships with decision-makers• Ask instructors for alumni contacts who might provide referrals• Network with SPD leaders on LinkedIn by creating a professional profile• Offer to shadow before requesting an externship to build trust• Re...
2025-06-0226 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastThe Power of Coaching in Sterile ProcessingSend us a textSterile processing coaches provide essential support for SPD professionals navigating increasingly complex medical instruments and heightened patient safety standards in 2025. A coach serves as your guide through the journey from basic memorization to true mastery, meeting you where you are and helping you grow with purpose.• Understanding what a sterile processing coach is – not just a trainer, but someone who explains the "why" behind procedures• Exploring the complex 2025 SPD landscape with robotic instruments, digital tracking systems, and stricter compliance• Recognizing coaching as essential rather than optional in today's demanding environm...
2025-05-2614 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastYour Hands Matter: The Art of Assembly and Inspection in Sterile ProcessingSend us a textCliff Russell from SterisIMS takes us through the "Y" in our CYCLE mini-series, focusing on "Your Hands Matter" - the critical assembly and inspection phase where precision becomes patient protection.• Assembly and inspection as the last checkpoint before instruments reach surgery• The hidden complexity behind "just putting trays together"• Real consequences of missed defects, including instrument failures during procedures• Using appropriate testing materials for different instrument types• Balancing time pressure with thorough inspection• Scissors as the most commonly undertested instrument in SPD• Creating standardized workstations with proper te...
2025-05-1947 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastSurgical Guidelines to Soccer Goal Lines: Balancing Two Fields with John HuacoSend us a textJohn Huaco shares his journey as both a surgical technologist and soccer coach, revealing how passion, precision, and teamwork create success in both the operating room and on the field. His dual career path demonstrates that skills developed in one profession can significantly enhance performance in another, creating a positive feedback loop of continuous improvement.• Found his calling as a surgical technologist after experiencing surgery as a patient• Has dedicated 15 years to surgical technology, helping build his facility from the ground up• Balances work at two different hospitals—one unionize...
2025-05-1427 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastFrom Student to Standout: 25 Externship Tips Every SPD Tech Should KnowSend us a textBreaking into the sterile processing field starts with making the most of your externship opportunity. Drawing from years of experience mentoring SPD students, Bill Rishell shares critical strategies that transform externships into job offers in this value-packed episode.Before stepping into any facility, proper preparation sets exceptional externs apart. Researching your assigned healthcare facility, refreshing your technical knowledge, and understanding industry standards demonstrates your commitment to excellence from day one. Those first impressions truly matter – arriving early, introducing yourself confidently, and showing genuine enthusiasm creates a foundation for success throughout your ex...
2025-05-1309 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastWhen Your Passion Needs SurgerySend us a textBill Rishell explores how to revitalize your passion for sterile processing when it's become infected with burnout, resentment, or negativity. Using the metaphor of surgical intervention, he offers a transformative approach to diagnosing, treating, and recovering your sense of purpose in healthcare.• Diagnosing passion problems through symptoms like chronic burnout, loss of motivation, cynicism, and disconnection from mission• Understanding that toxicity is personal—if it wasn't in you, it would stop with you• Creating space from negative environments to rebuild your professional mindset• Identifying what needs to be "surgically...
2025-04-2921 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastStop Shrinking, Start Shining: Conquering the Voice That Says You Don't Belong in Sterile Processing in 2025Send us a textHave you ever stepped into a leadership role in sterile processing and felt like a fraud waiting to be exposed? That nagging voice questioning whether you're qualified to lead isn't just your imagination – it's imposter syndrome, and it affects countless skilled professionals across healthcare.This episode tackles the unique challenges facing new sterile processing leaders – from lead technicians suddenly managing former peers to managers carrying the weight of departmental responsibility. Rather than offering generic platitudes, we dive deep into role-specific strategies for building authentic confidence in your leadership position.What...
2025-04-2428 minSterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastKenneth Campbell's Journey: Transforming Sterile Processing Through Authentic LeadershipSend us a textKenneth Campbell's journey from cleaning instruments in the back room to commanding boardrooms is nothing short of extraordinary. In this deeply personal conversation, Campbell opens up about his childhood in rural South Carolina, his military service, and the unexpected path that led him to become one of sterile processing's most respected voices.Campbell shares the pivotal moment when he realized the critical connection between proper instrument processing and patient outcomes while serving as a military scrub tech. This realization sparked his lifelong dedication to sterile processing excellence and education. His transition...
2025-04-231h 08Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastStill Got That Fire? | Here's How to Keep Your Passion Burning In Sterile ProcessingSend us a textRekindling your fire for sterile processing might be exactly what you need right now. Bill Rishell delivers a passionate reminder of why your role matters so deeply in healthcare, breaking down five compelling reasons every sterile processing technician should maintain their enthusiasm and dedication.At the heart of this message is patient safety. "You're the backbone of patient safety," Bill emphasizes, reminding us that every instrument we meticulously clean, inspect, and sterilize directly prevents infections and ensures successful surgeries. As he powerfully states, "Nothing can happen without sterile processing. Instruments start...
2025-04-1712 minSterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastIgniting Your Passion In Sterile ProcessingSend us a textEver felt that moment when the trays pile up, you're short-staffed again, and somewhere between the prep and pack, you forget why you even started this journey in sterile processing? This raw, energizing episode tackles the silent epidemic of burnout in SPD departments head-on while offering a powerful antidote: reconnecting with your passion and purpose.Through 25 compelling reasons to stay passionate about sterile processing, we explore how your work directly impacts patient outcomes, surgical success, and hospital reputation. You'll discover why seeing yourself as a "sterile scientist" rather than just a...
2025-04-1525 min
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastM.E.N.T.O.R. Mini-Series: T is for Training with Vanessa FrankSend us a textProper training in Sterile Processing isn't just about meeting requirements—it's about saving lives. When staff understand not only what to do but why they're doing it, the entire department transforms.In this illuminating conversation with Vanessa Frank, Clinical Resource Manager at Advantage Support Services, we dive deep into what makes training programs truly effective. Vanessa shares her unexpected journey into sterile processing, beginning with an interview where she couldn't identify basic instruments but evolved into becoming a passionate educator and advocate for the profession.The discussion explores how tr...
2025-04-111h 04
Sterilization Station: A Sterile Processing Empowerment PodcastQuality Over Quantity: Patient Safety FirstSend us a textThe race for efficiency in sterile processing departments has created a dangerous mindset where speed often trumps thoroughness. When technicians rush through decontamination or assembly to meet productivity metrics, what's really at stake? Carol Malone, with over two decades in healthcare and extensive sterile processing expertise, breaks down this critical issue.What happens when shortcuts become standard practice? Carol shares alarming real-world examples where rushed processing led to contaminated instrument trays reaching operating rooms, including incidents with beard hair contamination and even sunflower seed shells. These aren't just quality issues—they re...
2025-04-0942 min