Sterile Processing Department Spotlight

Have you ever wondered how medical instruments and equipment are meticulously cleaned, sterilized, and prepared for surgeries and other medical procedures? The answer lies within the Sterile Processing Department (SPD), a crucial department that ensures patient safety, infection control, and the smooth functioning of healthcare facilities. 

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a curious individual, or someone considering a career in the medical field, you may be interested in learning about the vital role our SPD team plays in safeguarding patient well-being. Learn from a few of Valley Health's team members about their critical roles in SPD. 

Kim, CRCST, CIS

How long have you been with Valley Health in your current role? 

I have worked in Sterile Processing at WMC for eight years and have been a Lead Technician for one year. 

What do you do in your role as Sterile Processing Team Leader? 

Sterile Processing Technicians are "behind-the-scenes" healthcare workers. We do not get to interact with patients, but we are vital to positive patient outcomes and experiences. Some call us the heartbeat of the hospital. Sterile Processing is responsible for cleaning, inspecting, and sterilizing reusable instruments and medical equipment throughout the hospital. Without Sterile Processing, the operating rooms and auxiliary departments have little defense against microbial life and resistant bacterial spores.

What's your favorite part about your job? 

My all-time favorite part about SPD is watching the rapidly changing advances in medical technology. The medical devices used in operating rooms have become more complex, and the methods required to reprocess them have advanced dramatically. Who would have ever imagined we would be using robots in surgery!?

What do you like most about working at Valley Health? 

The one thing I love most about Sterile Processing is the fast-paced environment where I can problem-solve and collaborate with some of the most amazing people you would ever meet! 

Lindsey 

How long have you been with Valley Health in your current role?  

I have been in Sterile Processing for three years. 

What do you do in your role as Sterile Processing Technician? 

Not only do I get to clean the surgical instruments used on our patients, but I also get to inspect them and ensure they are functioning properly. 

What's your favorite part about your job? 

My favorite part would be that I get to help the patients and be behind the scenes. I've always wanted to make a difference in our community, and being a part of sterile processing, I get to do exactly that. 

What do you like most about working at Valley Health? 

There is always an opportunity to learn and grow either in the field that you work in or learn something completely different. 

Jessica 

How long have you been with Valley Health in your current role? 

I have been in Sterile Processing since January of 2018. I have been in my role of Lead Technician for six months.  

What do you do in your role as Sterile Processing Lead Technician? 

As sterile processing technicians, we are responsible for cleaning and sterilizing medical instruments for surgery and procedures. We also inspect equipment for damage, and ensure it is functioning correctly. As a Lead Technician, I assist in prioritizing the processing of instruments for the surgical procedures and assure sterile processing completion. My job is also to enforce the rules and regulations for sterilization. 

What’s your favorite part about your job? 

My favorite part of my job is providing tools, education, and resources to my fellow co-workers. Our number one priority is to keep all our patients safe. The best way to do that is to make sure our team has the information and skills they need to complete the tasks that are required of our job.  

What do you like the most about working at Valley Health? 

Working at Valley Health has allowed me to grow in a career I never knew about. I love what I do and the service we provide for our community. I have been with Valley Health since 2016, and I don’t think I could have provided for my family if I hadn’t taken that leap of faith.