Skytron Blog

Conquering Chaos in Sterile Processing: Taking Control of Your Career
Working in Sterile Processing (SP) demands precision, attention to detail, and adherence to strict guidelines. However, despite being a controlled environment, the SP department can still feel chaotic and overwhelming. The root cause of this chaos lies in human factors such as emotions, mistakes, and variable performance that inevitably affect daily operations. To tackle this issue, we must focus on what we can control to achieve better outcomes for ourselves and our patients. In this writeup, we share three ways to regain control and improve your SP experience:

Step 1: Prioritize Your Mental Well-being
In the fast-paced world of SP, we often neglect to discuss the mental health of technicians. Feelings of anger, depression, and frustration can arise in such a demanding environment, impacting performance and patient care. Recognizing the connection between mental well-being and patient outcomes is essential. To maintain a healthy mental state:

1. Learn to accept things beyond your control and focus on what you can influence.
2. Seek professional help if needed, especially after significant events or moments of self-doubt.
3. Remember, prioritizing your mental health is not a sign of weakness but a wise career decision that can increase happiness and job satisfaction.

Step 2: Drive Your Personal and Professional Development
Passion is the driving force behind exceptional performance. If you have a genuine passion for your SP career, it’s time to take charge of your personal and professional growth. Start by dedicating time each day to personal development. Avoid diving into work or social media immediately; adopt a morning routine that centers you for the day ahead. Explore podcasts, influencers, and experts in personal development to find inspiration and motivation. Carve out time for continuous learning, both personally and professionally. The internet offers abundant educational resources, including webinars, podcasts, and online courses. Embrace the creative approaches to learning that have emerged during the pandemic. By nurturing your personal and professional growth, you’ll become a better version of yourself and bring more enthusiasm to your SP role.

Step 3: Make Your Health a Priority
Physical health is vital for SP professionals, who often endure long hours on their feet, lifting heavy trays and engaging in repetitive movements. Prioritize your health to excel in your job. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest are foundational for peak performance. Taking care of your health ensures you have the strength and stamina to fulfill your duties effectively and maintain patient safety. Remember, you can only assist others if you’re at your best.

Conquering chaos in Sterile Processing starts with embracing personal responsibility and taking control of your well-being and professional development. Focus on what you can control, acknowledge the importance of mental health, and seek help when needed. Pursue personal and professional growth to become a better version of yourself. Finally, prioritize your health to ensure you can perform at your best daily. As SP professionals, we hold a crucial role in healthcare, and by empowering ourselves, we can positively impact patient care and overall departmental success. Let’s commit to improving our situations and strive for continuous improvement daily. Together, we can achieve better outcomes and a more fulfilling SP experience.

Skytron knows the importance of SP in hospitals. We also understand that keeping your facility clean and safe for your staff and patients is vital. Keeping your SPD running smoothly and efficiently is our top priority. Our infection control products are tailored to maximize your space with our small-footprint design, increase throughput with our shorter cycle times, and save up to 50% in chemicals and water usage compared to the competition.

Explore our Sterile Processing methods and find:
• Enhanced Infection Prevention
• Simple Compliance Documentation
• Shorter Cycle Times
• Lower Cost of Ownership
• Smaller Footprints
• Less Water and Chemical Use

To learn more about our solutions, visit here.