Call to Action for Healthcare Leaders: Prevent the Exodus of Highly Skilled Sterile Processing Professionals
As we celebrate National Sterile Processing Week, let’s take a moment to reflect on the backbone of patient safety—our sterile processing professionals. These highly skilled individuals are vital to the functioning of every healthcare facility, yet too many are leaving the field due to avoidable reasons.
Forget the free snacks. Retaining these professionals requires addressing the root causes that drive them away. If your team is shrinking, the question isn’t why they’re quitting—it’s who they’re escaping from. Here are seven key areas to focus on:
1. Toxic Workplace Culture: Negativity and a lack of trust erode morale and lead to burnout. Create an environment of respect and positivity.
2. Poor Leadership: Micromanagement stifles creativity, while inconsistent treatment drives people away. Foster leadership that empowers, not controls.
3. Limited Growth Opportunities: When employees can’t see a future, they’ll seek it elsewhere. Invest in training, development, and clear career paths.
4. Work-Life Imbalance: Unrealistic expectations and excessive overtime crush morale. Be flexible and support your team’s personal needs.
5. Inadequate Compensation: Fair pay and performance-based bonuses should be the standard, not the exception. Keep your compensation competitive.
6. Absence of Recognition: Acknowledge hard work, celebrate achievements, and make your staff feel valued for the critical role they play.
7. Misalignment with Values: Ensure that your organization’s actions align with its values and demonstrate ethical leadership.
Great workplaces don’t just happen—they are built through intentional leadership. This Sterile Processing Week, let’s commit to making our departments environments where talent thrives, not escapes. Act now to retain the skilled professionals who ensure patient safety every day.
Jania Torreblanca, MBA, MSLOD, CHL, CRCST Jason Ellis, RN, MBA Erinta Betarello Krystal W. Michelle Lucero Jhmeid Billingslea CRCST, CIS, CER, CHL, CST, CMRP, HACP-IC Hank Balch Karen Cherry HSPA Arlene Bush CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL, SME, DSMD, CRMST Dayanara Reyes Pujols Judith R.
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