Kevin Anderson, MBA, BSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CER: Healthmark, A Getinge company: Employment (full or part time) (Ongoing)
Learning Outcome: Eighty percent of learners will be able to identify and apply foundational leadership and operational strategies for managing a sterile processing department.
Overview/Abstract: It is increasingly common for OR nurses to be placed in leadership roles within sterile processing departments (SPD) across both hospital and ambulatory surgery settings. Although OR nurses recognize the impact of SPD on operating room performance and patient safety, formal training in sterile processing operations and standards is often limited or absent. When coupled with the demands of leadership and workforce management, this gap can make effective SPD oversight challenging.
This session equips nurse leaders with practical knowledge of sterile processing operations while highlighting how existing OR expertise can be leveraged to lead SPD successfully. The content is relevant not only for nurses managing SPD, but also for OR nurses seeking a deeper understanding of sterile processing and the leadership principles that support safe, efficient perioperative care.
Description of Current State: OR nurses are being asked to manage and lead sterile processing departments. While these nurses bring strong clinical experience, many encounter significant knowledge gaps related to sterile processing operations, leadership, and management. They are expected to develop management and leadership skills while simultaneously overseeing a highly technical department in which they may have limited formal training or hands-on experience. This dynamic can challenge leader credibility, strain team relationships, and result in suboptimal performance outcomes and increased leadership turnover.
Description of Desired/Achievable State: Nurses equipped with foundational sterile processing knowledge, effective leadership principles, and operational insight are positioned to lead sterile processing departments with confidence, credibility, and consistent performance.
Content/Topics: - First actions to take as new leader. (training, education, resources) - critical leadership principles. - Practical management strategies. - Q&A and discussion to tailor strategies for unique circumstances.
References: ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017 Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities. ANSI/AAMI ST90:2017 Processing of health care products - Quality management systems for processing in health care facilities. AORN Guidelines for perioperative practice 2025 edition.
