Infection Preventionists (IPs) typically consider the Certified in Infection Control (CIC) credential, which usually occurs within the first 2-5 years of working in the profession. After this is accomplished, then what? Many IPs continue to look for new opportunities, new ways to challenge themselves, and become experts in their field.
What Does it Take to be SPD Certified Through HSPA?
A natural direction for IPs to turn is to become certified in sterile processing. However, many IPs will shy away from the 400 hours of hands-on experience required through the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) and not pursue this certification. I am here to tell you to STOP right there and consider becoming certified — for yourself and for your reprocessing team. The very thing IPs and sterile processing department (SPD) leaders ask for is more time from Infection Prevention in the department. IPs want to understand SPD better and collaborate as partners. Where is the disconnect? Why has this been such a controversial topic for so many years?
Why Become SPD Certified as an IP?
Coming from an IP who has been certified for over eight years in SPD, as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) through HSPA, I can tell you it is not easy, but it is doable, and I recommend it 100%. Before I was a CRCST, I could go into SPD and audit, round, talk to staff, and make improvements as the IP, but I wanted to be part of the team and show them I was fully invested in the work they do. I also wanted them to trust me and know I had their best interests in mind. But how? I started looking into becoming certified and began documenting the hours I spent in the department on various tasks during a large assessment project. I realized that the hours add up quicker than you think. You just have to start somewhere, and you have to start recording your time and what you are doing.
About two years later, I completed my 400 hours. As an IP, I wasn’t in the Sterile Processing Department every day, so I couldn’t accumulate the hours quickly. However, I was able to focus on certain areas where I knew I needed more hours or knowledge, with the help of the department team members. One of the best aspects of the process was partnering with current team members to learn about the department's processes and simply letting them know that I was putting in the effort to learn about their roles and professions. I suddenly became more than the IP; I became their colleague, and I was able to earn their trust and respect.
Getting Started
So how do you get started if this is something you're interested in doing? First, visit the HSPA website and review the Certification Handbook. This information will be extremely helpful as you start your journey to certification. The handbook provides details on the 400 hours of experience required, as well as the specific areas where the work needs to be completed: Decontamination, Prepping & Packaging Instruments, Sterilization & Disinfection, Storage & Distribution, and Quality Assurance Processes. Completing these hours should be a fun and energizing learning experience for both you and the SPD team. This allows the technician to become the teacher and take pride in the work they do. Allow yourself to take off the IP hat for a few moments when you are in the department completing your hours, so you can walk in the team's shoes and learn more than you ever could by auditing.
Becoming certified in SPD was and has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career and has led me to the aspect of my role that I love the most. As an Infection Preventionist, I recognize that I have a lot to learn from those in reprocessing, and I also hope to provide insights and expertise to the reprocessing world through my journey. If you are considering becoming certified, I highly encourage you to look into the certification process, including the required hours and exam content. Investing in yourself is never a bad idea and will be a gift you can give yourself for the rest of your career.
Please reach out to Jill Holdsworth, Medical Affairs Manager, if you have any questions or if you are an IP interested in discussing the SPD certification process.