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The NICHSPDP News
Volume 2, Issue 1
“Slightly Abridged Version”
May, 1996
NICHSPDP ESTABLISHES SPECIAL TELEPHONE NUMBER
You asked for it ………we listened. The NICHSPDP Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the NICHSPDP
now has a dedicated telephone line. This will allow our clients to contact the NICHSPDP Board in a more efficient
manner.
For questions relating to the NICHSPDP certification examinations, including dates, locations Candidate Bulletins,
Study Guide Order Forms, contact Schroeder Measurement Technologies, Inc., 2536 Countryside Blvd., Suite 300,
Clearwater, FL 34623. This is a new testing agency. Their toll free number is 1-800-556-0484
For all other questions, including CEU forms, CEU questions, approved videos, re-certification information, change of
mailing address, etc. call the NICHSPDP at:
908 - 730 - 8902
This number has an answering service. The NICHSPDP will refer your call to the appropriate Board Member to
respond to you directly
CHOBIN ASKED TO WRITE ARTICLE
Nancy Chobin, R.N. has been asked to write an article about Central Service Week in the
United States for the Zurich, Switzerland Central Service publication. Nancy met with Central Service representatives
while addressing the World Symposium on Central Service, which was held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in August,
1995. The Zurich group plans to start a similar recognition program in their country. They were very impressed with
the Central Service Week concept
NICHSPDP TEST SITE IN ABU DHABI
The NICHSPDP has received word that the Zayed Military Hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates will be a test
site for the October, 1996 NICHSPDP examination. The department would like to sit for the exam as a group.
MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION WINNERS
In January, 1995, the NICHSPDP Board of Directors announced that free one-year subscriptions to the magazine,
Infection Control and Sterilization Technology, would be awarded after each NICHSPDP exam administration.
The winners of the 1995 free one-year subscriptions were:
Cynthia Ann Joyner, Iowa City, Iowa
Edith Turner, San Jose, California
The winners were randomly selected from the NICHSPDP database. The NICHSPDP will award
FOUR free one-year subscriptions during 1996.
MCMANUS ASSUMES MORE RESPONSIBILITY
Sue McManus, R.N, C.S.P.DM, Director of Patient Services at Saint Joseph's Hospital, has assumed additional
responsibilities as Central Processing Manager at Memorial Mission Hospital of Mission-St. Joseph's Health System in
Asheville, N.C. Sue is responsible for 32 employees that report to her and for providing service to multiple operating
rooms, delivery rooms, and an active regional trauma center Sue reports to the Vice-President of Surgical Services,
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Mark Gordon Sue's former roles include: O.R. Nurse Instructor, Central Service Manager, Material Manager, and
Executive Housekeeper at St. Joseph's. Sue can be reached at
Memorial Mission Hospital 509 Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
Phone: 704-255-4288
NICHSPDP FORMS NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
The NICHSPDP has formed a Newsletter Committee with the goal of providing our clients with a newsletter that is as
informative and educational as possible. Reny F Moses, CSPDM, has been appointed Editor. Reny is Director of Sterile
Processing at Mid-Maine Medical Center in Waterville, Maine. Hortense R. Britt, MAJ , Army Nurse Corps, has been
appointed Assistant Editor. MAJ, Britt, is Chief OR/Central Material Services, Weed Army Hospital, Ft Irwin, CA
Other members of the committee are:
Craig Ashley LaHabra, CA
Rita Barnes Fort Dodge, IA
Angela L. Dunn Poplar Bluff, MO
Latoni J. Eubanks-Noffke Ann Arbor, MI
Melinda K. Mallett Panama City, FL
Pauline Rhodes Decatur, GA
Angela R Sutula Erie, PA
SELF-IMPROVEMENT IS A PROCESS !
Congratulations, your hard work has paid off and you have gained certification with the NICHSPDP. All three
examinations (technician, supervisor, manager) produce the same end result, which is your effort to demonstrate a
recognized level of competency by successfully passing the examination, The exams were developed to measure the
knowledge, skills and abilities that are important to competent job performance. This competent job performance could
be as a technician, a supervisor or a manager in the sterile processing department. One question that comes to mind
after an exam of this caliber is, now what? First, I challenge you to ask yourself this question, why become certified?
For personal satisfaction? To demonstrate professional achievement for yourself or your employer? To enhance the
quality of care and services in a certain profession? Your answers to these questions and more will be the beginning of
your journey towards self-improvement. This should then lead you to a greater sense of self-confidence as each goal
you set for yourself is achieved. The cumulative effect of achieved goals causes your knowledge base on a particular
subject to expand This can sometimes lead your peers or colleagues to label you the “subject matter expert". And
finally, you realize a higher level of competency in your job performance, Then, self improvement is craved, for at that
level of competency, with or without an examination, achievement of your goal again gives you a greater sense of self
confidence and another (higher) level of competency in your job performance The previous situation sparks the next
situation and the cycle repeats itself over and over again (self improvement-self confidence-higher level of
competency-self improvement -etc )
How is self improvement satisfied? Through continued education in the form of department inservices, and journal
articles that offer post-test or videotapes on a subject. Subsequently, this journey towards self improvement is fostered
by some of the same requirements that earn you points needed in the next five years (100 points) in order to renew your
certification, Other ways to earn points include certain college courses, outside Seminars and continuing to work in the
profession. How you choose to satisfy your self improvement and eventually re-certify with the NICHSPDP is my
second challenge to you. This challenge is keeping with the Institute's commitment and desire for excellence in
the profession-- through better trained, enthusiastic and informed individuals who keep up with the changes and
new ideas that certification and re-certification support.
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As the healthcare industry continues to change, so do your commitments and responsibilities. Don't overlook your
commitment to yourself. Certification will help you meet the challenges of changing healthcare and increasing
competition, I can only be optimistic that certification will, if not now, eventually lead to greater earning potential,
expand employment opportunities, enhance professional recognition and establish credibility for sterile processing and
distribution.
Prepared by Hortense Britt, MAJ, Army Nurse Corps, Chief OR/Central Material Services, Ft. Irwin, California.
The opinions or assertions contained in this article are the private views of the author and are not to lx: constructed as
official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.
NICHSPDP APRIL, 1996 RE-CERTIFICATIONS
AS OF APRIL 15, 1996, THE FOLLOWING CSPDT’S MET THE CRITERIA OF THE NICHSPDP'S BOARD OF
DIRECTORS TO RE-CERTIFY AS "STERILE PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION TECHNICIANS" UNTIL
APRIL, 2001.
The NICHSPDP's Board of Directors are pleased to publish their names, all of whom hold "CHARTER
CERTIFICATION"
NOTE: THIS LIST IS NOT COMPLETE; ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS ARE STILL BEING PROCESSED DUE
TO EXTENSIONS BEING GRANTED. ANY ADDITONAL APRIL, 1996 RE-CERTIFICATIONS WILL BE
PUBLISHED IN THE NOVEMBER, 1996 ISSUE OF THE NICHSPDP NEWS.) The October, 1996 re-certifications
will also be published in the next issue.
AMACKER, JANICE, I. - POPLARVILLE, MS
ANDERSON, RICKY - MEMPHIS, TN
ANDERSON, SUSAN, A. - MANKATO, MN
APUZZO, JoANNE, J. - ELMWOOD PARK, IL
ASBURY, DON.C. - NORMAN, OK
ASHFORD, JUANITA, J. - URBANA, IL
BAKKER, JEANETTE - CICERO, IL
BALANTE, SUSAN ANN - WILLOUGHBY, OH
BALL, CAROL A. - KINNELON, NJ
BAYES, NOLA - DOVER, NH
BEATTY, MAGGIE, L. - CHICAGO, IL
BEDARD, BARBARA - DOVER, NH
BELLEGANTE, TERRY JEAN - GRAWN, MI
BENNETT, HORTENSE - RIDGEWOOD, NJ
BERRY, PATRICIA, A. - NORWICH, CT
BIBBS, MARGIE - COLUMBIA, SC
BICKFORD, ANN - SOUTH PARIS, ME
BLASER, ELIZABETH ANN - TRAVERSE CITY, MI
BRADLEY, SHANNDON - KEIZER, OR
BRAZELL, ADELAIDA - WEST COLUMBIA, SC
BRODIE, OLIVIA, H. - JERSEY CITY, NJ
BROADWATER, KATIE, - LEXINGTON, SC
BUCK, CAMELLIA ANN - PARKER, CO
BUSHONG, ETTA - SHORT HILLS, NJ
CALCAGNO, MARY, A. - CHICAGO, IL
CHAMBERLAIN, LINDA, S. - KINGSTON, NY
CHESTER, NANCY - LACEY, WA
COLEMAN, SHEILA - GILBERT, SC
CONYERS, LINDA, M. - CINCINNATI, OH
CORNELIUS, MARTHA, S. - SAN JACINTO, CA
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COSENTINO, ROSEMARY-SUSQUEHANNA, PA
COX, EDNA - GARY, IN
COX, JIMMIE, B. - AMELIA, OH
CROLEY, ANNIE, R. - PISCATAWAY, NJ
CROWTHER, ANNIE CAROL - PALM CITY, FL
DAVIS, CAROLYN - CROWN POINT, IN
DAVIS, CLARENCE - WEST MEMPHIS, AR
DAVIS, DEBBIE - CLEVELAND, NC
DAWSON, A. MAE - QURRYVILLE, PA
DEKEYSER, MARY, J. - TUCSON, AZ
DILL, DONNA RAE - ERIE, PA
DOBBS, CESL YN, MORRISTOWN, NJ
DRAKE, JANICE, G. - NAZARETH, PA
DYE, ROWENA - CHICAGO, IL
DZIADOSZ, CAROLE SUE - CROWN POINT, IN
ELLINGER, JANE. E. - CHAPIN, SC
EVANS, ETHEL, M. - CINCINNATI, OH
FAIR, VERNA - LONGVIEW, TX
FEILD, PAMELA - VALLEJO, CA
FELTERS, MARGUERITE - CHICAGO, IL
FIORENTINO, ESTHER - HOPATCONG, NJ
FORDHAM. VICKY ANN - LEVITTOWN, PA
FOX, KATHERINE, M. - SAUK VILLAGE, IL
FRETZ, CLARICE, E. - EASTON, PA
GAILEY, MARLENE ALICANN - SAN MARCOS, CA
GALLUPPI, MARGARET - ROME, NY
GIAMBRONE, JO ANN - DUNKIRK, NY
GILBERT, LINDA. S. - ROCHESTER, NH
GIRADI, KATHLEEN, D. - IVYLAND, PA
GOODWIN, ERNESTINE - PATERSON, NJ
GOULD, JEAN - BELFAST, ME
GRANT, DOROTHY, L. - OREGON CITY, OR
GREENLEE, DONALD, E. - CINCINNATI, OH
GULD, DENISE LYNN - LANGHORNE, PA
HAHN, MARIA – TEANECK, NJ
HARDING, MICHAEL DARRELL - MEMPHIS, TN
HARPER, CARRIE MAE - DENVER, CO
HARRIS, CURTIS EUGENE - SUITLAND, MD
HARRIS, KENNETH - CHICAGO, IL
HART, ANN - MORRICE, MI
HATCHER, ARLINE - VALLEJO, CA
HAWTHORNE, STEVEN JOSEPH - WHITE LAKE, NC
HEINITZ, HELEN - LAKIN, KS
HERRON, LILLIE - CHICAGO, IL
HILL, BRENDA KAY -ALVARADO, TX
HODGE, JEAN - MADISON, WI
HOFFMAN, DELLA, R. - LAKIN, KS
HOPKINS, PAUL - BERWICK, ME
HOPPER, VINCENT, F. -HIGHLAND, NY
HOTTER, BARBARA ANN - QUAKER TOWN PA
ISOM, CARRIE,M. -PATERSON, NJ
JACKIMOWICZ, JANET, M. - PETOSKEY, MI
JACKSON, AUDREY JOY – MIRARMAR, FL
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JOHNSON, VERONICA -IRVINGTON, NJ
JONES, PATRICIA ANN - FAIRFIELD, CA
JONES, RENDA GAIL - FAIR LAWN, NJ
KELL Y, COLLEEN - EASTON, PA
KELL Y, GLORIA, J. - ALPENA, MI
KELLY JUDITH - MILWAUKEE, WI
KOCHER, REBECCA - BATH, PA
KRACHT, SUSAN - TWO RIVERS, WI
KULOVITZ, MARY ANN - ROCKY MOUNT, MO
LELKO, MAUREEN – PHILLIPSBURG, NJ
LIRA, MA YOLI CARMEN – NORTHLAKE, IL
LONGHI, CAROL, A. - KERSEY, PA
LOVETT, MARY - COLUMBIA, SC
LUCAS, MAUREEN - PECKVILLE, PA
LUZ, EMME - MANCHESTER, CT
MALESKY, JEANETTE, L. - WARMINSTER, PA
MARIANI, SUSAN - FAIRLESS HILLS, PA
MARSH, BEULAH, L. - CHICAGO, IL
Mc COLLUM,HANNA, M. - PENNS PARK, PA
Mc CORMICK, SUSAN - TRAVERSE CITY, MI
Mc COWAN, SUE – MERRILLVILLE, IN
Mc GRATH, PAMELA GAIL - V ALLEIO, CA
Mc LAURIN, ELSIE, L. - CHICAGO, IL
Mc NEILL, PHYLLIS - CHALFONT, PA
MEDINA, DEBORAH LUCILLE - DENVER CO ..
MEDINA, MARILYN MARY - DENVER, CO
MENOTTI, SANDRA –HONESDALE, PA
MICHALASKI, MICHAEL – TOLEDO, OH
MILLER, SHIRLEY - EAST ORANGE, NJ
MINTO, JANET - BROOKLYN, NY
MIYAGISHINA, MARION - AURORA, CO
MOQUIN, ELIZABETH, A. – BRISTOL, CT
MOTT, BARBARA CHRISMON -HOPE MILLS, NC
NELSON, OLLIE DENA - CHICAGO IL
NESBIT, MILDRED, D. - PATERSON NJ
NEWMAN, PAMELA - DOYLESTOWN PA
NGIATENG, CHEE, X. - THORTON, CO
NICER, ANGELITA - VALLEJO, CA
NICHOLS, NELLIE - EVANSTON, IL
NIEWIEROWSKA, JUSTINIANA – CHEEKTOWAGA, NY
ORMSBY, ANITA - PECKVILLE, PA
PALMERE, JAMES MARTIN - FRANKLKIN PARK, IL
PAGE, FERN - LUMBERTON, NC
PEARL, JUDITH, S - RAYMOND, ME
PLAISANCE, RITA - GHEENS, LA
POIER-CRISTOBAL, CORAZON - STOCKTON, CA
PRYOR., MARY - EDINBURG, VA
PRZYUSKI, ELLEN - PIPERSVILLE, PA
RAY, JANESE - EASTON, TX
REDIKER, LISA - BELFAST, ME
RIVERA, AIDA- PATERSON, NJ
RIVET, SUSAN, K. - LINCOLN, RI
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ROBERTS, LAURA - BEA VERTON, OR
ROBERTS, VIVIAN - PASSAIC, NJ
ROMERO, MARIAN RUTH - DENVER, CO
ROSENAU, DEBORAH SUSAN - RYE, CO
ROSCHINA. ANNA - HEMET, CA
SCHROEDER, LaDONNA MAY - MANKATO, MN
SMITH, ERROL, K. - CHICAGO, IL
SMITH, VIRGINIA - JERSEY CITY, NJ
SNAPP, MARILYN, R. - ALBUQUERQUE, NM
SOLES, SYLVIA ANN - CHARLOTTE, NC
SOTO, INES - W ARMINSTER, PA
STEWART, SHIRLEY - DENVER CO
STOLTZFUS, ELSIE - AKRON, PA
SUTULA, ANGELA. R. - ERIE, PA
SWARTHOUT, BARBARA - TRAVERSE CITY, MI
TELFORD, LOIS, R. - DOYLESTOWN, PA
TERRY, LINDA. B. - ROCKINGHAM, NC
TESTER, NORMA - DAYTON, OH
THEW, MARGARET, A. – PLATTSBURGH, NY
THRONSON, CAROLYN, L. – GREENVILLE, MS
TSOUKALAS, PRISCILLA. G. – SOMERSWORTH, NH
URBINA.. FRANK VASQUEZ - TUCSON, AZ
VALENTINE, THERESE - ENFIELD, CT
VAN BUSKIRK, JEANETTE. L. - ERIE, PA
YIJIL, GLORIA-BURLESON, TX
VOLNER, BETTY SUE - CORDOVA, TN
YONCE, SYLVIA - JERSEY CITY, NJ
VOORHEES, CHRISTINE - PATTENBURG, NJ
WADE, GEORGIA - GARDEN CITY, KS
WALKER. JULIA. A. - MC KEAN, PA
WALKER. LINDA LOU - HARTLAND, WI
WALKER. MARK – MANCHESTER, CT
WALLACE, MATTIE – SALISBURY, NC
WARLICK. AMELIA ANN – EVANSTON, IL
WEBER. SUSAN, L. - DUBLIN, PA
WEBB, PAT - LONDON, KY
WEBBER. NANCY J. - BIRMINGHAM, AL
WILCOX. LORRAINE - CEDAR, MI
WINTER, MARJORIE - EAST ORANGE, NJ
WISE, DAVID, M. - BELMONT, MI
WOODALL. CARRIE, D. – CHICAGO, IL
YANCEY. FRED - CHICAGO, IL
YOUKER. MERRY, A. – BUCKLEY, MI
YOUNG, JUDITH ANN - NEWTON, NJ
REMEMBER THE NICHSPDP NEWSLETTER IS PUBLISHED TWICE YEARLY. IN MAY AND NOVEMBER
IF YOU ARE NOT RECEIVING YOUR ISSUES. PLEASE CALL THE NICHSPDP TO VERIFY YOUR
ADDRESS AND RECEIVE ANOTHER COPY.
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THE NICHSPDP'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE CHARTER CERTIFICATIONS
OF THE FOLLOWING SUPERVISORS AND MANAGERS. THESE INDIVIDUALS HAVE PASSED THE
NICHSPDP'S SUPERVISOR CERTIFICATION EXAM OR MANAGER CERTIFICATION EXAM.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU! THE SUPERVISORS AND MANAGERS WHO PASS THE APRIL,
1996 SUPERVISOR AND MANAGER EXAMS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE
NICHSPDP NEWS:
SUPERVISORS WHO PASSED THE OCTOBER 15, 1994 SUPERVISOR CERTIFICATION EXAM (CHARTER
CERTIFICATION):
BROWN, LINDA - EASLEY, SC
CROSS,WALTER- PENSACOLA,FL
DAMON, GREGORY JAMES - SUFFOLK, VA
HAGERMAN, LINDA - LOUISVILLE, KY
JOHNSTONE, JOHN - VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
STEWART, THOMAS - JACKSON, MS
THE FOLLOWING SUPERVISORS PASSED THE APRIL 22, 1995 SUPERVISOR CERTIFICATION EXAM
(CHARTER CERTIFICATION):
BEVANS, SELMA, M. - GAITHERSBURG, MD
COLEGROVE, TAMMY - TOCCOA, GA
DOTSON, CONNIE - KNOXVILLE, TN
KENTON, MARYANN - PLANTATION, FL
LEE, EUGENIA - CLEVELAND, OH
Mc COWEN, EARL - LARKSPUR, CA
NIELSEN, THELMA - GRANT PASS, OR
PHILLIPS, RICHARD - NORTH PORT, FL
TERRY, LINDA - ROCKINGHAM, NC
THE FOLLOWING MANAGERS PASSED THE APRIL 22, 1995 NICHSPDP MANAGER CERTIFICATION
(CHARTER CERTIFICATION)
BICKERSTAFF, CATHY - BARTLETT, TN
COKER, JUDY JONES - GREER, SC
DAVIDSON, CAROL-LEDANON, OR
GANTT, DIANE - OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
GOODHARD, NORMA-EASTON,PA
MATTHEWS, ROBERT - SCHNECTADY, NY
WILLIAMS, EDWARD - YUBA CITY, CA
WYKOFF, WALTER - STREETBORO, OH
THE NICHSPDP BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE BOARD:
NANCY CHOBIN, R.N.. CSPDM. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
M. ELEANOR REILLY, R.N.. CSPDM. ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR- POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
CHAIRPERSON
TECKLA ANN MARESCA, LPN. CSPDM. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR - CEU REVIEW COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSON
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BOARD MEMBERS:
PATRICIA GUZOFSKI, RN. CSPDM - MATERIALS MANAGEMENT AND ASSISTANT TO TEST
DEVELOPMENT LIAISON
SUE MC MANUS, RN. CSPDM - TEST DEVELOPMENT LIAISON
NORA WIKANDER, RN. CSPDM - CO-CHAIRPERSON - CEU REVIEW COMMITTEE
RENY MOSES, CSPDM - NEWSLETTER EDITOR
HORTENSE BRITT, CSPDM - NEWSLETTER ASSISTANT
THE NICHSPDP CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION COMMITTEE
THE NICHSPDP IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICANTS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE NICHSPDP TEST
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE. THE TECHNICIAN AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES HAVE BEEN
COMBINED INTO ONE NATIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION COMMITTEE.
THE CHAIRPERSON IS DR. ZORY GLASER.
IF INTERESTED. PLEASE COMPLETE THE NICHSPDP TEST COMMITTEE APPLICATION. INCLUDE A
LETTER TO THE NICHSPDP BOARD OF DIRECTORS INDICATING WHY YOU WOULD LIKE TO SERVE
ON THIS COMMITTEE. INCLUDE A RESUME LISTING YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND
EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED FOR OUR FILES).
TECHNICIANS, SUPERVISORS AND MANAGERS ARE ALL ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR THIS
PRESTIGIOUS COMMITTEE.
PRE-APPROVED CORPORATE INSERVICES/PROGRAMS: These have been sent to us by Corporate
Education people and have been approved for multiple times over the next year. I have included contact people so
candidates can contact them to find out locations etc.
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ADVANCED STERILIZATION PRODUCTS
CONTACT PERSON: CYNTHIA SPRY, RN
212-627-4787
PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN CS & OR
CHANGING TIMES, CHANGING ROLES
STERILIZATION PRACTICES: WORKER SAFETY
STERILIZATION - MURDER IN THE 10th - ARE YOU GETTING THE JOB DONE?
STERILIZATION TECHNOLOGIES: NOW AND FOR THE 21 ST CENTURY
H202 LOW TEMPERATURE STERILIZATION TECHNOLOGY
EVENT RELATED SHELF LIFE - PROGRAM 1
EVENT RELATED SHELF LIFE - PROGRAM 2
AKH CONSULTANTS
CONTACT PERSON: ANN ANHAWALDT
904-733-8758
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CURRENT ISSUES IN INFECTION CONTROL
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ALLIED SIGNAL, INC.
CONTACT PERSON: CLAIRE J. HATLON
201-455-3879
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WORKING SAFELY WITH OXYFUME STERILANT GASES
3M CORPORATION
CONTACT PERSON: MARTHA YOUNG
612-733-9062
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IMPROVING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE STERILIZATION PROCESS
AMSCO INTERNATIONAL
CONTACT PERSON: SANDRA LEE
412-338-6572
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RE-ENERGIZE AS YOU RE-ENGINEER FOR QUALITY PROCESSING & PATIENT CARE (1 1/2 day
seminar)
Also, we should note that many of the ASHCSP Affiliated Chapters provide many good programs that are approved by
NICHSPDP. Candidates should call ASHCSP in Chicago (Jackie Croteau, Executive Director) at 312-422-3751 to get
a listing of chapters nearest to them.
SOME ADDITIONS TO OUR PRE-APPROVED VIDEO/AUDIO LISTINGS ARE AS FOLLOWS: (Candidates
should contact the corporations listed as making the tapes in i order to get more information about obtaining the tapes).
In order to receive credit for watching a Video tape or Listening to an Audio Tape a synopsis of the topic content or a
post test developed by Manager must be provided to Manager who then is to verify that the candidate participated. At
the time of re- certification the candidate is to provide either a certificate for each program (signed by
Manager/Supervisor) or a listing of those used (signed by Manager/Supervisor)
KARL STORZ - 1) Laparoscopy: Preparation & Assembly - 0.5 Hours
2) Laparoscopes & Hystercopes Care & Maintenance - 0.5 Hours
GENSIA, INC. - 1) Laryngeal Mask Airway Care/Handling - 0.25 Hours (800-788-7999)
OLYMPUS - 1) Recommended Cleaning & Disinfection Procedures for Olympus EVIS
100 & 130 Video Endoscopes - 0.5 Hours
STERIS - 1) Steris System (Publication IDMIO03.21130) - 0.5 Hours
CONVATEC - 1) CS Inservice - Care & Cleaning Surgical Instruments - 0.5 Hours
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AHA PERSONAL MEMBERSHIP GROUPS
ASHCSP - 1) Safeguarding the CS Environment - 1.5 Hours
2) Audio Tapes of Annual Meeting topics - Contact Hours vary per tape
(Interested individuals can contact Nora Wikander 201-956-3340 with specific topics)
ASQC - (AMERICAN SOCIETY OF QUALITY CONTROL)
1) Quality - A Commitment to CQI - 0.5 Hours
AHA- 1) Caring - It Makes a Difference - 0.25 Hours
2) Chemical Safety Training-What Every Manager Should Know - 1.5 Hours
Many of you contacted the NICHSPDP after the December issue of the NICHSPDP News listed an updated approved
video list. We have obtained the following information for you.
Christopher Duane videos - it was brought to our attention that Mr. Duane passed away. It is not known if these videos
are still available for sale. The videos had been submitted to the NICHSPDP for CEUs. If anyone has any additional
information about these videos, please contact the NICHSPDP.
HSTN videos - many of you were interested in these videos. We contacted HSTN and we were advised that they would
make these videos available to any facility, irregardless of whether your facility is a subscriber to the HSTN Network.
If interested: call1-800-942-4786 wait for the Operator and give your AREA CODE when asked. You will be directed
to the proper person.
THE NICHSPDP WISHES TO THANK GREG YOUNG FROM THE HSTN FOR ASSISTING IN MAKING THESE
VIDEOS AVAILABLE.
EVENT RELATED STERILITY PLAN - A PARADIGM SHIFT
Prepared by: Eleanor Reilly, RN.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Discuss terms related to changing procedures that have been used for many years.
2. Discuss difference between time related sterility and event related sterility.
3. Discuss the historical data in the evolution of this change.
4. Describe the collection of data to sustain such a procedural change.
5. Describe the analysis of the collected data.
6. Describe strategies for implementation of the change of the procedure.
EVENT RELATED STERILITY PLAN
Have you ever asked a co-worker why a certain procedure is done? How many times is the answer ……we have always
done it that way! Are you feeling comfortable with that answer? Were you encouraged to investigate a better answer?
To ask questions is a way of life today with all of the cost-effective processes used in the healthcare reform. If
continuous quality improvement is truly a value, and not a buzzword, then questioning our practices is very
appropriate.
A paradigm is a way of understanding our knowledge; a pattern, a model for explaining certain aspects of reality. At
some point in time all of us ask questions regarding the validity of the way we are doing things.
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This can result in a new level of understanding and knowledge; a change in technology or a radical change in clinical
practice. To answer the sterility question, we must verify the integrity of the packaging we are using, the type of
chemical indicators we use and the expiration dating. Have you ever asked yourself; why can a package be sterile at
11:59 p.m. and not sterile at 12 midnight? Our goal is to find quality improvement in our organizations on a continuous
basis. What questions should we be asking?
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What is the validity of the procedures we are doing?
Why is this our policy?
Why have we always done it this way?
Questions important in maintaining cost effective quality practices •
Is this sterile?
•
Why is this sterile one day and yet not the next day with no change in its' state or storage?
Continuous quality improvement pushes us to find ways to improve quality in the organization on a continuous basis.
This places the results in
> The Problem
> Investigations
> Data Collection
> Analysis of results
The issue of event related sterility is a good example of how a continuous quality improvement approach contributes to
a paradigm shift. For many years we have abided by the Time Related Sterilitv Procedure. This basic concept is that
once an item has been packaged and sterilized it remains sterile until a given expiration date. The expiration date
depends on the condition of storage and the packaging material (s) used. Storage conditions include; the amount of
handling items encounter before use, Temperature and/or humidity of the storage area, and the type of storage unit
(open or closed shelves). The premise of the time-related sterility theory is that materials in which sterile items are
stored may break down over time. Conditions of storage also would affect this breakdown. Items that are contaminated
or suspect are considered unsterile regardless of the expiration date.
The Event-Related Sterility Theory states that items will remain sterile unless the integrity of packaging becomes
compromised or is suspected of being compromised It now becomes necessary, to address the issues of packaging and
events with criteria for acceptability when implementing the event-related sterility process. Because event-related
sterility is just that - event-related - the events must be described in detail so that adherence to the procedures can be
ensured.
Some Historical Background: It is interesting to note the evolution of packaging materials. From 1920-1960 the
primary wrapping material was 140 thread count muslin. Then the paper wraps (Dennison wrap) came into being but
were not fluid resistant. In the late 1960's non-woven wrappers began to be used which were low lint and improved
barriers. The next items were peel pouches and then the return to rigid containers.
In regards to sterility monitoring of storage areas the earliest references cited definite shelf life and storage was in
Alexander (1958). Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery (1972) states "commercially packaged items remain
sterile indefinitely under appropriate storage conditions". The literature review reveals current recommended standards
of practice. The CDC has not referred to expiration dating since the mid-1980's Expiration dates are not required by the
JCAHO, which states "there should be "designation" of time related or event-related shelf life for all hospital sterilized
medical items" AAMI recommends that institutions have policies and procedures that address how shelf life is
determined and how it is indicated on the sterile item. AORN also recommends that shelf life of a packaged sterile item
is event-related.
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The NICHSPDP News
It is important to collect data when instituting such changes. Analysis of the results will help establish conclusions. The
dail sterilization process may prove to be more efficient while using the least number of resources (less time spent in
reprocessing). It may find that the hospital will save thousands of dollars annually on not reprocessing outdated, inhouse sterilized items. We can assume that implementing an event-related system could help control inventories and
related costs.
A cost benefit analysis can be done to compare the time, labor, and cost involved in resterilizing outdated items with
the time, labor and cost incurred with-the implementation of an event-related sterility system. Data should also be
collected with the costs associated with event-related sterility practices (the number of items that are resterilized due to
impaired package integrity).
The final step should be the implementation which combines all the investigative steps and focuses them into a
cohesive presentation:
Implementation Procedure
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Literature review of current research
Note current recommendations
Collection of data - compare cost and time differences and analyze sterilization process
Write proposal including all of the data
Revise current policies and procedures; clarify terms and note exceptions
Obtain related committee (s) approval
Schedule inservice programs of staff and ancillary personnel
Provide written notification of policy and procedure changes
Criteria based on current standards and practices needs to be established. These criteria should include clarification of
the term "Event-related Sterility Assurance" Event-related sterility means that items will be considered sterile unless
the integrity of the packaging is compromised or suspect of being compromised. This also means that protocols need to
be established addressing the institutions methods of packaging and inspection of packaging. Other criteria may be:
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high quality wrap must be used to withstand storage and transfer systems
dust covers may be used and when permissible
all sterile packages must be inspected before being issued
external indicators must be checked to validate that the item has been exposed to a sterilant
rotation and storage protocols must be enforced
load indicators must be checked for recall purposes and means of inventory control
any exceptions must be noted (medications, catheters with balloons)
Change is never easy, always inevitable. To stay competitive, we must not be afraid 10 challenge traditional ideas and
entrenched thinking - as long as we keep in mind that our primary purpose is to provide quality health care to patients.
Answers to quiz:
1.(c) 2.(b) 3.(c) 4.(d) 5.(c)
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The NICHSPDP News
QUIZ: After reading the inservice, Take the following quiz. " Event Related Sterility Plan - a Paradigm Shift May 1996, Issue"
oooooooooooooApproved for 1.0 Contact Hour, including post test.-oooooooooo
1. In questioning protocols to assess Quality Improvement we should NOT ask:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Why are we doing the procedure?
How costly are our chemical indicators?
Do we need any policies at all regarding shelf life?
Are these items sterile?
2. A Continuous Quality Improvement Process does not have the following component
a.
b.
c.
d.
Exploring and investigating problems related to shelf life
Making a capital budget sheet
Collection of data.
Analysis of results
3. Expiration dating depends on the following EXCEPT
a.
b.
c.
d.
Storage conditions
Packaging materials
Number of people working in the area
Temperature and humidity
4. An event related system will do the following EXCEPT
a.
b.
c.
d.
Save on money and labor
Reduce Reprocessing
Reduce use of material resources
Assure increased productivity in the department
5. Integrity of packaging include all EXCEPT
a.
b.
c.
d.
Good barrier qualities to the wrapper
Chemical indicator validated
Squeeze packages to remove air
Seals intact
Score 20 points for each correct answer; score of 70% or better is passing. Save test or have your Supervisor give you a
certificate of completion and save with your records until notified by the NICHSPDP to submit for re-certification. DO
NOT SEND THE TEST TO THE NICHSPDP, it has been pre-approved.