Welcome to The Sterilization Station.
Your Trusted Hub for Sterile Processing
Empowerment!
Lessons that will shape your journey and improve your processes.
Our mission is simple: to empower the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) community with knowledge, inspiration, and motivation. Sterile processing is the backbone of healthcare, ensuring patient safety and operational excellence. Yet, the critical work you do often goes unnoticed.
The Sterilization Station
Whether you're a seasoned SPD professional, a manager, or new to the field, this podcast is your space to connect, learn, and grow. So, let’s power up, level up, and celebrate the incredible work that keeps healthcare moving forward—one instrument at a time. Through engaging conversations, expert insights, and real-life stories, The Sterilization Station shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of healthcare.
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Latest Interviews
Latest Episodes
Externship Essentials: The importance of hands-on-training
In this episode of Sterilization Station, host Bill Rishell shares his insights on the importance of hands-on training and externships in the field of sterile processing. He emphasizes that real-world experience is irreplaceable and discusses how to effectively market oneself in a competitive job market. Bill draws from his personal experiences to inspire and empower listeners, highlighting the critical role of practical training in ensuring patient safety and professional success.
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Breaking The Cycles In Sterile Processing: Cliff Russell + Bill Rishell
In this episode of the Sterilization Station, host Bill Rishell and guest Cliff Russell discuss the critical cycles in sterile processing, exploring root causes, the impact of costs, and the importance of communication and ongoing training. They emphasize the need for leadership to advocate for their teams and the role of technology in enhancing efficiency. The conversation highlights the significance of teamwork in patient safety and the necessity of resetting processes to adapt to new challenges.
Read MoreEmpowerment in Sterile Processing: A Path to Success
In this episode of the Sterilization Station podcast, Bill Rishell discusses the importance of empowerment in the sterile processing community. He emphasizes the role of knowledge, training, open communication, and recognition in fostering a positive work environment. The conversation covers various strategies for empowering technicians, including promoting health and wellness, leveraging technology, and encouraging professional development. Bill concludes by highlighting the significance of continuous improvement and the positive impact of empowered technicians on patient care and overall healthcare outcomes.
Read More10 Reasons why you should start a podcast in 2025
In this episode, Bill Rishell discusses the importance of starting a podcast, particularly in the field of sterile processing. He outlines ten compelling reasons to launch a podcast, emphasizing the opportunities for sharing knowledge, building community, personal growth, and fostering meaningful conversations. Bill also highlights the flexibility and joy of learning that comes with podcasting, encouraging listeners to engage with the medium and connect with others in the industry.
Read MoreComing Soon
The Transition from Surgical Tech to SPD Leadership
How Innovative Technologies are empowering Sterile Processing
Do you smell that: Success is in the air: SVSTI
TBA
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Instrument Repair Companies and the value of partnerships
Fun Facts
A typical surgical instrument set can contain anywhere from 10 to 200 instruments, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Instrument Variety
Sterile processing technicians must have extensive knowledge of cleaning, decontaminating, and sterilizing equipment. They play a critical role in ensuring patient safety.
Expertise Required
Surgical instruments are often made from stainless steel because it is resistant to corrosion and can withstand high temperatures during sterilization.
Materials Matter
Proper sterilization reduces the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs), which affect about 1–3% of all surgical patients.
The Importance of Sterilization
Some healthcare facilities use color-coded instrument trays or sterilization indicators to help staff quickly identify sterilized goods and ensure they’re ready for use!
Color-Coding
Instruments are often subject to stringent quality control checks to ensure they are free from damage, properly sterilized, and ready for surgical use.
Quality Control
Bill Rishell is a dedicated expert with 20 years of experience in sterile processing, and is passionate about empowering, inspiring, and motivating others.
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