Where is central service now? And why?

I’ve done a lot in my years of central service (CS) and supply chain (SC). From decontam I worked my way to be a supply tech and pushed around exchange carts. I then learned the clerical work and eventually became a supervisor, then a director. I learned so much from so many along the way.

The thought of certification came to me by a new co-worker around 1985. We certainly did not understand the need for certification. We did just fine without it — so we thought. More than 30 years later there are so many who feel the same way — why do I need certification? The certification ties the “what we do” to “why we do it this way.” Everyone I have taught agrees.

I received my CRCST in 1994. I became involved in the local association and learned more about how to develop an education program. I continued my journey to attain Certified Central Service Management Concepts (CCSMC), now Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL). I helped to write the book. I attained my Certified Senior from AHRMM, then my CMRP and Fellowship. Working in CS was not a plan, but it has turned into a great career. I am grateful for the opportunities and mentors I have had. Be a mentor and help others to be the best they can be.

I became very close with the Director of Infection Control, who was an attorney as well as a nurse. I learned so much from her, and she from me. We had a great partnership and were able to accomplish so much toward quality through the relationship between our departments. Infection Prevention along with Risk Management represent two departments that CS and Supply Chain should work with very closely.

A great deal of education, and effort to secure mandatory certification, has taken place over the past 60 years. The merging of the American Society for Healthcare Central Service Professionals (ASHCSP) and the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) in 2007 was a great move for the profession. The vendors have become very supportive in providing education to CS and Supply Chain staff. And IAHCSMM celebrates its 60th anniversary this year!

Technology is ever evolving — we need the support of others to ensure we are getting the appropriate education and tools to complete the processes correctly. It is up to us to demonstrate to senior leadership the importance of Central Service and Supply Chain in supporting patient care and providing the funding for the education and tools.

Social media has had a profound impact on technicians around the nation. I had no idea the impact social media would play in education. However, I have joined a CS group on Facebook. It is great to see the posts asking questions or sharing experiences, and supporting one another. Some of the questions are a bit scary and could be addressed with more education. I think all managers should join and see what is being asked and ensure their facility is covering these topics.

I have become very passionate about education. I began presenting topics on Central Service and Supply Chain in 1998. I taught the CRCST course many times and helped to write the books. My goal is to provide one morsel that each will take back to their facilities and ask, why? I hope you can see that my experiences are probably close to yours. What are you doing today that in a few years you will be saying, why? If you know now — change it.

I believe many of us are in our positions because it was a job, not fully understanding our contribution to patient care. I believe many of us, after a short period of time, became passionate about what we do and how we do it. How do we share that passion and ensure those following in our footsteps continue to grow the passion, understanding and collaboration in support of the patient? What will you do?