Active participation in local Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) chapters has the power to positively influence Sterile Processing professionals through targeted educational and networking opportunities. Among the greatest benefits is the ability to obtain quality continuing education and engage in meaningful networking. While virtual meetings allowed professionals to convene during the COVID-19 pandemic and can also be beneficial when inclement weather hampers participants’ ability to travel, many individuals note they gain more from in-person meetings and events. Such opportunities elevate one’s ability to directly network with professional peers to share best practices, answer questions, identify solutions to departmental challenges, converse with speakers and exhibiting vendors, and even develop critical skills to advance at a leadership level.
Whether a sterile processing professional is new or experienced, they can benefit significantly by building a stronger professional community. It is not uncommon for chapter members to glean valuable insight from those working in other facilities in the region—feedback that would otherwise be difficult to attain without the common ground provided by the chapter. One seasoned leader shared with HSPA how they were able to acquire new and much-needed capital equipment after speaking with a fellow chapter member who secured grants at his own facility and was willing to share more details about his successful approach. Another technician, who had attained certification and was exploring new employment opportunities in the region, landed an elevated technician position (Tech II) after meeting an SP manager from a neighboring town who was also attending the chapter’s membership event. Yet another member, a relatively new SPD manager, learned during a chapter meeting that a longstanding practice at her facility was inappropriate and went against the latest industry standards and guidelines. She was able to take her new-found knowledge back to her facility and make immediate changes to improve quality and safety.
Develop and share talents
Many chapter members can attest that the key to their personal success—as well as their chapter’s—is sharing existing talents to promote and advance the organization and its membership and learning from others to develop and sharpen new skills. Some members might possess strong organizational and planning skills, for example, which could be applied adeptly to event planning, and others may be creative and artistic or have exceptional computer skills that could lend themselves to effective marketing of the chapter and its events. What’s more, some members might be confident speakers on certain topics that would make them well suited for providing targeted education or mentorship.
Additionally, members can learn from existing chapter board members and consider running for a position themselves. Attaining this type of position can promote further professional growth and opportunities, giving individuals essential leadership skills that can be applied in their healthcare roles and even lead some to pursue positions on the national HSPA Board of Directors.
Beyond that, chapters with strong membership commitment and involvement have a unique opportunity to support their communities while promoting the profession. In recent years, HSPA chapters have completed charity runs and walks for various awareness campaigns and causes within their communities, allowing chapter members to serve their local population while also promoting the chapter and educating the public about sterile processing’s critical role in patient safety and quality care. Whichever level a member wishes to become involved, taking the first step toward chapter membership and active participation can lead to a sizable leap for their career development, confidence, and professionalism.
To learn more about HSPA chapters and identify your nearest chapter, visit myhspa.org/about/hspa-chapters.
