Focused Networking Opens Doors for Sterile Processing Success

By Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CHL, CIS 

Networking, in the simplest of terms, entails interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts, typically in a social setting. Still, it’s far more than a perfunctory exchange between individuals. Targeted, focused networking has the potential to establish and strengthen relationships with those who may become colleagues, mentors or professional acquaintances over the course of one’s career. It is a continuous process and the list of people with whom we network and interact is ever-growing. As we network, our self-confidence tends to improve, and our professional knowledge deepens. 

Sterile processing (SP) is a fast-paced, ever-evolving discipline that requires all team members, regardless of title or experience level, to commit to ongoing learning and knowledge sharing. Networking plays a vital role in that process, and I encourage all SP professionals to participate, regardless of their personality type or communication style. Note: Personally, networking helped make me a better SP professional and allowed me to learn and share valuable information more readily and effectively. If you are shy or uncomfortable communicating in certain situations, please know you are not alone. You can become a more confident communicator and networker over time – and at your own pace. The goal is to simply begin and build from there.

Reach beyond social media

Although it may appear that social media networking is the easiest approach because it lets us communicate more spontaneously, without the potentially awkward interactions of some face-to-face discussions, it does have limitations. I believe there is nothing more beneficial than building vital interpersonal networking skills through in-person communication, which contributes to more productive, beneficial and enduring relationships. Social media content should also be carefully vetted for accuracy; this is especially true whenever SP-related processes, practices and advice are shared. 

The power of in-person networking strengthens over time. When our professional contacts grow, the same is true of our opportunities for growing our knowledge and setting ourselves up for future career advancement. When our skill sets broaden, we can become valuable subject matter experts who mentor new teammates and exchange information with our SP peers, inside and outside our own facilities. Some of the many benefits of in-person networking include: 

1. Building confidence – When we improve our communication skills, we are often more willing to build up others who may be new to the profession or in-person networking.
2. Increasing visibility – Face-to-face interactions allows others to see us in a brighter professional light. When we share knowledge in person, our values, ethics and personal strengths can shine, and our passion for certain subject matter becomes more apparent. 
3. Growing one’s personal brand – In-person networking helps spotlight our strengths, commitment to quality, and desire to learn and advance in the profession. It also helps set us apart as subject matter experts, which can lead to professional speaking or authorship opportunities, chapter leadership roles, and more.
4. Sharing best practices – We all bring unique perspectives through our experiences and can benefit significantly from different approaches when they are rooted in the latest standards and best practices. Others may have experienced similar issues, challenges and concerns and can offer effective solutions and strategies for improvement. 
5. Lending career support – Broader professional networks contribute to more direct career support. New technicians, for example, have much to learn from their more experienced counterparts, and if they someday wish to pursue a leadership position, networking with those in supervisory or management roles can help them develop vital skills. Still, even the most experienced SP professionals should be open to learning from those who are less experienced; we all bring valuable skills and strengths to the table and shouldn’t discount another’s value simply because they are newer to the profession.
6. Stepping up chapter participation – Broadening professional networks through local meetings, chapter involvement and Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) conference attendance delivers many benefits. Among the greatest advantages is the ability to discuss departmental-related challenges and successes with fellow SP professionals. Throughout my career, I’ve met SP peers from all over the world and it was valuable to learn about what works best for them and their teams.
7. Climb the career ladder – If someone in your network knows we are seeking a new position or place of employment, they can share details about job openings as they become available. Many people have found their dream job through networking, and we can help others in our professional networks find theirs. 
8. Create lasting relationships – Some of the most beneficial relationships are cultivated through effective networking. When we are willing to help guide one another through challenges and share helpful information about our profession and departments, we can all learn, grow and have success. An added bonus: Enduring relationships often lead to new introductions that further broaden our professional network. 

Conclusion

In-person professional networking allows us to build robust, lasting relationships that are rooted in standards – and best-practice – based knowledge sharing, support and mentorship. Networking helps us gain confidence when communicating and sharing information, which further helps promote more meaningful dialog with our teammates, customers and interdisciplinary colleagues.

– Tony Thurmond, CRCST, CHL, CIS, FCS, serves as Central Service Manager for Dayton Children’s Hospital. He is also an HSPA Past-President who currently serves on the HSPA Board of Directors.