Celebrating National Sterile Processing Week
by
TERRY HERRING
at Fayetteville Technical Community College. The program
National Sterile Processing Week is celebrated Oct. 13-19 with
consists of both a theory and practical component related to the
the theme "Patient Safety Starts with Us."
decontamination, cleaning, processing, assembly, sterilization,
If you have had surgery recently, did you think about the
storage and distribution of medical devices and supplies.
sterility of the instruments? Sterile processing technicians
Upon graduation, students are awarded a certificate and
provide a critical role in the healthcare environment but often are
are eligible to sit for the National Certification Examination.
overlooked as part of the medical team. These valuable technicians
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with the growing
focus on infection control and aseptic techniques that are utilized
healthcare needs of the aging population, demands for certified
to disinfect and sterilize a wide variety of surgical instruments
sterile processing technicians should remain high.
and equipment required for surgery. Without them, hospitals
For more information concerning sterile processing, please
would not be able to function. The work of a sterile processing
contact Katrina Simpson, program coordinator, at 678-9786 or
technician impacts nearly every department within hospitals and
via e-mail at SIMPSONK@faytechcc.edu. You can learn more
surgical centers.
about Fayetteville Technical Community College by visiting our
Working in sterile processing requires the sterile processing
website at faytechcc.edu. The college offers classes at the 2201
technician to take on multidimensional responsibilities that require
Sterile Processing Technicians
varied knowledge and skills. These skills include the following:
Hull Road campus, Spring Lake campus, and Fort
provide a critical role in the
Bragg Center. Visit with us soon, and thank you
an understanding of the manufacture, packaging and handling of
healthcare environment but
for recognizing
sterile medical products; processing and reprocessing of products;
often are overlooked as part
and celebrating our TERRY HERRING, FTCC Department
purchasing; and within the healthcare facility, management of
Chair, Surgical Technology and Sterof the medical team.
"unsung heroes"
effective warehousing, distribution, inventory control and cost
ile Processing, Contributing Writer.
who positively
recovery systems.
COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomintouch many lives every day!
This interesting and vital career as a sterile processing technician is available
gweekly.com.
Good Morning Fayetteville
with Goldy & Jim
W
Weekday Mornings 6-10 a.m.
Talk Line: 910-864-6400
Local News, Weather, Traffic & Sports
Focus on the Family
20 Countdown Magazine
Adventures in Odyssey
Contest & Request Line:
910-764-1073
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM
Keeping the Main Thing ... the Main Thing.
visit us online
www.christian107.com
SEPTEMBER 11-17, 2013 UCW
17
