SPD911 EP. 303 SGG Returns: What I Wish I Knew Before Sterile Processing

SPD911 EP. 303 SGG Returns: What I Wish I Knew Before Sterile Processing

Dr. J Taylor Jacobs and SPD legend Shane Green Gold (SGG) discuss the hard lessons and realities of sterile processing: why so many cases feel like emergencies, how "stat" is often misused, and the importance of forecasting, prioritization, and true audit-ready practices. They also cover training failures, orientation best practices, human-factor management, and how to overcome operational blindness by building better systems, clear SOPs, and consistent habits to protect patient safety.

(BONUS) Dr. Jake ORBMS KEYNOTE REACTION

EPISODE 3 — “The First 90 Days: What No One Warns You About” The first 90 days in Sterile Processing can feel like getting dropped into a storm with no map. Everything is “STAT.” Every phone call sounds like the building is on fire. You’re expected to move fast, but nobody ever clearly tells you what “right” looks like. And the crazy part? Even when people do get corrected, the same mistakes keep showing up shift after shift — not because techs don’t care, but because the work itself isn’t clearly defined, clearly prioritized, or consistently coached. In this episode, we break down what’s really happening underneath the panic: Why some departments live in constant emergency mode Why new techs get corrected for things they were never properly taught Why reminders don’t fix repeat errors when the system stays the same How unclear work creates stress, rushing, injuries, and burnout And what actually builds confidence so new techs stop second-guessing every step This isn’t a motivation episode. It’s a reality check. Because when everything is urgent, nothing is clear. And when nothing is clear, people get hurt — mentally, physically, and professionally. If you’ve ever wondered why the job feels harder than it should… this is the episode that explains it.

SPD911 EP. 302 — “Breaking Into SPD With No Experience”

Breaking Into SPD With No Experience | Why "We're Hiring" Doesn't Mean You're Getting Hired Hospitals say they're desperate for Sterile Processing techs. Job postings everywhere. But if you're trying to break in? Good luck getting past "we need someone with experience." So what's really going on? In this episode, we're breaking down why SPD feels impossible to get into—and why it has nothing to do with the people trying to enter the field. We cover five real scenarios every new tech runs into: Why departments scream "urgent hiring" but won't train anyone What separates programs that build you up from ones that burn you out in 90 days How two people start the same day and end up on completely different paths The trap of getting good at one area while missing the bigger picture How to actually gain traction instead of just surviving This isn't a motivational speech. It's a reality check on what's broken and what actually works. If you're trying to get in or already wondering why training feels like chaos, this one's for you. And if you want to keep the conversation going with other SPD professionals who get it, join our free SPD911 Community at SPD911.com Because SPD doesn't fail from bad people. It fails from bad systems. Let's fix that.

SPD911 EP. 201 — “So You Want to Be in SPD?”

Season 3 starts here. Episode 1 is for anyone who’s ever thought about working in Sterile Processing — or just started and quickly realized this job is nothing like they expected. From why every department feels different, to how you can tell early on if a team is actually organized or just surviving, we’re breaking down what SPD really looks like behind the scenes. No hype. No sugarcoating. Just real talk from the floor.

SPD911 Season 2, Episode 10: Fixing What’s Broken

This finale hits the real issues slowing SPD down — broken equipment, high turnover, ignored concerns, and the same workflow problems showing up again and again. If you’ve ever felt like you’re fighting the same battles every day, this episode is for you. We break down five core questions: How do I get leadership to fix broken equipment? How do I handle constant turnover? How do I advocate for my team when management won’t listen? How do I create buy-in for audits and compliance? How do I solve recurring workflow issues leadership keeps ignoring? We close the season with direct messages to SPD professionals, realistic motivation, and small-win strategies you can use immediately. Join the free SPD911 Community at SPD911.com to stay connected between seasons — networking, leadership growth, and real solutions from real people in the field. Season 2 is wrapped. Season 3 is next: “The Next Evolution of SPD Leadership.” Let’s fix what’s broken — and build what’s next.