Welcome to Our Sterile Processing Blog: A Place to Learn, Grow, and Stay Informed

We are excited to introduce a new resource dedicated to the professionals who keep healthcare safe behind the scenes every day. Whether you are a Sterile Processing Technician, Lead, Supervisor, Manager, Educator, or a student preparing to enter the profession, this blog was created with you in mind.

Sterile Processing is a profession that is constantly evolving. New standards are introduced, technologies advance, regulations change, and healthcare facilities continually face new operational challenges. Staying informed is no longer optional, it is an essential part of providing safe patient care.

That is why we are launching this blog.

Our goal is simple: to provide practical, relevant, and thought-provoking content that helps you navigate the challenges and opportunities facing our profession. Rather than focusing solely on theory, we want to explore the real-world issues that sterile processing professionals encounter every day.

One of the things that makes this blog unique is that it will feature contributions from multiple voices within the industry. Experienced technicians, educators, managers, consultants, and subject matter experts will periodically share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Each author brings a unique background and area of expertise, allowing us to present a broad range of ideas while encouraging thoughtful discussion.

You can expect articles covering topics such as:

• Industry standards and regulatory updates

• Leadership and department management

• Instrument care and best practices

• Quality assurance and patient safety

• Professional development and certification

• Career advancement

• Technology and innovation

• Common workplace challenges and practical solutions

• Lessons learned from real-world experiences

Healthcare is constantly changing, and sterile processing professionals are expected to adapt quickly. Our hope is that each article provides not only information but also practical guidance that you can apply in your own department.

Sometimes an article may challenge conventional thinking. Other times it may simply reinforce a best practice or introduce a new perspective. Regardless of the topic, our commitment is to present information that is educational, evidence-based whenever possible, and relevant to the work you perform every day.

We also believe that learning should be a conversation. We encourage readers to share their experiences, ask questions, and engage with the ideas presented. By learning from one another, we strengthen not only our individual knowledge but our profession as a whole.

Thank you for joining us at the beginning of this journey. We invite you to visit often, read with an open mind, and become part of a growing community committed to excellence in sterile processing.

Together, we can continue to improve our knowledge, strengthen our departments, support one another, and ultimately contribute to safer patient care.

Welcome to the conversation…

Meet Our Contributing Authors

One of the greatest strengths of this blog is the diversity of experience behind it. Our contributors come from different backgrounds within the Sterile Processing profession, bringing expertise in education, leadership, operations, and clinical practice. Together, our goal is to provide practical insights, share lessons learned, and encourage thoughtful discussion on the topics that matter most to Sterile Processing professionals.

Tameka Jones

Tameka Jones is a Sterile Processing Educator at Cedars-Sinai with seven years of experience dedicated to advancing patient safety through education, quality, and excellence in sterile processing. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about mentoring technicians, strengthening competencies, and promoting best practices that support safe surgical care. Her work focuses on fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and accountability while emphasizing compliance with AAMI standards and industry guidelines.

Prior to her career in healthcare, she proudly served eight years in the United States Marine Corps. The leadership, discipline, and commitment to service she developed in the military continues to influence her approach as an educator and mentor. She believes investing in people is one of the most effective ways to elevate the Sterile Processing profession and improve patient outcomes. Through education, mentorship, and lifelong learning, she strives to inspire others to pursue excellence and make a meaningful impact every day.

Sarah Awan

Sarah Awan is a Senior Lead Sterilization Technician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center with more than 19 years of experience in the sterile processing profession. She is passionate about continuing education, fostering collaboration, and sharing her knowledge with colleagues. Above all, she is dedicated to patient safety and advancing the future of sterile processing. Through her articles, Sarah offers practical, real-world perspectives on emerging and current industry topics, providing valuable insights for both new and experienced sterile processing professionals.

 Harry Mullen, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CER

Harry Mullen is the CEO and Managing Director of Central Sterilization Solutions, LLC, and brings more than 35 years of experience in the Sterile Processing profession. Throughout his career, he has served as a technician, department leader, educator, consultant, and professional association leader, dedicating his work to advancing the profession through education, leadership, and workforce development.

Harry is passionate about preparing the next generation of Sterile Processing professionals while helping experienced leaders navigate the ever-changing challenges facing healthcare today. His articles will focus on leadership, department operations, professional development, certification, industry trends, and practical solutions that readers can apply within their own departments.