Sometimes it’s the people who are behind-the-scenes that play the most important role. From the Zamboni driver at the ice rink, to the sous chef at a Michelin star restaurant, to the talented editor who worked on your favorite film, our world is full of essential individuals who don’t always get the spotlight for what they do. But without them, those amazing hockey games, delicious entrées, and amazing pieces of cinema would never come to life.
In the clinical world, the Central Sterile Processing team is one that takes on that same role of vital behind-the-scenes work. For UPMC Hamot’s Central Sterile Processing team, the feeling of working behind-the-scenes is a common one – but the feeling does not bog them down one bit. Thanks to a strong, positive culture built by their supportive leaders, this team is deeply proud of the essential work that they do.Central Sterile Processing (CSP) is an essential function in any hospital, with responsibilities including cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments and medical equipment, delivering equipment to surgical areas, and setting up the tools needed for upcoming medical procedures. This team plays a critical role in preventing infection and keeping patients safe, while dealing with a fast-paced and constantly changing environment – but for UPMC Hamot’s CSP team, the appreciation and encouragement they receive from their colleagues and leaders makes everything worth it.
Life Changing is…finding a place to belong.
Members of the CSP team have come from a wide and diverse array of career backgrounds, but all have found a meaningful home in Central Sterile Processing. James C., Central Sterile Processing Associate, spent a decade as a security officer at UPMC Hamot, but deep into his career he found himself desiring a change. “The life-changing thing for me has been the opportunity to start all over again,” James said. “When you’re 55 years old, it can be hard to start all over again. But I got this opportunity where I get paid while I train; it’s an opportunity to do something different.” James also shared that the Central Sterile Processing team now feels like home to him.Tim M., a supervisor on the team who many referred to as a father figure to the group, has a similar story. From roles in housekeeping, to the Emergency Department, to behavioral health, and more, Tim has seen it all. But what has kept him in Central Sterile Processing is the people. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for these people,” Tim said.
Life Changing is…finding a place to belong.
Members of the CSP team have come from a wide and diverse array of career backgrounds, but all have found a meaningful home in Central Sterile Processing. James C., Central Sterile Processing Associate, spent a decade as a security officer at UPMC Hamot, but deep into his career he found himself desiring a change. “The life-changing thing for me has been the opportunity to start all over again,” James said. “When you’re 55 years old, it can be hard to start all over again. But I got this opportunity where I get paid while I train; it’s an opportunity to do something different.” James also shared that the Central Sterile Processing team now feels like home to him.Tim M., a supervisor on the team who many referred to as a father figure to the group, has a similar story. From roles in housekeeping, to the Emergency Department, to behavioral health, and more, Tim has seen it all. But what has kept him in Central Sterile Processing is the people. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for these people,” Tim said.
Life Changing is…cheering each other on.
For Sydney A., Central Sterile Processing Associate, part of her drive to excel in her role comes from her team’s understanding of how essential their work is to the function of the hospital. “Before coming here, I never had any medical background. I had no idea how much goes into a surgery — it’s not just [what’s happening] in the operating room and what the surgeon does. There’s way more work put into that, with a lot of effort from everybody. It’s very cool, and I never realized that.”Sydney also credits the team’s leader, Elizabeth B., with creating such a positive culture. Elizabeth, or Liz, always starts CSP’s team meetings with a win, eagerly telling the team what they’ve been doing well and encouraging that great work to continue. “I already love what I’m doing,” Sydney said, “so just knowing that it’s appreciated really brightens everybody’s mood and makes everybody feel included and appreciated. Liz is great at going that extra step… whether it’s getting notes in the mail or on our lockers, Liz really makes sure that we feel appreciated.”
Life Changing is…cheering each other on.
For Sydney A., Central Sterile Processing Associate, part of her drive to excel in her role comes from her team’s understanding of how essential their work is to the function of the hospital. “Before coming here, I never had any medical background. I had no idea how much goes into a surgery — it’s not just [what’s happening] in the operating room and what the surgeon does. There’s way more work put into that, with a lot of effort from everybody. It’s very cool, and I never realized that.”Sydney also credits the team’s leader, Elizabeth B., with creating such a positive culture. Elizabeth, or Liz, always starts CSP’s team meetings with a win, eagerly telling the team what they’ve been doing well and encouraging that great work to continue. “I already love what I’m doing,” Sydney said, “so just knowing that it’s appreciated really brightens everybody’s mood and makes everybody feel included and appreciated. Liz is great at going that extra step… whether it’s getting notes in the mail or on our lockers, Liz really makes sure that we feel appreciated.”
Life Changing is…leaders who care.
The encouragement and positivity from Liz and other leaders isn’t just a fun touch that makes the work day brighter – it’s actually a crucial element of what makes this team function so successfully. “That appreciation makes us all want to be more productive and vigilant about what we’re doing,” Sydney A. shared. “Whenever you have a positive leader encouraging you, that just makes you want to do your job better. Attitude trickles down from management, and when you have a good manager like we do, it shows. I think we work great as a team.”Ashlee S., Clinical Director over the Central Sterile Processing team, joined Sydney in praising Liz. “She’s just rocking it,” Ashlee said. “She’s created this warm, comfortable team environment, and she just knows how to handle certain situations. She’s so humble, and it’s been phenomenal to have her here.”
Life Changing is…leaders who care.
The encouragement and positivity from Liz and other leaders isn’t just a fun touch that makes the work day brighter – it’s actually a crucial element of what makes this team function so successfully. “That appreciation makes us all want to be more productive and vigilant about what we’re doing,” Sydney A. shared. “Whenever you have a positive leader encouraging you, that just makes you want to do your job better. Attitude trickles down from management, and when you have a good manager like we do, it shows. I think we work great as a team.”Ashlee S., Clinical Director over the Central Sterile Processing team, joined Sydney in praising Liz. “She’s just rocking it,” Ashlee said. “She’s created this warm, comfortable team environment, and she just knows how to handle certain situations. She’s so humble, and it’s been phenomenal to have her here.”
Life changing is...colleagues that care.
"This team here in Central Sterile Processing is amazing! A few words that come to mind when someone asks me to describe them are hardworking, resilient, and compassionate. No matter what is thrown their way, they remain focused and vigilant on delivering a superior quality of work. It is my honor to lead this incredible team and continue to uphold a high standard of patient safety."
- Liz B.
No matter what type of work you do, the culture that you build and the words that you use to support, encourage, and inspire the people around you can have a life-changing impact.
Life changing is...colleagues that care.
"This team here in Central Sterile Processing is amazing! A few words that come to mind when someone asks me to describe them are hardworking, resilient, and compassionate. No matter what is thrown their way, they remain focused and vigilant on delivering a superior quality of work. It is my honor to lead this incredible team and continue to uphold a high standard of patient safety."
- Liz B.
No matter what type of work you do, the culture that you build and the words that you use to support, encourage, and inspire the people around you can have a life-changing impact.
