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How nurses impact reprocessing programs

April 04, 2013

As a next step, nurses can identify new opportunities for program expansion and encourage their leadership teams to advocate for reprocessing across the entire hospital. If reprocessing is being implemented in only one area of a hospital, nurses can work with their reprocessor to identify savings opportunities in other parts of the hospital, including the OR, EP and Cath labs, and other patient care areas. "By reaching out to leaders from all areas of the hospital, nurses can help build a cohesive reprocessing network in their facility," Caryn says.

With a strong foundation of internal support, reprocessing can help hospitals continue to deliver quality care for less money. Reprocessing can also benefit nurses indirectly if a hospital's savings are redirected toward hiring more nursing staff or upgrading technology. A well-executed reprocessing program will optimize their daily processes, rather than hinder them. "Even though enhancing engagement often requires extra effort from nurses and other clinical staff, the best reprocessing programs will not require them to make drastic changes to the way they care for patients," Caryn says.

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The best third-party reprocessors help facilitate seamless integration of reprocessed devices into existing inventory management systems, to avoid disruption to hospital operations or nurses' daily routines. Some reprocessors even offer learning opportunities-tailored to suit individual needs-that may fulfill continuing education requirements and keep nurses up-to-date on sustainability trends in the industry.

Overall, nurses can significantly impact their hospital's fiscal sustainability initiatives as well as waste reduction performance by promoting best practices and passionately communicating their support for reprocessing.

"Patient safety will remain a top priority in hospitals; a focus on quality nursing care is critical to seeing positive patient outcomes," says Caryn. "A third-party reprocessing program can aid in the reduction of hospital spending without compromising patient care."

Nurses are vital to the overall financial well being of a hospital as well as the health of the patients they serve. They can help determine the future of our nation's healthcare system by advocating for more sustainable practices, with reprocessing as an essential component.

Brian White is president of Stryker Sustainability Solutions, an industry leader in third-party medical device reprocessing and remanufacturing. For more information, visit sustainability.stryker.com and protectoursavings.com.

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