Podcast Summary: Bred To Lead | With Dr. Jake Taylor Jacobs

Episode: Bread To Lead Presents SPD911 | Episode 1
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Host: Dr. Jake Taylor Jacobs, President and CEO of SIPS Healthcare Solutions
Guests:

• Sharon Green Golden: Director of Clinical Compliance, with 40 years in sterile processing
• Derrick Jones: Director of Clinical Operations, specializing in operational efficiency and team development

Introduction to SPD911

The episode kicks off with Dr. Jake Taylor Jacobs welcoming listeners to SPD911, a show dedicated to addressing the toughest challenges in Sterile Processing Departments (SPD). He introduces his esteemed colleagues, Sharon Green Golden and Derrick Jones, highlighting their extensive experience and expertise in compliance, regulatory standards, and operational efficiency within the sterile processing field.

[00:30] Dr. Jake Taylor Jacobs: "SPD911 isn't just a show. It's your emergency response team for Sterile Processing."

Building Leadership in Sterile Processing

The conversation centers around the theme of “Bred to Lead”, emphasizing that leadership is cultivated through experiences, challenges, and intentional growth rather than being an innate trait. Sharon and Derrick delve into how leadership within SPD requires resilience, proactive communication, and continuous professional development.

Scenario 1: Overstaffing, Rush Processing, and Burnout

Situation: SPD technicians are overwhelmed due to chronic understaffing, leading to rushed processing, increased errors, and burnout.

Discussion:

• Sharon Green Golden emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of quality in sterile processing, regardless of staffing challenges.

  [11:00] Sharon Green Golden: "You cannot rush the process. It's not fair to the patient."

• Derrick Jones adds the importance of utilizing metrics and data to advocate for better staffing levels effectively.

  [12:44] Derrick Jones: "Provide metrics to measure and show our upline leadership the challenges we're faced with."

• Sharon stresses the leader's role in communicating directly with upper management to secure necessary resources.

  [14:15] Sharon Green Golden: "As the leader, it's my job to make sure that the C-suite knows where we are."

Scenario 2: Urgent Instrument Requests and Communication

Situation: The Operating Room (OR) sends urgent requests for instruments not listed in the case card, expecting SPD to deliver them swiftly.

Discussion:

• Sharon outlines a structured communication process to address missing instruments promptly.

  [23:32] Sharon Green Golden: "If I'm communicating that the OR is sending me an incomplete set, I first have to have the facts."

• Derrick highlights the dual focus on serving patient needs immediately while tracking issues for long-term solutions.

  [25:56] Derrick Jones: "It all starts with being able to talk to one another."

• Sharon shares proactive strategies, such as early detection of missing instruments and collaboration with OR staff to prevent future occurrences.

  [27:55] Sharon Green Golden: "We don't wait, we go right away."

Scenario 3: Lack of Respect and Elevating Department Visibility

Situation: SPD workers feel like the invisible backbone of the hospital with little appreciation from surgical teams and leadership.

Discussion:

• Derrick emphasizes creating ownership and opportunities for SPD technicians to take on leadership roles within the department.

  [32:24] Derrick Jones: "Offer them opportunities to take on different roles and ownership in processes or services within SPD."

• Sharon advocates for proactive self-promotion and educating others about the critical role of SPD in patient care.

  [33:56] Sharon Green Golden: "You're in sterile process. And you need to tell them what you do."

• Dr. Jake underscores the importance of marketing the SPD department within the hospital to garner respect and recognition.

  [38:15] Dr. Jake Taylor Jacobs: "It's your job as the leader of your department to market your business."

Scenario 4: Navigating Toxic Work Environments

Situation: A group of SPD technicians are dealing with toxic leadership, favoritism, and lack of managerial support.

Discussion:

• Sharon advises maintaining professionalism by adhering strictly to job descriptions and documenting issues meticulously.

  [53:57] Sharon Green Golden: "I kept my notes as to what I was doing, as to what I thought was wrong."

• Derrick recommends seeking opportunities to address toxic behaviors through leadership channels or, if necessary, leaving the environment for personal well-being.

  [56:44] Derrick Jones: "If they're experiencing that, it's probably best to just leave."

• Dr. Jake challenges leaders to empathize with subordinates and encourages remaining to help turn the organization around rather than abandoning it.

  [63:54] Dr. Jake Taylor Jacobs: "If you desire to be a leader, stay and help figure out how you can turn that organization around."

Cultivating Leadership and Professional Growth

Throughout the episode, Sharon and Derrick stress the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and preparing for future leadership roles. They advocate for investing in certifications, attending meetings, and taking proactive steps to advance one's career within sterile processing.

[47:28] Sharon Green Golden: "You have to want to do better... You've got to want to do it for yourself."

[64:20] Sharon Green Golden: "Be willing to leave yourself when it's time... I'm willing to share and mentor people."

Dr. Jake reinforces the notion that leadership requires dedication, influence, and the ability to inspire others rather than merely holding a title.

[64:53] Dr. Jake Taylor Jacobs: "Leadership is by committee... build relationships versus being dependent."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a strong emphasis on the collective responsibility of SPD leaders to foster an environment of respect, proactive communication, and continuous improvement. Dr. Jake, Sharon, and Derrick encourage listeners to engage with the SPD911 community for ongoing support and to implement the discussed strategies to enhance their departments' leadership and operational effectiveness.

[70:33] Sharon Green Golden: "Listen every time I add on you hadn't."

[70:33] Dr. Jake Taylor Jacobs: "This is the live is the funniest the most brass we want to talk to you how you would talk to us on regular day basis other than that Dr. Jake Taylor, Sharon Green Golden and Derrick Jones we are out."

Key Takeaways:

1. Leadership Development: Emphasizes that leadership is cultivated through experience, resilience, and intentional growth rather than being an inherent trait.

2. Effective Communication: Highlights the importance of proactive and structured communication within SPD departments and with hospital leadership.

3. Visibility and Respect: Encourages SPD professionals to market their roles and contributions to gain the necessary respect and recognition within the hospital setting.

4. Handling Toxicity: Provides strategies for dealing with toxic work environments, including maintaining professionalism, documenting issues, and seeking supportive opportunities or leaving if necessary.

5. Continuous Growth: Stresses the need for ongoing professional development, mentorship, and preparation for future leadership roles to ensure both personal and departmental success.

Notable Quotes:

• Sharon Green Golden:

  "You cannot rush the process. It's not fair to the patient." [11:00]

• Derrick Jones:

  "Provide metrics to measure and show our upline leadership the challenges we're faced with." [12:44]

• Dr. Jake Taylor Jacobs:

  "It's your job as the leader of your department to market your business." [38:15]

• Sharon Green Golden:

  "You have to want to do better... You've got to want to do it for yourself." [47:28]

• Dr. Jake Taylor Jacobs:

  "Leadership is by committee... build relationships versus being dependent." [64:53]

For more insights and to join the SPD911 community, visit SPD911.com and become a part of the SIPs Executive Edge community to engage directly with industry experts.