Nancy Chobin, RN, AAS, ASCP, CSPM, CFER
Welcome to the Sterile Processing University webpage! I wanted to share some personal information with you so you know the background of the materials on this website.
I have worked in the sterile processing profession for over 40 years. In July, 2015, I "retired" from my full-time employment as Vice President, Sterile Processing, for the Barnabas Health System, New Jersey. This is the largest healthcare system in the state. During my 25+ year tenure with Barnabas Health, I was responsible to provide educational seminars, training programs and consultation services to the healthcare system, (Operating Room, Endoscopy processing and Sterile Processing Departments) dental and physician practices and Ambulatory Surgicenters in the areas of sterilization, infection control, decontamination, preparation and assembly, surgical instrumentation preparation, chemical disinfection, materials management, inventory management, design of Sterile Processing departments, centralization of surgical instrument processing, Joint Commission (JC) compliance issues, OSHA compliance issues, compliance with state and federal regulations, surgical case carts, sterile processing competencies, supply distribution systems, staffing and productivity and development of policy and procedure manuals relating to decontamination, high-level disinfection, and sterilization.
Since 1990 I have operated my own consulting company, a division of Sterile Processing University, LLC.
In 2005, I started Sterile Processing University, LLC to provide on-line continuing education for sterile processing staff. To help learn about the sterile processing profession and its practices, I developed a textbook to teach the most current standards and practices required for safe processing of reusable medical and surgical devices and instruments. The Basics of Sterile Processing Textbook, first edition, was published in 2006. There is also a self-assessment Workbook with quizzes after each chapter and a practice Final Exam. Since that time, The Basics of Sterile Processing Textbook and Workbooks have been updated (currently the 7th edition is available). A management textbook, Management Basics for Sterile Processing, and The Basics of Flexible Endoscope Reprocessing (and Workbook) followed.
For over 20 years, I have offered a Sterile Processing Management course which has been offered at various locations throughout the U.S. This course was developed so that new or existing sterile processing Managers, Material Managers, Perioperative Directors (with responsibility for SPD), Ambulatory Surgery Nursing Directors, Infection Preventionists, Risk Managers and Supervisors and Technicians wishing to advance into management could get all the current information they need to provide safe and effective practices, in one program. In 2016, we began offering the Sterile Processing Management course via webinars to avoid the costs of travel. The webinars have been very well received and will now be offered at least twice a year. We have also scheduled these courses specifically for a specific healthcare system. We can also provide core competency courses, either on-site or via webinars, for Sterile Processing and Ambulatory Surgery SPD technicians which can be customized to the facility’s processes and equipment.
RELEVANT BACKGROUND: I am a registered Nurse (licensed since 1966 in New York and since 1971 in New Jersey); with Sterile Processing experience since 1980, and Materials Management (10 years). I have developed over 15 surgical case cart systems and designed 12 Central Service Departments in the U.S. and Canada. Over the years I have consulted and/or provide educational services in over 350 hospitals, healthcare systems, and surgery centers in the U.S.
Since 1988 I served as the Executive Director of the Certification Board for Sterile Processing & Distribution, Inc. (CBSPD), (formerly NICHSPDP). In October 2014, I retired as the Executive Director of the CBSPD. I have retired from the CBSPD effective 12/31/20. I am certified on all levels, Technician, Management, Surgical Instrument Specialist, Ambulatory Surgery Sterile Processing Technician, and Certified Flexible Endoscope Reprocessor.
Over the years, I have traveled extensively to expand SPD education and encourage certification; Malaysia (3 times), Thailand, Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Colombia. I thoroughly enjoy speaking on sterile processing topics and I have lectured in virtually every state in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia. In addition, I have been published numerous times in the U.S., Europe, Canada, and Australia.
Since 1998 I have served as a member of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instruments (AAMI) Sterilization Standards Committee, a member of the Association of Peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN), and the Society for Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA). I now am a member of over 10 AAMI Committees and previously served as co-chair of the Endoscope and Manufacturer's Instructions for Use Committees.
During my career I received the following awards and recognitions:
2018 - The AAMI Standards Developer Award
2017 - A Certificate of Appreciation from the AAMI Board of Directors for Contributions and Service to the AAMI Standards Committee and as Committee Co-Chair from 2014-2018
October 2007, Acknowledged as “One of the 30 Most Important People in Sterile Processing” selected by Healthcare Purchasing News.
December 2006. Acknowledged as “Who’s Who in Infection Control”. Infection Control Today Magazine.
October 1996. Recipient of the Leonard Leipus Award (American Hospital Association) for outstanding contributions to the profession of Central Services.
1993 - Recipient of the SBW Educator of the Year Award in 1993.
1988 -Recipient of the Dr. John J. Perkins Memorial Award for Outstanding Contributions to Central
I thank you for using SPU's materials and educational programs. We welcome your comments and suggestions!
Nancy Chobin, RN, AAS, ASCP, CSPM, CFER