As Arlene Bush, accomplished in her field and recognized by her various certifications including CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL, SME, DSMD, CRMST, concludes her term as the president of the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA), she looks back at her tenure with pride and satisfaction. Emphasizing on her consistent advocacy, collaborative efforts, and relentless focus on progress within sterile processing, she leaves a legacy worthy of recognition and emulation.
In an interview with the lead editor of Infection Control Today® (ICT®), Bush talks about her journey as the HSPA president marked by various milestones, persistent endeavors, and enduring partnerships. She refers to her time leading HSPA as one of the most rewarding episodes of her entire career.
Throughout her presidency, Bush has been instrumental in increasing visibility and recognition for sterile processing professionals in both healthcare systems and on a national level. A critical part of her advocating journey at the helm of the HSPA has been the drive for mandatory certification, which she views not only as a professional legitimization but as a crucial instrument in patient safety.
In tandem with the advocacy work, Bush’s presidency also saw a renewed focus on enhancing internal systems. Initiatives such as updates to certification criteria and improving fellowship programs were part of her strategy to foster advancement while retaining rigor.
Collaboration remained a recurring theme in Bush’s leadership narrative. She stressed on the importance of bridging the gap between sterile processing and perioperative teams, emphasizing the platitude of unity: we are stronger together.
Bush’s leadership style, a balancing act of empathy and expectation, has been shaped by her real-world experiences and her ability to manage crises, including natural disasters. As she prepares to pass the baton, she underlines the significance of mentorship, pointing out how mentoring within the organization’s ranks prepares the next in line for leadership.
Bush, exiting her leadership role with confidence in her successors, leaves some sage advice: ‘Be steadfast. Remember why you’re in the seat and enjoy your time as it goes so quickly.’ She gives a special nod to the upcoming 2026 HSPA Annual Conference in Baltimore. The event will be a transition period, a celebration of shared accomplishments, and a charity initiative demonstrating HSPA’s dedication to giving back to the community.
In the end, she leaves a legacy shaped by a relentless commitment to elevating the profession, collaboration, and advocacy. As Bush wraps up her presidency, she notes ‘Our work’s not done, but we’re in a really good place.’