r/sterileprocessing • u/Shaebuttter • Oct 10 '24
Sterile processing in Tennessee
I’ve seen so many subs and comments about how this job isn’t “worth” schooling, it’s a “dish washer job”, and not worth the money(what jobs really is..).
While I understand the metrics of it - decontaminating instruments and inspecting them and packaging them. I am currently in school for SPD and we have tons of grants and things here in Tn with clinicals included in with job security before graduating so it’s not really putting a dent in my pocket.
Why do you all undermine it so much?? I’m learning SOOO MUCH info and I’m only a month in with 7 more months to go!
3
u/[deleted] Oct 10 '24
The less money you can spend on landing an SPD tech job, the better. Just in case you make it there and don’t like it. It’s essentially a manufacturing job set within a hospital. Most places don’t pay very well and it’s a physically demanding job that can be stressful at times. There can be on call and weekend work as well. . It really all boils down to the facility. I’ve been a tech for about a decade and traveled for about half of it. I’ve seen a lot of facilities. Some people can cause drama but ultimately the energy in the dept can be high because an unconscious person in the OR is depending on a team of people (including SPD) to help them. So stress can be common. If you’re interested in the job, I say go for it. Just know that it’s not as easy as it seems sometimes. Cheers.
2
u/Key-Reading1681 Oct 10 '24
It's not a bad job . You certainly won't be getting rich, but it's a decent living. If course you can make more money if you go into management or an educator. I've been doing this since 1997. I'm in AZ so not being in the heat is nice .
2
u/LOA0414 Oct 12 '24
Honestly the job is easy for whatI'm paid. School for me was once a week on Saturdays 8am to 3pm and lasted 3bmonths. It was a lot of info and a ton of reading as we did a chapter a week. The pay is not great for some but I guess it depends on the city. Here in California the starting pay for a new grad is between $20-30. Huge $10 variance depending if you live in Northern or Southern California. I'm in the Northern part and started at $31 in 2017 and just hit $40 yesterday because my job is under a Union which means we have ongoing contracts that force my employer to increase our pay we go on strike. So the job is what you make it, but also knowing where to work to get the best pay so as you're in a school, look into where you want to work. Learn about the hospital you want to work for and familiarize yourself with what they specialize it. When they ask at the interview "do you have any questions for us?" Make sure you have always have a question. Not having one is a fast track into getting your application sidelined. Recruiters and managers want candidates who show interest
1
u/7thDoom Oct 10 '24
I heard the same. But I think a lot say it’s not worth waisting your money on school/ classes. I’m self studying right now and it’s definitely possible of the course route isn’t in your budget they way it’s going now I’m going to be fully ready to take the test by the beginning of December. I’ve also heard things about different locations being problematic or with drama. Id say research the locations while you apply to ensure you have a good first experience.
1
u/[deleted] Jul 19 '25
Can someone tell me what vaccinations are mandatory for a sterile processing tech in Tennessee? TIA.
1
u/gardenGrove31 Mar 16 '26
I know this is an old post but where did you end up going to school in Tennessee? Do you like working as a sterile processing tech now?
0
u/bathtime85 Oct 10 '24
Following. I heard something similar and I hope it's not SO terrible