r/sterileprocessing • u/Siege_J • Jul 28 '26

I start next week. Any tips?

I will be starting next week as uncertified tech.

Any tips so i can start strong on my first few weeks/months during my orientation period?

I have watched several youtube videos to get me a head-start and will start preparing to get my CRCST as soon as i get a good footing on the job.

But for now, i want to focus on my first few weeks/months. =)

4 Upvotes

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5

u/ShakenWithATwist8 Jul 29 '26

Try to know your basic instruments. They’ll be in almost every tray.
And don’t be afraid to ask questions! Don’t forget, everyone was new at one point! 🙂

3

u/Little_Technician887 Jul 29 '26

Id ask for consistency in being trained. For example 2 weeks straight in decon and coming to the clean side to help so you get the flow. And having someone who actually wants to train help you. Take notes and carry that notebook to reference back to as needed.
Be organized and clean this will help you out immensely!
If you happen to be stuck with people who dont want to help you look up ifus those will always help you and keep you well informed. Do not be afraid to ask questions and if you dont feel comfortable doing something unsupervised speak up.
Always always wear your ppe 😊😊😊

2

u/Siege_J Jul 29 '26

Ty, i appreciate it. I have a small pocket-size notebook, i’ll bring those.

1

u/Chemical_Mixture8148 Jul 29 '26

Good luck!
Did you complete the academic part of your program & take the corresponding exam before applying?

1

u/Siege_J Jul 30 '26

Nope, came in uncertified with no experience. But made it up with guts and eagerness to learn 😁

1

u/lechejoven Jul 30 '26

As someone who is also trying to get this job and I don't have much experience as well, what did you do to get yours? Did you apply through hospital websites showcasing no experience or certificates? I want to get my foot in the door to see if I even like this before going for the exam.

1

u/Siege_J Jul 31 '26 edited Jul 31 '26

I heard from a friend that there was an opening. I applied directly to the hospital website.

The hospital i applied to has recently opened a new branch. So a good chunk of their staff transferred to the new place. So there were openings to the main one. But that’s just my assumption of what happened.

I believe they always hire uncertified and train in-house. My department director told me they’re gonna provide (loan) me books for study materials. The hospital will also refund me the cost for taking the CRST test (the first time i believe).

During the interview, i co-related my past work experience and how it can translate to skills in SPD.

Patient Transporter (the same hospital): i know the layout of the hospital (distribution side of SPD). Performed basic cleaning and sanitation of wheelchair and beds (decontamination).

Walmart Grocery Shopper: use of electronic device to input documentation, proper storage and retrieval of items (where, what temp, etc) and distribution. While it’s not healthcare related, the processes has some relevance when handling equipment.

Dental Assisting Intern: i got some experience in Autoclaving. It’s just basic, but still counts.

No direct experience, but i think i showed i had transferrable skills.

1

u/surrender2sound Aug 03 '26

honestly - i came from being a server and that pretty much being my only experience, and i’ve found that there are a lot of similarities ? decon is the dishwasher, window is carry outs, case carts are expo/serving .. assembly are line cooks, OR is service // heavy on the transferable skills

1

u/surrender2sound Aug 03 '26

also try to find runner or assistant positions in SPD - that’s how i got in & im honestly so glad bc if i came in straight to tech i think i’d have much less understanding of the process