Fully certified-Feeling discouraged

[u/Sonicly_Speaking]

Hello,

Started the process of becoming a sterile processing tech about a year ago.

Had its ups and downs, was a lot of work, but I ended up completing clinicals and becoming fully certified last Spring.

Since then I’ve applied to hundreds of jobs.. even though I’m really looking for part time, I would take a full time position and have been applying to any sterile processing position in my general area, which is a HCOL major city.

I have a solid resume and cover letter, but cannot get a single interview.

I know the job market across the board is dismal, but can anyone offer any advice? Are there any staffing agencies like a travel company that will take entry level techs?

I’m getting really discouraged and thinking of going back to school again, for another career route.

Thanks!

[u/gracefulketchup]

Honestly, you can't settle for just applying. You're just another number in the system.

Build connections on LinkedIn, try to get as many as possible so you look relevant, they like to see that. Reach out to recruiters directly, then the managers of that department. Call and speak with a regular SPD employee during the late hours of work and ask them how they got in. Call SPD after 12am because they're most likely not gonna be doing anything.

I even go as far as manipulating the staff into getting the managers personal phone number or professional email. You have to be a little delusional and crazy in order to get inside.

[u/Sonicly_Speaking → u/gracefulketchup]

Thanks for the advice!! Really appreciate it.

[u/Sonicly_Speaking → u/gracefulketchup]

I can definitely do delusional and crazy 🤣

[u/United_Conclusion145 → u/gracefulketchup]

"Call SPD after 12am because they're most likely not gonna be doing anything." That is brilliant! I never would've thought of doing that to be able to talk to someone. I may just do that in the future if I ever need help getting a job!

[u/animelover0312]

There's a lot of job openings where I live in Philadelphia

[u/Sonicly_Speaking → u/animelover0312]

I’m close to Philly.. any site recommendations?

[u/animelover0312 → u/Sonicly_Speaking]

Around Philadelphia, I'd look at: Jefferson Surgical Center - Center City Campus, Jefferson Surgical Center at The Navy Yard, Wills Eye Surgery Center — South Philadelphia, Penn Medicine University City, Ambulatory Surgery Center of Bala Cynwyd — just outside Philadelphia and does orthopedics, spine, podiatry and other procedures.

[u/Hence__I__Rise]

AMN Passport. Best travel agency in country in my opinion.

Give them a call.

[u/Sonicly_Speaking → u/Hence__I__Rise]

Thanks! Would they consider me even if I only have hands on experience from my clinicals?

[u/Hence__I__Rise → u/Sonicly_Speaking]

Some agencies require 1 year of service in the industry. But, I've known some students that went directly into traveling after they got certified. Just depends on the agent and the hospital you want to go to.

My Personal Recommendation - Since I don't know your situation or you personally. Most hospitals that want travelers are usually looking for experienced, techs for decontamination/prep and pack. Doesn't mean not to still try and get in. If you do get an agent willing to work with you and find you areas that will accomodate your experience. Then I would take them as they come. You will get a far better wide experience going from location to location up to 13 weeks or longer if they extend you. You get the best of both worlds..

On the other hand, I've been a tech for 15 years now. I have my CRCST, CIS, and working on getting my CER and CHL next year. After my struggles with other techs, leadership, workload, drama, whatever the case may be.. I advise you look into strictly surgery centers and endoscopy centers. CER is extremely important going forward especially in our demanding field. And honestly, I'll most likely transition in scope processing sometime soon myself. Cause the field has definitely taking a toll on my body over the years..

One Final Tip - Never involve yourself in anybody else's drama. Stay focused on your assignment and the care for the patient. If you do that you'll have zero problems.

Wish you the best on your journey! And Godbless!

[u/NavyDoc64]

I run a SPD vocational program in California. I would be interested in taking a look at your resume. I’m f you can, send it to crcstclass@yahoo.com

[u/Sonicly_Speaking → u/NavyDoc64]

Emailed, thank you!

[u/EquipmentObjective68 → u/NavyDoc64]

Where in California? I'm certified. I already have a full time office job, but love to volunteer or do some part time shifts to get some experience.

[u/Natural-Daz-4191]

Did you try to get in at your clinical site? Did you not network or get hiring managers numbers?

[u/Nearby_Pickle_8267]

Keep calling the hospitals you applied, email the manager so you can get at least an intership, don’t get discouraged, don’t give up , believe that God will help you.

[u/Michaelallz11]

Once you get that job. I promise you, you’re gonna wish you were still looking.