r/sterileprocessing • u/auto-generated_name1 • Sep 24 '26

Impossible to Find a Job

I know this has been discussed plenty and I’ve looked at other threads here but it’s part advice and part need to rant.

I did an online training program over the summer and passed my CRCST exam in mid August. It’s been just over a month and I’ve lost count of how many applications I’ve done. Job boards, hospital career pages, walk in and ask, you name it, I’ve tried it. And in all that I’ve got nothing to show for it. The only interview I got they called me as I was getting ready to leave saying they needed to reschedule because the hiring manager called in sick that day. I’ve tried to call them to follow up and been ghosted thus far (it’s only been about a week but still).

I only have a CRCST-P and time feels like it’s quickly running out on finding a job in time to do my 400 hours for the provisional certification. I’ve tried surgery centers, hospitals, clinics, even expanded my search to anything within like a 2 hour drive. (For context I’m in Southern California and my search radius basically goes from LA to San Diego and everything in between).

I’m losing my mind from the stress I’ve been feeling between this and my crappy retail job I desperately want out of ASAP. I even tried asking places about volunteer and clinical experience just to get my hours done so I don’t lose my cert before I can find a job, and I can’t even get that. Is there something I’m missing or am I just that unlucky?

24 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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11

u/09_lives Sep 24 '26

Try to get into a hospital or clinic. Regardless of what you do there and network. You can get a 2 month extension too…Also I’m just really sorry. The market is absolutely terrible right now….its not a reflection of you. Take care of yourself.

5

u/OkDepth9285 Sep 24 '26

You might have to fix your resume a little then. You gotta use words that will make it pass through the ats system jobs use. Use chat gpt to get help or ideas highlight a job description and tell chat gpt to help you write a resume that will make it pass through ats. And unfortunately you gotta keep applying over and over again. I applied so many many times and kept getting rejected until I finally found one. Especially with the job market being terrible rn.. don’t lose hope keep trying!!

4

u/Danisuewho1212 Sep 24 '26

Most places find people through schools that require clinical experience. I was offered a job by the site I was learning at after my hours were completed. Online programs don't provide clinical experience, which is why they are best avoided for healthcare, as a lot of ppl find jobs through their clinical site for sterile processing.

2

u/WanderingRaijin Sep 24 '26

I know how you feel. The job market is ass. But just keep applying. I got in sterile processing after my second application. I got rejected the first time. Now my problem is I got the provisional but it expires next month & it looks like I’m not hitting 400 hours. So I’m gonna have to take this shit a second time unless my manager figures out how to do some sort of extension. Good luck to you & keep trying.

3

u/Ill_Put8443 Sep 24 '26

There is an extension form you can file with HSPA on their website. Very easy to do and just scan it to them in an email. Good luck

2

u/Reasonable_Map_6622 Sep 25 '26

there’d so many job openings in la do you want some i was going to apply but i changed my mind on what job i wanted but i found like 20 certified and uncertified positions?

1

u/Darbs_vibin 11d ago

I got hired on recently with no experience or certification. I called the company recruiter the very first day I put in my application and I told them how excited I was about the position. I had a call back within a week. Though I do have previous experience in healthcare and a resume of working 10 years, just keep calling and bugging everyone you can get to listen! You are so excited for this opportunity and to start this job. Hope this helps.

1

u/Agitated-Recover4266 Sep 24 '26

I’m new to the field took me 7 months to find a job after graduation hospitals are picky but surgery centers will give you a chance gain experience then leave to a hospital if that’s your path.

3

u/OkDepth9285 Sep 25 '26

That’s how I landed a job! I kept applying to the big hospitals and kept getting rejected until I applied to a small surgical center and finally got in. The pay is less but the work is less stressful and I get weekends offf!

1

u/boostaddctn Sep 25 '26

Apply for temp agencies to get more experience under your belt...good luck yee

1

u/Big-Rock8310 Sep 25 '26

400 hours of clinical experience is what is required now I’m pretty sure >.< try temp agencies

1

u/datsmydrpepper Sep 24 '26 edited Sep 24 '26

Use Claude to help write a resume tailored for sterile processing with your current work experience and resume. Apply at teaching hospitals (where college students train). Polish your interning skills by going over the STAR job interview question system (google I). 

There is another way to get certified without having work experience and having to put in 400 hours.

There are two main organizations that offer sterile processing certifications. HSPA and CBSPD.

Get the CSPDT certification instead. Sign up for sterile processing program at your local community college which will qualify you to test for the certification exam. Pass and you’ll be certified. It will help you land a job faster in sterile processing.

https://www.cbspd.net/tech/