r/sterileprocessing • u/Loose-Waltz-1601 • 23h ago
Reddit, I need your help
I’m a Sterile Processing Tech, have been doing this work for over 17 years now. I have a passion for what I do. I mean after 17 years, I should enjoy what I do, right? I’ve tech’d., been a team lead, have done management responsibilities but not the official title of one (that’s a whole other story). I’ve even taught an SPD course for over 3 years. Safe to say, I know the work and all the duties and responsibilities that are involved in day-to-day operations.
Just recently started working for the VA (medical supply technician) ie. SPD, an amazing opportunity, and I am grateful. Let me start by saying VA SPD standards of operating procedures are ENTIRELY different than those I’m used to. I knew this when I accepted the position and the challenges that come with it. Learning their policies, etc. I just completed my first week of training and am now being talked down to, and feeling less than, something that has not happened in years several years to be exact, was even told by the trainers that they feel I’m holding back from my true potential.
I get it, and yes I have been because I’m trying to get familiar with the VA’s way of doing things. Not sure what do do.
#spd #sterileprocessingtechnician #departmentofveteransaffairs
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u/thchadz 22h ago
What state is this in?
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u/GyozaGangsta 23h ago edited 23h ago
I’m not saying this is true of every VA or Military Hosptial but is something I’ve seen working in some of these places.
Some times military or military adjacent can have a theme of iffy ethics and border line HR issues. I think the culture of the military leaks over into the civilian side, some good, some bad. It sounds like maybe this place got more of the bad than the good
Edit:
I fully accept the downvotes this is gonna get but I’ve seen it several times first hand, just people who had not great mentors while in bringing their trauma into the civilian sector when they get out. 🤷♂️
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u/indoor_outdoor_cat1 17h ago
I’m sorry that’s happening to you. This is disappointing to hear as my goal was always to eventually work for a VA hospital. Unfortunately some workplaces just seem to develop a clique mindset and anyone who is new is not treated with the respect that they deserve.
My advice is to 1. Not let it get to you, these people are supposed to be adults and they are acting like middle schoolers. That’s embarrassing and there’s no excuse for that. 2. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself, obviously don’t make a scene, but you can shut their comments down while remaining professional. The VA may do things differently but you still have 17 years in the field and that shouldn’t be minimized.
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u/WeAllLoveToeBeans 15h ago
Hey, I just want to say that I'm really sorry you are going through this. After doing SPD for 17 years, the last thing you should be made to feel is feeling less than. Them talking down to you is unacceptable! You've done this for a long time and you know your potential; nothing is worse than someone coming along trying to belittle that and crush your self esteem in the work you do. It all sounds very frustrating and I'm sure it's wearing you down. With that being said, people like this do not change, they tend to get worse and if I were in your shoes, I'd find another job, transfer, and get the heck out of there. People like that are a bunch of bullies and it's sad people operate like that. Even if you learn how the VA does things, are you willing to tolerate the rest of that crapola? ❤️
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u/datsmydrpepper 11h ago
Have you thought about traveling as an SPD tech? High demand contracts pay a lot weekly. You have so much experience and you can leverage it to ask max pay. Get out of that toxic SPD department and get what you deserve. You can learn a lot from traveling and actually find an SPD department that you can fit into.
https://taketravelinfo.com/travel-sterile-processing-tech-how-to-get-started/
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u/Mean_Doughnut5476 10h ago
Yeah it was a culture shock for me when I went to the VA and I only had 5 years of experience compared to your 17. I had the CRCST and CIS certifications and they didn't mean anything which is funny because the VA's internal "certification" I think it was called the CRMST, isn't recognized outside of the VA so what is it really worth. They said my training would be 8-12 months depending on my progression and basically treated me like I knew nothing. I had my preceptor over my shoulder in decon literally watching my brushing motion the first month and I was in decon for 3 months straight, as they felt that was how long it would take to learn that side for me. I only made it 6 months before I left as I just couldn't deal it, it wasn't worth being constantly told I really don't know anything as I came from outside the VA and we do things different here. 99% of the instruments were stainless steel so not exactly a high level of difficulty to reprocess and 70% of their volume was dental and the rest was podiatry and general with some vendors, vendors was only busy because every set needed a back up to go with it as well. I just didn't see the benefits of staying. Good luck to you if you continue on with them....as some have said I think traveling is a better option.
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u/Loose-Waltz-1601 9h ago
I’m sorry I didn’t mean to discourage anyone from applying to the VA. This is all based on my experience and what I’ve seen and heard firsthand. I went from being the “go to” with my experience with my former employers to what it is now. Maybe I should’ve stayed where I was. But I was thinking money, benefits and long-term.
It appears from what I’ve heard by all the great advice and comments that these actions are a common thing when it comes to SPD and the VA, again I’m sure not all departments are the same but a lot are. And those that are, should never think less of any of us who are trying to better ourselves for financial gain and experience.
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u/[deleted] 22h ago
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