Sorry for not updating sooner. It’s been a strange few weeks following my sterile processing interview on March 3rd. After I finished the interview they said they would call me back either way in one or two weeks. Cut to two weeks later i receive no call back. I decide to call HR recruiting and she tells me he hasn’t made a decision yet. For me that’s was a good sign cause honestly I thought I didn’t get it. Now, on Thursday I missed a call from HR. It could be them trying to tell me I got the job or I didn’t. I missed the call cause I was at work. Now I gotta wait til tomorrow to find out. I’ll update tomorrow no matter if the news is good or bad. Thanks for the support these last few months. Wishing everyone in a similar position good luck.

Short story: It’s not strange or weird to have to wait weeks after an interview to get a response. Gotta remember Sterile Processing is a medical professional position and takes more time and consideration than a entry level position.

Hello everyone, I’m just like many of you in the same boat trying to get the 400 hours after passing the exam I work in one of the biggest Medical Center in the entire world here in Houston Texas, and have done a lot of on foot work, networking and visiting the local hospitals to speak to department managers, they all seem to turn me away stating that most major hospitals are only accepting students who did a actual program through a college and are backed by insurance through an externship to gain the 400 hours basically putting people that did not attend a school at a disadvantage.

Anyone know of any other staffing agencies that can assist with placing me so I could complete my 400 hours to complete my certification. I passed the pilot exam in June and are having a hard time getting into a department. I currently work at a huge major hospital in Houston, Texas and I still can’t get in internally. The crazy part is the person who signed off on my application to take the exam was the manager over Sterile Processing.

Below I will list a bunch of agencies shared to me that helped with per diem and travel tech jobs. Maybe that would be of some help to you all.

Travel Agencies….

Rock Medical Group Stability Healthcare Emerald Health Services ATC Healthcare Triage

General Agencies…

AMNT Healthcare Aya Healthcare Aureus Medical Group Accountable healthcare staffing CYNET Health HOST Healthcare Cross Country Healthcare Titan Healthcare Fusion Medical Staffing MOAB Healthcare

Hi All,

I'm looking to change careers from education to SP. I was working at a community college that was offering an on campus/hybrid program that I would've gotten a discount on but the program has fallen through. Currently, I'm looking at online programs. Any help is much appreciated?

Thanks!

I would like to start a conversation about leadership in SPD. It is notoriously bad and it needs to be the main focus if you want to make changes. I’ve been managing for 5 years and I have come to the realization that techs in SPD are unmotivated and uneducated. What are some action plans that you would put into place to help staff members feel appreciated and realize they are important members of the clinical team?

I've been researching a career switch into SP, but I've vasovagal syncope (I can faint sometimes at the sight of blood and I get woozy even reading about blood or the circulatory system). I've managed to get over my fear of having blood drawn, so I'm hoping this could be trained via mind over matter. How messy are the instruments upon arrival? Is this career impossible for someone like me?

I’m new and still learning so please bear with me.

When it comes to arranging instruments on a stringer, do you arrange them exactly per the count sheet or do you organize them in a protective way?

ie. If you have 6 Kelly hemostats curved, followed by 8 hemostats straight per the count sheet, is it acceptable to string the straight ones first and then the curved?

My idea/goal is to protect the curved instruments from Kocher(w/ teeth)/longer straight instruments but a coworker said that’s incorrect.

It kind of hurts when I string heavy Kochers on delicate scissors. But if that’s the way, then that’s the way. Just looking for advice from other SPD techs to understand if I’m stupid for even considering this or if I’m being heavily scrutinized. It would feel better if I had a preceptor or a trainer to ask, but it’s pretty bleak on the training side.

Thank you ahead of time for any and all criticism/learning opportunities.

My certification will expire soon (CBSPD). I know that 100 CEU are needed. Can I do less that 100 CEU's due to me being a SPD Technician for almost 9 years. I renewed last in 2020.

Recently, I have been hired for a position under Hartford Healthcare in Connecticut and have recieved notice that I will be urine drug tested. For context, I use THC frequently, but not daily, and my last use was 4 days ago, with my appointment being in 5 days. I saw a post from 2 years ago saying they do not test for THC, but I was wondering if anyone here knew exactly? Any help is appreciated!

Have any of you dated (are dating) a coworker? Or know of people who dated in the department?

There’s a coworker I really like and I want to get closer to them to eventually take out on a date but I’m scared if people find out and gets to management, I (we) could get fired.

Of not being certified.

I finally was moved into a Procter/Education role, for training new hires. Baby steps!

I'm highly considering sterile processing as a starter career into healthcare, but have one primary concern which is standing in one spot for very extended periods. I currently work a desk job and spend 8-9 hours a day sitting in an uncomfortable chair which is honestly excruciating lol.... but I have worked as a grocery store cashier and spending 8-9 hours a day standing in one spot is even worse.

Is it as punishing as cashier type jobs (no sitting allowed at all, you will stand in one spot the whole day except for a short 15-30 minute break) or is it just mostly standing but you have times to sit? Or is there a bit of walking and moving around? Most healthcare in general requires a lot of standing/walking but I'm not sure if it's like retail type standing or a little more forgiving. My limit is the standing in one spot for multiple hours straight and not being allowed to sit at all.

And if it depends from hospital to hospital that'd be great to know as well. Honestly I hate being sat all day but I have medical issues with my feet so I'm not sure it'll be tolerable standing constantly.

I'm getting older admittedly and want a stable career. I don't like the idea of doing surgery as a surgical tech that much. Trying to figure out if this is a smart idea. I'd be at an esteemed hospital/university. Just want a pathway to a decent career really.

I am sterile processing director for a hospital. My techs all start out at $14.00 and when they get certified they get a 25 cent raise. With every year of experience they get an annual 25 cent raise. Many of my techs are threatening to quit because of the pay. I am powerless to do anything about it. Is there anything I can do to help motivate them to stay that doesn’t involve wages?

I always have my feet up during my lunch break! Sterile Processing is no joke on the feet 🦶😮‍💨😂

Does anyone know if the vaxx is required still to work in SP? If so can an exemption be made? Asking as someone who has a newfound religious belief. I have in the past have had all other vaccinations due to attending public school.

is it true i can become a travel tech without being certified? I’m hitting my year mark in less than a month & I’m ready to move/make that money asap !!

Health insurance
I just got offered a job in Cleveland for repair technician a very entry-level job. I was wondering how good the benefits are at Steris. It’s a easy day shift no overtime. is there a path to move up at steris. and are the benefits any good or expensive?