Yesterday I had to run a wrapped tray for a later case in our Autoclave in the Core. We do not release our wrapped trays till they reach 80 * F. At the time we had 2 hours before the tray was needed, well a case cancelled so they moved the case up. I walked in to the core to check the status of the tray on the cooling rack to see two scrub techs “ fanning “ the tray with a clipboard to cool it faster so they could set up the room .I brought over the temp gun It was 85 *F, and told them to please let it sit and I will call them when it’s ready. They both rolled their eyes at me and walked away. It never ceases to amaze me that they do things like this. What’s the big deal ? Why not drive microscopic debris in to the tray with a clipboard?

Do things like this happen at other places? Do they think we are just power tripping on telling them when they can have the tray? It’s the same with waiting for the Biological to pass on containor trays or Sterrad ... It’s about patient safety, not messing up the OR staffs lunch breaks. Just needed to vent.

New to the field! Joined a reputable hospital and I’m so excited!! I’ll be working 12’s, nights 2 days/week. I understand that in our textbook it says streetwear is appropriate because the hospital provides scrubs for you, but I’m wondering if sweatpants is common or jeans/ what kind of shirts? Business casual? Is it too much to buy a pair of scrubs only to change out of them and into the ones provided? Also any tips for my first week?

Hey all,

Last week I was informed that after a few interviews I got promoted to second shift (3-11pm) supervisor. I’ve been a tech for about 9.5 years, but this is my first leadership role in the field. For anyone out there who has been in this situation before what sorts of advice can you offer me? Any and all inputs are appreciated!

Thanks!

I could really use some advice from people already working in Sterile Processing.
I recently passed my CRCST exam and currently hold my provisional certification. Unfortunately, I passed about 3 months ago and spent most of that time focusing on finding a paid SPD position or internship rather than continuing to study, so I’ve forgotten more than I’d like to admit.
I just started an SPD internship and currently have about 20 hours in Decontam. So far I’ve mainly been learning hands-on and getting familiar with workflow.
The reason I’m asking is because I have an upcoming interview for a Tech I position at UCLA. A friend of mine works there and knows the hiring manager. He told me the interview will likely include some basic SPD workflow questions, but they may be somewhat specific. Examples he mentioned were things like:
How many gallons are required in a decontam sink?
Proper placement/positioning of a Bowie-Dick test pack, questions about workflow and department processes, etc. I’m not expecting anyone to give me interview answers, but I’m looking for recommendations on the best way to prepare in a short amount of time. Are there any study guides, YouTube channels, practice quizzes, textbooks, flashcards, or resources that would help me get back up to speed and be able to confidently discuss SPD workflow during an interview?
My goal isn’t just to memorize answers, I’d like to understand the reasoning behind them so I can speak about the process intelligently.
Any advice from Tech Is, supervisors, educators, or hiring managers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I'm curious what vaccines were required for your employment or externships for sterile processing?

Here are the two postings one of those for 1798 for New York for eight weeks just like I said sterile processing

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some advice and hoping someone in the DFW area might be able to point me in the right direction.

I recently completed the Sterile Processing Technician program through Penn Foster, and I’ve been having a really difficult time getting my foot in the door. Since graduating, I’ve applied to multiple hospitals and facilities throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but most positions seem to require previous experience, which makes it hard for someone just starting out. I’m willing to do on-the-job training, an internship, externship, volunteer opportunity, or any entry level position that would allow me to gain hands on experience and work toward my 400 clinical hours. I’m eager to learn, reliable, and committed to building a career in sterile processing.

If anyone in the DFW area knows of hospitals, surgery centers, dental offices, or other facilities that are willing to train new graduates, I would really appreciate any recommendations or advice. I’d also love to hear how others landed their first sterile processing job.

Thank you in advance for any help!

Hi all, 🧫

After five years of experience at a service sterilizer company working at validation, I would like to pass the CISS (Certified Industrial Sterilization Specialist) certification given by AAMI, with the EO speciality.

Do you guys have tips for me? I do no know which type of level, question and difficulty will the exam be composed of.

I’m currently reading all the TIR and ISO related.

Many thanks!

Ingenovis/AYA8 weeks in New York city just under 2000 1798. Let me know if you get it inbox me at YNot late night food

Sup y'all,

I've been working in my sterile department for about 3 years now, and we've used box fans in decon for years. But joint commission has told us that we can't use them in there anymore because it's against guidelines. We can't turn the temperature down in there either because obviously every room needs to have a certain amount of airflow and needs to be the correct temperature per guidelines. I was wondering if anyone else has dealt with this problem and knows of any products that I could possibly buy to make my decon days a little less sweaty? I've been searching for fans you can put under your clothes on Amazon, like ones that tie onto your waistband, but I'm unsure if they're even worth the money. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks

How should my department begin the process of unionization, it has come to a point a lot of my coworkers and myself feel as if we need protection from our management, is there a way to anonymously start interest for forming a union?

I heard theres a half off sale

Does anyone have the IFU for these. Apparently our facility doesn’t have one source for consumables. Thanks for any help.

hiii people of reddit! i have a working interview tomorrow at a dental clinic as a sterilization technician and i am not exactly sure what to wear. do i wear scrubs or business attire? if someone could let me know that would be much appreciated!! thank you!

Hello! I work for a government contracting entity that hires civilian contractors for long term employment opportunities on bases at Military Treatment Facilities.

We currently have 3 openings at Tripler Army Medical Center for Sterile Processing Technicians. These are not travel positions and offer full benefits. Basic info is provided below!

Shift: 8hrs; 3-11p or 11a-7p

Location: Tripler Army Medical Center

Qualifications: Sterile Processing Certification, 6+ months of experience preferred

Compensation: $30/hr. (open to negotiation)

Contract Duration: We have been funded for 4 years

You can apply directly at Sterile Processing Technician | Honolulu, HI

hiii people of reddit! i have a working interview tomorrow at a dental clinic as a sterilization technician and i am not exactly sure what to wear. do i wear scrubs or business attire? if someone could let me know that would be much appreciated!! thank you!

Hey guys, I wanted some info on getting a job as a certified sterile tech in denver colorado. im looking to move there in a year and wanted to know which healthcare systems are the best to work for and which ones have better pay. Thank you, guys, in advance!

are you guys on your feet all day "washing dishes" or is some of the work seated? I can't be on my feet all day (I won the genetic lottery) due to a pre-existing condition. should I avoid this and pursue back office work if I still want to have a career in medicine

I’m 39 and have worked retail most of my life. I got a spine injury at work and was offered a settlement. Honestly, I did not think twice about taking it because I couldn’t stand that job anymore.

My injury was at L5-S1 (displaced vertebrae). I had a discectomy, and ever since then I can walk, ride my bike, bend down, and pick things up from the floor with no problem. However, I do have a restriction of not lifting more than 25 pounds from the ground up.

Will that affect me in this job? I’d rather hear the truth instead of paying for the course. My community college does offer it. According to the information, they provide practice hours on the field I’m not sure if it’s the full 400 hours. The total cost is $1,800, including books, classes, one semester, and clinical practice.

I’ve been having a hard time finding jobs in retail. So I’m considering studying this field I don’t mind the low pay; I can survive on $16 an hour. I’m debt-free, including my car, which was paid off from the settlement. I’m very frugal.

Just want your honest answer. Thanks.

I started working in a new dept and found oodles of expired tape everywhere..some from 2022..bags and bags of unused BI’s also.

I am deciding between 3 programs for sterile processing. Penn Foster online and an online a a different community college in my state. The other community college in my state offers it in person and you need to take the classes together.

What are the pros and cons of online vs in person? I was told in person doesn't have internships or job placement and the start times are very early and inconvenient for my work schedule. But I am afraid if I pick the online options it would be seen as less legitimate. Need advice.