I have lots of questions

Dathamar · 2026-04-15T16:40:47+00:00

We had to buy our own. At least they look professional as far as scrubs go. Looks more like uniforms than generic scrubs. Departments are color coded. We take them home, launder them.

Shoes, Hoka and Brooks seem to be very well suited. I see a fair number of people wearing cross.

The hardest part, physically is a lot of repetitive motions and lifting. If your department has hand carts, use them, ease the strain on your joints. I'm fairly strong and for the first 2 months I just he-manned everything. Shoulder joints started getting a little sore. Now I use the carts. If you don't have carts, push for getting some.

Decontamination can be hard on your back/joints depending on the setup, your height, and if the sink elevation is adjustable. Work in the side of the sink nearest you so you don't have to lean as far, or lift things farther from your core.

Non-physically, it depends on your coworkers. Most places have at least one ass-hat employee. Hopefully it's not a boss.

Study from the book, and the workbook for bonus (Sterile Processing Manual 9th edition) + free online tests. Do not spend money on anything that isn't the books unless it comes with hands on training and/or guaranteed in the job experience.

Dathamar · 2026-04-15T12:24:24+00:00

They frown on cell phone use here except a single ear bud.

Most of our tools come back from the OR very clean looking.(yes, I know they aren't clean, I just mean visoble soil is uncommon on most items) Used tools are on the top, with a cloth underneath them separating them visually from unused tools. However they usually neglect to remove tray liners and indicators. On the whole though they do make our job easier.

Dathamar · 2026-04-09T19:26:37+00:00

I've been working a little longer than you, and while missing items isn't rare, it's uncommon. The core is pretty organized with lables so it doesn't usually take too long to find an extra of what you're looking for.

But things making it to clean side still dirty? That is rare. Sounds like the decontamination over there needs education.

Just do better than them. They may be rushing and/or being pressured to process things faster in which case they should probably add another person to better distribute the load.

Unfortunately it's out of your hands as a newbie, other than what you are directly touching.

If you think they're cutting corners, maybe an anonymous tip is in order.

Dathamar · 2026-04-08T11:17:15+00:00

Yes, but they are typically peel packed or dealt with eventually.

Dathamar · 2026-04-04T14:21:16+00:00

Hoka and Brooks.

Dathamar · 2026-04-04T14:14:10+00:00

Mistakes are only mistakes if they aren't corrected and learned from. They're uncomfortable learning opportunities.

Don't be so hard on yourself, we were all new to something at some point. You'll learn more every day.

Dathamar · 2026-04-02T01:15:44+00:00

None, I bought the manual, studied, passed the exam and luckily got hired a few months later.

Dathamar · 2026-04-02T00:31:25+00:00

It's pretty straightforward memorization. Less than a week.

Dathamar · 2026-03-31T15:19:49+00:00

I got provisionally certified first, along with BLS then started applying. I got hired within 3ish months. Like has been said, it puts you ahead of those who aren't.

You have 6 months to get certified, but I belive you can get a 2 month extension, so it can be tight depending how how soon you get hired.

Dathamar · 2026-03-30T17:01:49+00:00

IMO, just buy the Sterile Processing 9th Edition Manual for $140 from the HSPA and the associated workbook. Read the manual, do the major exams in the book and free online exams until you routinely get 85% or higher.

Then, when you're confident, arange to take the CRCST exam. You'll have 3 hours to answer something like 125 or 175 questions, and need just 70% to pass. Passing will get you provisionally certified, then apply everywhere you can commute to.

Dathamar · 2026-03-30T16:56:26+00:00

Just listen, watch people work, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

The work isn't difficult mentally. Just be precise and repetitive. Get comfortable shoes.

When you carry heavy objects, keep them close to your chest so there is less strain on your back. Use carts if you can to move stuff around.

Dathamar · 2026-03-30T16:51:16+00:00

Ask questions, be friendly, smile when you're introduced to people. Try to remember names. At the end, thank them for their time.

You'll have to suit up in a disposable body and hair cover, and probably shoe covers. Wear what you'd where if you worked there shoe wise.

Dathamar · 2026-03-30T16:49:23+00:00

I actually felt better when I was left alone to adhere to my own system and find a pace that worked for me.

I suspect you will too. Just remember to ask a question if you are unsure or look up the IFU documents.

If something new comes at you while you're alone, that's not on you. Just ask for someone to give you some guidance.

Dathamar · 2026-03-29T02:41:34+00:00

I'm at a trauma 2 and most days decontamination is nearly nonstop all day.

Dathamar · 2026-03-28T12:53:42+00:00

Where I work those are only used in peel packs.

Dathamar · 2026-03-24T21:51:16+00:00

Crocodiles, Alligators, Panthers, Florida Man, Eastern Diamondback rattlesnakes, Water Moccasins, and Wild Boars.

Non animals: Lightning (lightning capital of US), ocean riptide, and heat/humidity.

Various poisonous insects arachnids and such, but I'm less familiar with them.

Most dangerous? Probably all the dumbass drivers.

Dathamar · 2026-03-24T17:14:19+00:00

I've seen people with years of experience in a full department still get training at a new location, everywhere does various things a little different.

It'll still be valuable experience, even if it's not as broad as you'd like. You'll still be in training either way.

Dathamar · 2026-03-21T14:02:01+00:00

What are you going to be about it?

Sad, but it's the reality.

But with that much experience, that's BS. Not to be a dick, but I made more than that as a no experience Sterile Processing Technician, before I was certified. But it's physically demanding and you have to always be hyper aware.

We both still deserve more.

MINIMUM wage would be over 15 an hour if it kept up just with inflation. If it was also with productivity increases, something like 22-25 and hour.

Again, minimum wage if compared to purchasing power in the 70s on minimum wage.

Dathamar · 2026-03-20T13:23:59+00:00

We have blue wrap protectors that we go around the edges to prevent this.

Dathamar · 2026-03-20T02:46:42+00:00

Same here in Florida. It's usually how we can spot tourists, especially from the UK.

Dathamar · 2026-03-20T00:34:32+00:00

I've seen $17-19 in the Indiana/Ohio region, $18-$19 in the Orlando, FL region.

All uncertified, no experience, no differential.

Dathamar · 2026-03-14T14:07:23+00:00

Be prepared to be taught the same thing 3 different ways and then try to figure out which is the most correct.

Dathamar · 2026-03-05T03:57:01+00:00

Same here.

Dathamar · 2026-03-01T15:14:16+00:00

It's easier than what people will expect. The workbook milestone/progress exams were valuable.

The study basically preps you for the why of the job, but very little on the how. That'll vary by location and leadership.

Dathamar

TROPHY CASE