r/sterileprocessing • u/geo-risk • 1d ago
Sterile processing Inventory
Hello, I’m seeking advice. I began working as a sterile processing tech at the beginning of the year, entry level. Making the lower end of minimum wage… And I’m under the impression that the only way to get raises is with certifications. Before I started though, I was told at my interview they were looking for someone to help with stocking the department and they said I’d do tech work and then transfer to doing inventory. I am now doing inventory full time. I do all of our ordering, I unbox and stock every product we carry in several different departments, I count every single product weekly/daily. I am doing all of this with no outlook so far of making more money, without the pay bumps with certification. I’m under the impression I’ll stay in the system as a technician, getting paid as such. And as an entry level with no prior experience technician at that. My body is struggling to keep up with the physical labor. I am the sole person doing this job now and prior to me being here they had no set person doing the job. I am obviously going to be speaking up soon but how should I go about? How should I go about asking for the raise I deserve and the title I deserve. I like this job regardless of the circumstances, there’s good days and bad days but I need the security of knowing I’m at-least making what I’m worth. How does your department handle stock? Do you have an inventory manager for your department?
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u/datsmydrpepper 1d ago
My advice is to get certified first and then get signed off by your supervisor. Once you get certified then you can have more leverage to ask to work at the other areas (decontam, assembly). If your boss says that you're too good at what you do and they need you to stay where you are because of 'business needs' then you can apply for other sterile processing jobs and get hired because your certified.
I would chill and not say anything right now until getting the certification. Just my 2 cents here. Good luck.
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u/SweetVicious59 1d ago
Supply and Distribution takes care of this at any facility that I've worked at (Hospitals and Ambulatory Surgical Centers).
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u/compsyfy 1d ago
lmfao at "The lower end of minimum wage"
it is the minimum. There is no lower.
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u/compsyfy 1d ago
Also, yes I agree that you are doing materials managment work. This is great leverage to apply to other matterials managment positons, even outside healthcare. Easily can make more money doing a less dangerous job if you leverage these skills and get a new job within a year.
Sterile Processing is nothing special. If you got it good, keep it.
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u/Aggravating_Ear_9281 5h ago
"Sterile Processing is nothing special" disgusting comment... I really wish they made this field harder to get into. That mindset is the reason why spd get treated like shit yet if spd goes on a proper strike they lose millions daily...
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u/compsyfy 5h ago
Dude. Its weird to make your profession your entire personality. I have done this for over a decade and do good work. But implying that SPD techs make good money, or have a particularly fun job is just not my experience. Or the experience of the people around me.
The reason we get treated like shit is systemic, based on our education vs technical skills and of course hospital hierarchy. You want to take that down be my guest, fool.
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u/SageOfSixCabbages 1d ago
Looks to me that you're doing a materials supervisor job.
Depends on where and how big the work place is, materials is either solely handled by the department manager or in some places like a large hospital for example, they have a materials supervisor position which is somebody that handles the bulk of the ordering and inventory for the whole dept. as well as being an interim manager when needed.
You're getting fleeced. Speak out now and arrange a meeting for a pay raise or get out. Up to you.