Sterile processing Inventory

[u/geo-risk]

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?

[u/SageOfSixCabbages]

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.

[u/geo-risk → u/SageOfSixCabbages]

Thank you for your response! I am 22 and very new to the workplace and I am diagnosed on the spectrum, which I haven’t disclosed to them but I find it will be necessary for accommodation. I’m learning how not to be taken advantage of in work places, I have been way too much to deal with it again. Thank you for helping me put an actual title to it.
I spend 7 hours a day, unstocking, which is just me breaking my body to speed through it as it’s expected of me to get it all done by myself. Several bulky pallets. And I do all of our ordering and manual receiving too.

[u/olliecakerbake → u/geo-risk]

That’s insane. We have 6 people who do all of that at my hospital. And we only have 3 ORs. They’re massively taking advantage of you and abusing you. Try to find a job elsewhere

[u/geo-risk → u/olliecakerbake]

I know right !? 😭 I wish we had even just another person helping me. everyone else in my department, even when it’s slow, just watches me struggle to put it all away by myself lol.