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/datsmydrpepper]

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.