Seeking Advice(long)

[New CSD Tech]

I have been working in the central services department of a large academic medical center for the past three months. Prior to that, I worked as transporter in the hospital for almost a year, and was well respected by my supervisors, co- workers and most of the nursing staff. So far, I have had a lot of problems in CSD, not with the people on my shift, but with the day people, and occasionally my supervisor.

When I walk in the door before my shift, I'm usually not greeted with a hello, or other pleasantries, but with a lecture on what I did (or didn't do) the previous shift. There is one particular person, who seems to put me down whenever she gets the opportunity. My supervisor seems very quick to jump on my mistakes, but lets a lot more serious issues in the department slide.

So far, I believe I do well working decontam and sterilizing for the most part, but the hardest thing I have found is finding merchandise on the shelves. Many times, the unit clerks will ask for an item that is called something different than what we have it listed as, and I have no clue. I am starting to learn the different instraments, but still confuse a hemostat with a kelly once in a while when assembling trays.

I was wondering how long some of you CSD techs took to feel fully comfortable in your job? I only had about 3-4 weeks of training when I started. Many times on my shift I have to take care of sterilizing, answering the phones and taking care of visitors. There are many distractions the first few hours, and that is when most of my mistakes occur. I enjoy the job and appreciate the importantance of what we do, but there are some days where I question why I transferred and would jump at the chance to go back to my old job. For confidentiality reasons, I don't wish to disclose my name or hospital at this time.

[ocodom]

I have went through this same scenerio at different hospital facilities for many years and I guess it just makes one stronger in order to deal with difficult people. The person who puts you down is basically unhappy with their lives outside of the job atmosphere and bring it to work and take it out on you. I have found in the past that no matter how hard one works and how well your work is done, these people will never be happy and will ALWAYS have something to complain about. I suggest first you keep a journal and document all incidents and then confront these people. You may also go to EAP for counseling and recommendations, especially if these problems start causing mental/emotional distress on you. These people do not realize how hurtful and traumatizing they can be. EAP, then can make a recommendation to your director to rectify the problem. Try to ignore the complaints, because they won't stop. You cannot make unhappy people happy. It's impossible. Prayer works wonders and you should do so before, during and after work to help you through this. You may even discuss this with the hospital chaplain. They're great people to talk too. The situation is very hard to go through. You're not by yourself. We've all been through it. Good luck!!!!!! Just keep your head up and keep your attitude positive! It will work out for you eventually, ok? Try not to let it effect the way you do your job and don't let these few, unhappy, ignorant people run you away from your job. Remember: You don't have to take them home at the end of the day!!!!!!!!!!!!You have to get them off of your back as quickly as you can and they'll leave you alone. Don't let their nastiness change the person you are for any reason.

[dongordon]

Ocodom:
With the vast changes in the CS field in the last several years, it becomes more difficult for one to learn just through "on the job training." And I suppose with all the pressures on managerial people (certainly not an excuse) in some hospitals they are required to do more with less, and some people unfortunately have less patience.

I have several suggestions for you:
First, enroll in the IAHCSMM Central Service Technician Training program. You can either take the Purdue online course (which I would recommend) or the Purdue Corrdespondence Course. The online course provides the availability of a mentor should you have questions. With both courses you will receive the text book and workbook and many questions that you may have can be answered through these reading materials.

Secondly, I would join a local chapter if you have one in your region and attend their meetings. If not, I recommend that you attend a CS seminar or IAHCSMM Regional or Annual Meeting. Not only will you receive valuable information, but you will be able to network with others in your field.

Other suggestions would be the following:
Join IAHCSMM ($40) and receive the Communique' (IAHCSMM's professional publication) that will provide the latest information pertaining to CS.
Read the Lesson plans located on this website.
Keep reading and participating in the "Discussion Forum"..... you will find many answers to questions that you may have.

Most of all, keep up your positive attitude.

If you would like, send me an e-mail: Don.Gordon@NBHN.net if you have any other questions.

Don

[lovemyjob]

I am so sorry to hear that you are having that kind of trouble we need cs techs so go to your human resourse dept and talk with them they will help with this and if you just need a friend that knows how that feels you can send me an e mail.

[sonny1388]

When I first started as a CS tech, I had about 3 weeks of training before I started taking call. The amount of information that one has to be able to not only know but be able to recall at a moments notice is tremendous in this job. I bet it was close to a year into having my job before I really felt comfortable doing it. Fortunately for me, I had a very good Supervisor who was full of information and was happy to teach at any given moment. A good thing to remember is if you aren't sure about something, don't hesitate to ask. It is much better to get it right the first time and learn from it than to get it wrong and have to learn that way. As for your co-workers being stand-offish....some people are just that way. You might try walking in and saying hi to them with a smile. Some people will respond to that, and some people won't.

[Cindy Bee]

Boy does this sound familiar! Been there did that! 3 months is just beginning to learn the ropes however and our standard training is 3 months here. I do not expect anyone completely new to not make mistakes, ask questions,its part of the learning process! I DO expect them to ask ALOT of questions and of the proper person (supervisor, senior tech) Do not take this as a personal issue, its part of the learning process. DO listen to what the mistake was and consider how you personally can improve. You have the right attitude, so keep your chin up, keep writing things down so you can refer back to them, and keep looking for/ asking for feedback from your supervisor- no one elses opinion counts but good working relationships demand you be courteous and cooperative. Always remember that at anytime you could be the next person on the table. And of course as soon as you can get the certification course do it.
Learn as though you were to live forever, live as though you were to die tomorrow.
Best of Luck,

Cindy

[New CSD Tech]

First of all, I want to thank everyone for their kind words and encouragement. The last 2-3 weeks have been much better. The criticism has stopped, or at least leveled off. I would say that I feel more comfortable with each passing week, but still have a ways to go. Since I work second shift, the supervisor is hardly ever around, and many times the other techs I work with are too busy to spend a lot of time asking detailed questions.

I am considering taking the online course, or taking it locally sometime in the future. When I initially took this job, I thought it might be for only a year or two as I was in school to become an xray technician, but after everything I have heard, I may consider a future in sterile processing, as I may not be able to commit to full- time studies for two years.

[barrhelv]

Hang in there it will get better. I have been in SPD for 23 years and I love it. Still can not get enough. Greet the people everyday with a smile and take note of the mistakes and research why you did and most of all get cercitified as a CRCST and you will thoroughly enjoy. Treat wtih kindness and it will turn around. Sorry that you are going thru this you will be stronger. And who knows you might evn change the tide in the future.