Micro Series: Ep 1 Break In, Stand Out in Sterile Processing

We launch a focused micro series on breaking into sterile processing with a clear path from student to paid pro. We share mindset shifts, externship strategies, networking moves, and practical habits that managers recognize and reward.

• treating externships as long interviews
• building a success portfolio with daily documentation
• punctuality, professionalism, and attitude as hiring signals
• finding mentors and asking for one actionable tip
• using HSPA, CBSPD, and local events to network
• engaging on LinkedIn with useful, humble posts
• turning feedback into measurable improvements
• staying connected with thank-you notes and follow-up

Please like, comment, and subscribe
Make sure you stay tuned so you can get the ebook at the end of this session

Chapters

• 0:00 Micro Series Kickoff
• 0:56 Mindset And Strategy To Get Hired
• 3:33 Build Your Success Portfolio
• 4:55 Externships As Full-Time Interviews
• 9:20 Professionalism, Mentors, And Documentation
• 11:27 Relationships And Long-Term Value

Transcript

SPEAKER_00: 0:00

Welcome back to the sterilization station. This is Bill Rochelle. Very glad to have you back for another episode. We are starting a micro series, and this micro series is called Sterile Success from Student to Pro. We know there's lots of students out there that are struggling, whether you just finished your in-person program, whether you finished a hybrid program, or whether you finished an online program. We hear you and we know that it's difficult to break into sterile processing. We're going to do this micro series to help you, and we're hoping that we'll be able to add some value and assist you in your quest to break into sterile processing. Once again, this is Bill Rochelle, and we are back and we are talking today about breaking in how to land your first sterile processing job. We'll be right back and we're going to dive right into this subject. Make sure you stay tuned so you can get the ebook at the end of this session. We'll be right back. So welcome back to the sterilization station, where we empower students, externs, and early career professionals to thrive in sterile processing. Once again, this is Bill Rochelle. Today we are tackling a challenge that can feel intimidating, and that is landing your first role, your search, your first job, your first career in sterile processing. So if you're a student or an extern and you're feeling nervous, maybe frustrated or unsure where to start, let me tell you right now that you have everything you need to succeed. The right mindset, determination, and of course that strategic effort is going to help to open doors that you might not even see yet. But by the end of this episode, you are going to have actionable steps and tools to confidently get your foot in the door. So once again, we are here on the sterilization station is to empower. The sterilization station is to motivate, and the sterilization station is to encourage you in your quest to succeed in sterile processing. So let's go ahead and jump right into it. So here's the truth. We know landing that first job isn't about luck, it's about preparation, it's about persistence, and it's about positioning yourself as the candidate that every manager wants, as positioning yourself as the candidate that every manager wants to hire. So let's think about it like this: every skill you develop, every connection that you make, every hour you spend learning is like building a portfolio of success. What have you added to the portfolio of your success? That is a question that you have to ask yourself. Even if you don't land that job immediately, remember each step is getting you closer. So whether you did a mock interview, whether you've got your resume together, whether you've gone through a program or you finished your externship, remember you are building a success portfolio. Even if you don't get that job immediately, remember each step is getting you closer, and that confidence is being built on preparation. You know, we think about the instrument process and how instruments are made, how that, you know, they they they do the CAD drawings, they create the drawings of the instruments, they think about the functionality, functional functionability, to think about the type of materials that are going to be needed, and that instrument is gonna go through a process to be made. It's gonna go through a process to be developed. And just like that, you're going through a process of being made so that you can go in there and be a tool in the hand of that facility to begin to make changes and to help people have positive patient outcomes and successful surgeries. So take a deep breath and let's dive into this and let's break it down into manageable, empowering steps. Let's think about leveraging externships and internships. These are those opportunities that are not just, you know, they're they're experiences, right? You're getting in there, you're touching people, you're showing them why you are the person that they need. They they're your proving ground. This is your opportunity to prove to them why they need to hire you, right? As I always say, if you're early, you're on time. And if you're on time, you're late. It's the truth. You gotta be early, you gotta be punctual, you gotta show a good attitude. You gotta remember a lot of young people today at precept, they're living in the age of the privileged, the privileged age group, right? Thinking that they're privileged, that I'm supposed to be here. Remember, yeah, you're supposed to be there because you put the work in, but the way you carry yourself is gonna show the people that you're the externship side where you're at, it's gonna show them, you know, who you are and the kind of person that you are. And you definitely want to make sure that you are demonstrating good professionalism, that you're kind, that you're compassionate, you know, that you're caring, that you have a positive attitude, and that you do not allow the culture and the things that you see in the departments to affect you. And during this externship opportunity, you want to treat this like it's a full-time interview. Listen, this is the job, Shadow. It's on the job right here. People are watching you. I got my first sterile processing job because I was a successful externship student. So make sure you also are doing that. Remember that every trade you sterilize, every instrument that you organize that you arrange, every set that you confirm that the instruments are functioning at the top part of the top capability. Remember, every protocol that you follow is a chance to demonstrate that you're reliable, that you pay attention to detail. And remember, there's managers, these managers are looking, they're gonna take notice, they're gonna look at your consistency, and they're gonna look at your professionalism. And do not be afraid to ask for mentorship. When you find that person that pours into you, listen, someone in that site is gonna pour into you. Find out who they are, get around that person, tell that person that you need them and that you want to learn from them and see if it's possible to even take on those count sheets, study the material. As Les Brown would say, it's better to be prepared for an opportunity than to have an opportunity and not be prepared. So don't be afraid to approach experienced techs and supervisors. Don't be afraid to ask them, what's one tip? What's one tip you wish you knew when you started? Or can you show me the most efficient way to do this? You know, most techs love to share their experience and their knowledge, which often can lead to a reference and a recommendation. And that's just something to consider when you're going through your externship. Also, during the process, it's important to document your document your accomplishments. Keep a journal or a digital log of what you've already learned each day. You know, um thinking about your different sterilization techniques or your you know troubleshooting steps. You know, not only does this reinforce your learning, but also gives you concrete examples, you know, of your resume, and you can use it during your interview as well. Stay connected, right? A simple thank you email or a LinkedIn connection after your externship can leave a lasting impression. Remember, relationships in SPD are invaluable. There's so many people that are still connected today, whether it's through Facebook groups, whether it's through LinkedIn, whether it's through people that I've met. I've met people on the job I still talk to. I think about Racheline at a JMMC and how she's still someone I talked to, and how she was one of the first people that invested in me almost 20 years ago. That's right, 20 years ago. Many job offers will come through your network and not just through these postings. And just remember, every action that you take, you're showing initiative, asking questions, being reliable. These are small steps towards proving to someone your worth in hiring. Think about what your worth is. You're investing in your worth. You know, you hear people talk about the lump of coal that became a diamond. When it was first found, it may not have had a lot of worth in the eyes of the beholders. But think about yourself. When you first got to that externship, maybe the workers around you didn't know you. They didn't know the worth that you had. They didn't know the value that you had. They didn't know the skill set that you had. They didn't know the ability that you have to include people, to demonstrate unity, to demonstrate togetherness and a team spirit. Someone that's complimenting people, that's ready to say thank you. They didn't know that you're that person that you are today. They may not see your value, but but know that you have value. It's not if you have value, it's where you have value. So you're not just gaining experience, you are building your reputation in sterile processing. So we want to think about how networking with a purpose is so important in your externship and your quest to get into sterile processing. Now, network might sound intimidating, but it's actually your most powerful tool. It's a great tool to have, right? And the good news, you already have skills to network effectively. Curiosity, professionalism, a willingness to learn. These are great skills that can begin to work effectively in helping you to be a positive networker. You think about professional associations like HSPA, CBSPD, or your local SPD groups, your local schools, right, that are contributing to training people, attending webinars or workshops and meetings. These connections will often lead directly to job opportunities. Meeting someone on LinkedIn, networking, they connect with you, send them a quick message. Hi, my name is Bill. I am new to sterile processing. I see you have some years of experience. I would love to be able to ask you a few questions. Would you be willing to mentor me, you know, and see what they say? These connections can often lead to job opportunities, right? They're going to put a good word in for you because they learn something about you. You know, attending these local events like hospital career fairs, open houses, or community health events, these are other perfect opportunities for meeting managers and technicians. You may, you know, introduce yourself with confidence, you know, shake their hand or greet them professionally and say, hi, my name is Bill, my name is Jane, my name is Jim. I'm a sterile processing student that's eager to learn and to grow. And I'd love to hear your advice for someone starting in sterile processing. Utilizing tools like social media, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and online networking. You know, LinkedIn is not just for sending connections, it's for engagement. You know, think about a young lady, her name is Alicia, and how she is hungry and passionate to get into sterile processing. And she's creating social posts and she's being transparent. And you know what? That's she's she's connecting with people. And it's her opportunity is coming because she's putting herself out there, commenting on posts, sharing insights from what you've learned, and joining SPD focused groups. This is how you position yourself to be successful in sterile processing. You know, Karen Cherry, a wonderful, wonderful mentor, how she would say if you want to teach, Bill, find opportunities to teach. If you want to be a sterile processing technician, find an opportunity to practice the skills that you're learning. Also, volunteering at your local sterile processing schools is a great way to stay connected, network, offer a helping hand to do whatever they need. You're staying in the environment, and that is very, very important. Remember, networking is not about asking for a job, it's about showing your commitment, your curiosity, and your dedication to get into the field of sterile processing. And that every connection you make today could be your door for tomorrow's opportunity. So thank you very much for tuning into episode one in this micro series. How we will be continuing this conversation. Please like, comment, and subscribe. And we'll see you all in the next video.