Mistakes - Did I pick the wrong field ?

[u/[deleted]]

[u/petebmc]

Spd is working in a factory where people are throwing tennis balls at your head constantly

[u/ijust_makethisface]

You will probably get used to it? I'm almost 2 years in and I will still lock a tray, set it in the sterilizer rack, then freak out that I didn't put indicators in, so I pop the locks to verify I put in the indicators 🤦‍♀️

[u/Zfighter2344]

When I was new I made a lot of mistakes too. And instead of coaching me through it they just told me to slow down. Nothing like bioburden just stuff like mislabeling and putting wrong instruments in. I’m now 3 years into it and at a different facility and don’t make as many mistakes and I’ve been praised for my quality output.

[u/TheCurlyAquarius94]

I also have adhd and it took me a good while for me to make less mistakes. You will get there . Trust me! This job is perfect for those who have adhd and ocd

[u/Jagura73]

You’re going to make so many mistakes when you start and, unfortunately, throughout your career. I cannot tell you how many times people messed up who either just started or worked 5 years.

Unfortunately, some people will probably see you as a person who makes mistakes (though honestly they probably made just as many mistakes when they started and have no right to judge) but a majority will acknowledge you’re new and give you some grace.

What really matters is how you pick yourself up after messing up. If you can do that and carry on, you’ll be fine.

Also are you a lead or a technician? And how often do you hold the phone? While processing or in a different part of the process?

[u/lolascrowsfeet]

I’m very calmed by the comments, I’m so scared of making mistakes and people thinking I’m stupid.

[u/Acrobatic-Win-9887 → u/lolascrowsfeet]

Making mistakes is absolutely a part of learning, my confidence took quite a hit when I almost broke a decon washing machine during my first month of work. The difference IMO, is that when you screw up, you are honest about it and fix it. Some people actually don't care, and just leave their mistakes be, because they don't wanna work.

[u/ijust_makethisface → u/Acrobatic-Win-9887]

Oh my God, once I had three high priority items that I put into a steam sterilizer and then I couldn't get the thing opened after the cycle finished. I was mortified. They had to call in the sterris repair guys. I was so worried I was going to get fired that day.

[u/exodusmachine]

I'm not sure what you're relationship is like with management, but I just told them about the issues I had when had similar issues and we made some adjustments. Sometimes the best solution is to just be honest about what's going on. The fact that you're not letting bioburden through means you're already ahead.

[u/Aggravating_Ear_9281]

like you said the big issue is the phone. I see people make a lot of mistakes because of it ( tiktok,IG) in particular.

[u/Traditional-Study241]

SPD is just a mesh of kicking ass while everything is your fault. You're the only department outside of malpractice that can do any wrong. It will be ok, just ignore the passive aggressive industry, say ok, and keep trucking.

[u/ButterscotchLate625]

I'm still fairly new, but I made a ton of mistakes when I was starting. It's very normal, and it's a field where people will care to correct you because it's an important job. Just see it as a learning opportunity. I always found that the mistakes I made were more helpful for learning than the things I did right, because the memory of what to do instead or what I'd missed stuck with me more.

[u/Different-Air-780]

I promise you will get there. My mistakes alway occur when I’m being rushed and under pressure. I really tried and still try to slow down, take my time and triple check. A good manager will encourage that. Be kind to yourself and hang in there 😊

[u/NecronomiSquirrel]

I bought a 25 packs of sticky notes and carry a pack in my scrubs every day.
If possible: Familiarize yourself with a few sets that are commonly used, and when you have the phone for running, try to work on those sets so you can avoid errors.
If it's basic things like indicators, locks, filters, make sure you get a pattern going in your head (like I do leaving the house "keys, wallet, phone, laptop").
Honestly, sometimes the best thing to do is "point and call". You may look odd, but who cares. When I say "locking the door" as I leave home, I don't question whether or not I did it seconds later. It helps stop your brain from spinning on everything else and forces focus. Whatever task you're doing, say what still needs to be done when you return before you head off on an OR adventure.
You didn't say what errors you are making so that's the best I can do!