I was a full time permanent Instrumentation Coordinator 2 (Sterile processing technician) at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and after that quit like everyone else did. Travelers told me to quit being a permanent and get into traveling and that’s exactly what I did. The environment was extremely micromanaged, with SPD leadership constantly watching every move instead of supporting staff or addressing the real operational problems.
Bullying and favoritism were common, and concerns brought up by permanent employees were often ignored. Morale was incredibly low because permanent employees were treated as expendable rather than valued. Burnout was constant due to chronic understaffing, unrealistic high expectations, and increasing workloads with little appreciation or support.
Turnover was extremely high, trainees and permanent employees were all quitting at a high rate because the stress became unbearable. Which is why it makes sense that 100% of their staff is all travelers. Instead of fixing the permanent staffing crisis, SPD leadership continued to pressure the remaining employees to do more with no support at all. Communication from SPD leadership felt disconnected from the reality of what employees were dealing with every day.
The job itself could have been meaningful, but the toxic culture, lack of support, and feeling of being completely expendable made it difficult to stay long term. I would strongly encourage SPD leadership over at Ohio State university Wexner medical center to take accountability in their actions and create a healthier work environment so trainees and permanent employees such as Instrumentation Coordinators stay longer. The constant staff shortage, high turnover of employees quitting, sick calls, FMLAs and having more travelers rather then permanents in both facility’s is a true reflection of what the SPD leadership at The Ohio state university Wexner medical center lacks.
