Where Careers Take Root: How Austin Grew from Traveler to Supervisor at TMH

When Austin stepped into the world of sterile processing in January 2019, he was looking for a job that felt meaningful. What he found instead was a lifelong career.

Before healthcare, Austin worked in restaurants, serving and bartending his way through college. He was living in Arizona and decided to explore job opportunities at the nearby hospital, where he discovered sterile processing. “The job description described it as an integral part of patient care,” he recalls. “That really piqued my interest because I wanted to feel fulfilled with my career.”

Austin looks back on that moment fondly, never imagining it would spark the career path he now plans to follow for the rest of his life.

The Road to Tallahassee

After a few years in sterile processing, Austin took a detour working in medical implants—an experience he quickly realized wasn’t for him.

He returned to the Sterile Processing field, this time as a traveler, taking contracts across the country in Vermont, Chicago and San Francisco. In 2021, he accepted a travel assignment at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. What was supposed to be temporary turned into something much more.

Austin extended his contract for three years—and then made Tallahassee home.

“I stopped traveling because I just love this hospital so much,” he says. “It’s the best hospital I’ve ever worked at in my life.”

Today, Austin is a Sterile Processing Supervisor at TMH.

Why He Loves His Work

For Austin, the heart of his job is simple: the people.

“I love everybody that I work with. I love the environment. I love the benefits. I love everything about it,” he says with a smile. He also appreciates the manageable pace and low-stress environment that allows him to focus on doing meaningful work well.

And he feels supported every step of the way. “I’ve never had a problem that management couldn’t solve for me,” he says. “We’re supported, one hundred percent.”

The work itself keeps him happy in his career, too. Our team is filled with veteran sterile processing technicians who find their daily tasks therapeutic. “Cleaning the surgical instruments is kind of like washing dishes, and putting together cases of tools for future procedures is kind of like building Legos,” Austin says.

Behind the Scenes, But Essential

Austin describes sterile processing as the “unsung heroes” of the hospital. The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) cleans, inspects, sterilizes and prepares every surgical instrument used in the Operating Room. And at TMH, they do it exceptionally well, boasting a sterile processing error rate that’s less than half the national average.

“We’re a cut above the rest, and we have the data to prove it. The technology we use, the resources we have, and the leadership that supports us truly set us apart,” Austin says proudly.

The work of a sterile processing tech is essential, meaningful and in high demand.

“It’s a critical part of the patient care cycle,” he explains. “We make sure every instrument is safe for the next patient. It’s rewarding, and there’s strong career stability. It’s a great fit for people who want to help patients and contribute to their community—especially those who prefer being behind the scenes or are more introverted.”

Finding Home in Tallahassee

Outside of work, Austin has found his place in the community. In true Tallahassee fashion, he lives steps from beautiful nature trails while still being close to shopping and entertainment.

“Tallahassee has everything I need,” he says.

He’s felt welcomed by both the city and the TMH community, grateful for opportunities to connect with everyone from hospital leadership to high school students exploring healthcare careers.

Growing With TMH

Austin started his TMH journey as a traveling sterile processing tech. Today, he’s a leader, overseeing a team and helping ensure patients receive the safest care possible through every surgical procedure.

His journey proves that passion and belonging can emerge where you least expect, shaped by people and purpose.
And for Austin, that place is TMH.

Are you a Certified Sterile Processing Tech? Join our Sterile Processing Team to work with dedicated colleagues like Austin and make a difference for each patient that enters our Operating Room.