431 - Emotional Intelligence of the Surgical Technologist

Emotional Intelligenceandthe SurgicalTechnologist Jorge Zamudio, cst, msol L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S s Define emotional intelligence s Examine the four multidimensional domains that lay the foundation for EI skills s Explore why emotional intelligence is needed in the role of a surgical technologist s Discuss the benefits of mastering emotional intelligence s List the consequences of poor or limited EI skills in the OR On a busy day in a surgical unit, two CSTs had a rough day. Both of themwere placed in a room to work with a problemat- ic surgical staff member. They both were belittled, sabotaged and verballymistreated throughout a surgical procedure. One of the CSTs was emotionally intelligent and the other was not. T he one with no emotional intelligence got angry and reacted to the rude coworker’s bullying and contemptuous remarks and unhelpful attitude in the same rude, sarcas- tic and defensive style which led to disruptive arguments during the procedure. The surgeon became upset and asked for the CST to be removed from the room and wrote him up for insubordina- tion, unprofessional behavior and endangering the well-being of his patient. This surgical technologist reacted based on his emotions without rationalizing and monitoring his feelings. At the end of the case, the surgeon thanked the CST for his assistance and professionalism when dealing with the disruptive co-worker. The surgeon requested for the CST to be assigned to his room on future surgeries. This CST recognized his emotions, moni- tored his response, then acted in an emotionally intelligent way. Aristotle once stated that, “anybody can become angry – that is NOVEMBER 2019 | The Surgical Technologist | 519