Essential Functions & Occupational Risks

A surgical technologist is a healthcare professional whose primary responsibility is to maintain the sterile field, understand the procedure being performed, anticipate the needs of the surgeon, maintain a current knowledge base, maintain quality patient care during the operative procedure, and maintain constant vigilance regarding the adherence of aseptic technique by all members of the surgical team and their surroundings. They handle the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary before, during, and after the surgical procedure. In addition to the technical aspects of the profession, the technologist must always be aware of the patient’s condition and needs.

Special Qualifications:
In addition to minimum requirements regarding Reading, Writing, and Math skills, the student must, unassisted:

1. Demonstrate ability to comprehend and interpret written material.
2. Able to make appropriate judgment decisions.
3. Follow written and oral/verbal instructions in English. Possess short-term and long-term memory sufficient to perform tasks, e.g., mentally tracking surgical supplies and performing
   anticipation skills during the operation.
4. Synthesize information from written material and apply the knowledge to various situations.
5. Demonstrate the use of positive coping skills during patient, staff, and faculty interactions.

Psychomotor Qualifications:

1. Vision – normal, corrected. Demonstrate sufficient visual ability enough to load a fine (10-0) suture onto needles and needle holders with/without corrective lenses and while wearing safety
   glasses. Demonstrate sufficient peripheral vision to anticipate and function while in the sterile surgical environment.
2. Hearing – normal, corrected, or aid able. Hear and understand muffled communication without visualization of the communicator’s mouth/lips and within 20 feet. Hear activation/warning signals on equipment.
3. Smell – able to detect odors sufficient to maintain environmental safety and patient needs.
4. Touch – normal tactile sensitivity. Manipulate instruments, supplies, and equipment with speed, dexterity, and good eye-hand coordination.

Physical Qualifications:

1. Able to stand, bend, stoop, and/or sit for long periods of time in one location with minimum/no breaks.
2. Able to lift a minimum of 20 pounds.
3. Able to refrain from nourishment or restroom breaks for periods up to 6 hours.
4. Ambulate/move around without assistive devices.
5. Able to assist with and/or lift, move, position, and manipulate a patient who is unconscious with/without assistive devices.
6. Successfully complete a CPR certification course.

Communication Qualifications:

1. 1. The ability to interact and verbally communicate with others. Demonstrate positive interpersonal skills during patient, staff, and faculty interactions.
2. Demonstrate calm and effective responses, especially in emergency situations.
3. Knowledge of basic written, grammar, and spelling skills.
4. Ability to communicate and understand fluent English both verbally and in writing.

Occupational Risks:

Understanding occupational risks in the surgical environment is essential for maintaining a safe and effective operating room. To learn more about potential hazards and recommended safety practices for the surgical suite, visit OSHA’s Surgical Suite eTool.