Remembering the patient - Letters

AORN Journal,  June, 2002  by Barbara Graves

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The article "The lived perioperative experience of ambulatory surgery patients," (December 2001, page 874) by Mary Jane Costa, RN, is a reminder that in the fast-paced world of medicine, nurses tend to overlook just how high an individual's anxiety level can be when undergoing surgery of any type. Nurses become so overwhelmed in their jobs that little time actually is spent conversing with and preparing patients for the surgical procedure. I am a surgical nurse who is responsible for ensuring patients acquire the necessary information for a smooth surgical experience. I also educate patients about procedures and answer any questions pertaining to recovery. Insufficient time spent preparing patients mentally as well as physically leaves them feeling insecure with the whole process. I too am at fault for becoming so routine in my job that I do not always have an empathetic ear. The article reiterates that all patients should be treated with dignity, compassion, and a personal touch.

Whether the procedure is outpatient or inpatient, recovery is occurring more frequently within patients' own homes. Patients are seen briefly days in advance of the surgery by anesthesia care providers, admitted the morning of the procedure, hurriedly prepped to ensure the OR schedule is maintained, whisked into the OR, and returned to recovery briefly before being discharged. To be efficient, all staff members have to keep the process moving; yet, it is the patient who suffers.

In our facility, it has become policy that the individual must be seen preoperatively by a surgical liaison before any surgical event. Implementing this policy seems to have decreased the anxiety of being discharged after any procedure. It allows patients to speak to a nurse about postoperative expectations and provides patients with a chance to speak to the anesthesia care provider. Any surgical procedure can be a fearful experience. As nurses, we can help make events less terrifying by taking a few extra minutes to explain and listen with a more in-tune ear. Articles such as this act as a friendly reminder that our profession is growing in its level of intensity; yet, we cannot forget our role in providing sound patient care. Putting oneself in the shoes of another can be a lesson learned by all.

BARBARA GRAVES
RN
BLUFFTON, SC

COPYRIGHT 2002 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group