- Report to the registration desk as indicated by your nurse. You will be allowed one visitor or family member throughout the perioperative experience. Your visitor/family member will also receive an armband during check-in for identification.
- Do NOT remove your armband; it is used to identify you throughout your hospital stay. For your safety, everyone will be asking for you name, date of birth and what surgery/procedure you will be having.
- You will be escorted to the pre-op area or a surgical waiting room. Once in the pre-op area, the nurse will have you change into a hospital gown.
- All clothing must be removed. This includes bras and underwear. This is for your safety.
- You will then be asked to get into the bed and will be hooked up to the monitor. We will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation.
- The nurse will start an IV prior to your procedure. This is to provide fluids/medications. IVs are started in the hand, so when you are in the operating room, the anesthesiologist can monitor the IV to be sure you are receiving all the medication. Instruct the nurse if you have any pain, tenderness or swelling at the IV site.
- Oxygen will be administered in the operating/procedure room and in the recovery room.
- Pain medication will be available. Your comfort and pain level will be assessed continuously.
- Your visitor/family member can stay with you up until the point when we take you to surgery.
- When we take you back for surgery, we will have your visitor/family member wait in the surgical waiting room. Our waiting rooms can be cold, so let them know to bring a sweater or jacket.
- The operating room nurse will update your visitor/family member during the operation.
- After surgery, the surgeon will visit or call your visitor/family member with an update on your status.
- When you are out of surgery, you will go to the recovery room. You will be there until you are ready for discharge/transfer to the floor.
- If you are going home, we will call your visitor/family member and arrange for them to pick you up at the discharge door.
- If you are being admitted to the hospital, a room will be assigned while you are in the recovery room. We will notify your visitor/family member of your room number and the estimated time you will be transported to that room.
- You may be admitted to the hospital if your condition warrants.
- The recovery room nurse will update your visitor/family member throughout the entire recovery process.
- You may be required to tolerate fluids prior to discharge (this may not apply to all patients). You may be required to urinate prior to discharge (this may not apply to all patients).
When you get home:
- You are advised to go directly home from the hospital. Restrict your activities, resting for a day. Resume light to normal activity the day after your surgery, as instructed by your surgeon.
- Do not drive or operate any machinery for 24 hours after your surgery/procedure.
- Do not consume alcohol, tranquilizers or any non-prescribed medication for 24 hours.
- Do not make important decisions or sign any important papers for 24 hours after your surgery/procedure.
- You should have someone available for any emergency situations that may arise.
- Additional discharge instructions will be given to you the day of your surgery.