day? Do you know why you're here today? The transition from registration to
patient is confirmed the moment I disrobe in a cold and clinical environment.
My gown is unforgivably sparse. My nurses begin to prep my body like a stew-
ardess prepares an airplane cabin before takeoff. They explain the details of
every preparatory stage: We're going to create an open access into your vein
for anesthesia. In a moment, your surgeon and anesthesiologist will be in to
explain your operation. Let's go over your wishes and discuss the risks
involved with today's operation. Please sign here, here, here and here. That's
what it's like from the other side. I had never realized.
L esson No. 2: Make a connection
You can never truly comprehend the emotions patients experience leading up
to surgery. Although there's a lot of sensitive information you need to discuss
in a short amount of time with someone you've never met before, remember
that you're treating unique individuals with lives outside your walls.
January 2015 O U T PAT I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 9
z HUMAN TOUCH
The simplest things
make the biggest
impression on
patients.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
