F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 2 1
A
ssign nurses
to specific
pre-op bays
instead of having them
team up to care for all
the patients being pre-
pared for surgery. For
example, we have 5
pre-op chairs and a
YAG laser room in our
eye surgery center.
When the pre-op nurses
start in the morning,
they pick their assigned areas. One nurse takes chairs 1 and 4, another
takes chairs 2 and 5, and another takes chair 3 and the YAG room.
Patients know who'll be taking care of them during the nervous time
before surgery and loved ones know whom they'll be visiting with if
there are any concerns. If there's any question about a specific
patient, you can go directly to the assigned nurse without having to
ask around for the responsible caregiver. We've found that assign-
ments limit frantic activity in the pre-op area and help patients relax
and feel good about their care. It's surprising how many patients come
back in after surgery to visit "their nurse," and how many nurses
receive thank-you cards and treats from patients they cared for.
Mary Radke, RN
Dakota Eye Surgery Center
Bismarck, N.D.
mradke@dakotaeye.com
Pre-op Assignments Ensure Continuity of Care
• CALMING INFLUENCE Patients appreciate being cared for by the same nurse during
their time in pre-op.
Dakota
Eye
Surgery
Center
