Upon arrival to the OR/Procedural area, the OR Nurse will greet you and ask you some important questions for your safety.
What is your name and date of birth?They will check to make sure your armband is correct and has your initials on it.
What surgery are you having performed today?Example: I am having my left knee replaced by Dr. X.
You will be safely transferred to the Operating Room table and given warm blankets for comfort.
For your safety, a strap will be placed across your abdomen or thighs as some of the tables are narrow.
Your Anesthesia provider will place small sticky patches on your upper body to monitor your heart and will also place a finger probe on one hand to watch the oxygen levels in your blood. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm and this will squeeze your arm tightly while it is working. We monitor you to keep you safe during surgery.
You will be given medications while you are in the OR. These may include:
medications to help you relax
medications to prevent pain
medications to keep you "sleeping" and comfortable during the surgery
For some surgeries, you will be asked to take several deep breaths as a mask with oxygen flowing is placed over your mouth and nose. This medication helps you to slowly drift off to "sleep."
The surgery team will position you for the procedure, the RN will clean the area of the body that is necessary for the operation, and the Surgical Technologist or Physician Assistant will prepare the surgical site for the Surgeon. The Surgeon, Assistant, and Surgical Technologist will be using instruments and equipment that have been sterilized (free of organisms) to prevent an infection from developing after your surgery.
During the surgery, the RN will communicate with your Nurse Liaison (RN to help you through your surgical services experience) about your status as appropriate to keep your family or significant others informed.
When the operation is completed, you will be transported to the recovery room where you will become more awake and alert.
Your surgeon will meet with your family/significant others and discuss your surgery and how you are recovering post-op.
