Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1398259
12 Section 2: Your Hospital Stay What to Expect While You Are In the Hospital Outpatient Surgery When you check in at the hospital, you will be taken to a room in the Short Stay Unit. Here, the nurses will prepare you for surgery by making sure your health history is correct. They will start your IV and give you any medications required before surgery. We will use special wipes to clean your skin to reduce the risk of infection. The surgeon will mark the surgical site, and your anesthesiologist will meet with you as well. You will have a special warming gown to keep you warm during this time. It is important to stay warm before you go to the operating room, as this also helps to reduce the risk of infection after surgery. You will likely go to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) after your surgery. In the PACU we do not allow visitors while you are recovering. Some patients may return directly to the Short Stay Unit after surgery, depending on the type of procedure. You are required to have a ride home when you leave the hospital. Make sure you understand your care instructions before you leave the hospital. Be sure to ask questions if you are unsure about the instructions and that you understand the answers given to you. Make sure you know when to follow-up with your surgeon after your surgery. It is important that you have an adult who can stay with you for the first few days after surgery to help you if you need it. • You will need to arrive at the hospital approximately 2 hours before your scheduled surgery time. • When you arrive, please check in at Admitting Desk in the Surgery Waiting Area. • Nursing staff will begin preparing you for surgery. • Your anesthesiologist will meet with you before surgery. • A family member or friend may stay with you until it is time for you to go to surgery. Your full attention and participation is necessary for you to have a safe surgery experience. Please do not use your electronic devices while our team is discussing or providing your care. Inpatient Surgical Unit If you are staying overnight, your family members may join you once you are settled in your room. Your vital signs, incision and dressings will be checked. A member of your surgical team may visit you and your family to discuss your surgery and answer your questions.