What to Expect the Day of Your Procedure
It's understandable to be a little anxious the day of your procedure. Please remember to tell your nurse if you are not feeling well. Remind them of any special needs you may have such as bladder or bowel control issues or use of any assistive devices like hearing aids or glasses.
If our employees/nurses do not introduce themselves, please ask them to do so. You have the right to know who is involved in your care.
Preparation for Your Procedure
You will be escorted to a room in the Ambulatory Care Center and will be asked to remove all clothing and jewelry. A hospital gown will be given to you.
While You Wait
A nurse will visit you to complete a nursing assessment, answer any questions you may have and provide any teaching you may need before the procedure. Hospital personnel will secure your belongings for safekeeping. You will be asked to empty your bladder and an intravenous (IV) line will be started. At this time you can opt for your ride/family to receive text messages that will update them with your location throughout your procedure.
Delays
Sometimes an unavoidable delay can occur. Itʼs never easy to wait. You may read, watch television (if available) or use relaxation techniques. You may use personal electronic devices until you are taken to the procedural area. Your understanding is always appreciated when there is a delay.
Procedure Area
When you are transported to the procedure room, your family/friend will be shown where to wait in the Family Lounge. A status board is located in all waiting rooms and in the Cafe that updates your family/care providers with your location during your stay.
An anesthesia doctor or team (nurse and doctor) will interview you to plan your care with you. Your physician may meet with you at this point. This is your opportunity to ask any further questions or voice any concerns. You will be taken by stretcher into the procedure room. Once there, your procedure team will not leave you for any reason. You will be monitored constantly throughout your procedure.
Completion of Procedure
Once your procedure is complete the physician will speak to your family. The anesthesia provider will see that you awaken safely and will take you on a stretcher to the 3 PostAnesthesia Care Unit (3PACU). Interventional Radiology patients will return to the Ambulatory Care Center directly from the procedure area.
What to Expect in the 3-Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
Recovery
After your procedure, you will be observed for a period of time in an area known as the 3PostAnesthesia Care Unit (3PACU), formerly known as the recovery room. The type of anesthesia you have received will determine your length of stay and overall postprocedural course.
During your Stay
While in the 3PACU, nursing staff will monitor your vital signs closely and ensure that you are able to cough and swallow, are awake enough and can respond appropriately. The nurse will address your needs to make you as comfortable as possible. Once you achieve set criteria specific to your type of procedure and anesthesia, you will be discharged from this area.
Discharge
Once discharged from 3PACU, you will return to the Ambulatory Care Center where you will have additional time to recuperate. Discharge from this area is at the discretion of your physician.
Your nurse will work with you to treat any physical concerns and to plan your discharge home.
Your activity level will be steadily increased, and you will be offered something to drink.