Bartlett Regional | House Calls | Fall 2018

Hernia, gall bladder, breast biopsy, children’s dental restoration, arthroscopy, colonoscopy, fractures and nasal—these are just some of the types of same-day surgery performed every week at Bartlett Regional Hospital. The surgical services department is the hub of activity for an average of 235 same-day surgeries a month and 1,000-plus colonoscopies a year. Same-day surgery is just that. Patients are prepped, the surgery is completed and they go home—all in one day. “Safety is first,” emphasizes Surgical Services Director Sherri O’Connor, RN. “We make sure every patient that comes to Bartlett is safely prepared for their surgical procedure and that we give them the best possible customer service.” Safety hinges on the information gathered in advance of surgery day. “We schedule you for a preadmission testing appointment to get as much information as we possibly can,” says O’Connor. “We delve into your medical history, which can include labs, physicals and heart issues. The more information we can gather for the anesthesiologist, the safer you are.” Seeing what patients experience Nurse manager Brenda Vigue, RN, walks me through the patient experience in the same-day surgery department. The entrance is at the right end of the far left hallway on the hospital’s second floor. The first stop is the front desk, where patients are greeted by a receptionist. In the same area, nurses are consulting with incoming patients by phone, known as “pre-operative interviewing.” Laura Gregovich has been doing this kind of work for the past 20 years. “Everyone has their own set of circumstances,” she notes. Nurse interviewers like Gregovich check on health history, lab work, travel logistics and allergies to medications, especially those administered by the anesthesiologist. “By the time the patient comes in the next day, you can see their stress level is down, even though the procedure is imminent,” says Gregovich. “And that to me is really rewarding. Solid research shows patients do better if they have that pre-operative piece.” “Patients learn what to expect,” adds Vigue. She opens a door leading to a room with a central nurses’ station surrounded by 13 patient prep rooms, each separated by curtains. All the rooms are the same. “There’s a closet for your personal belongings,” Vigue says. “You’ll have a bed ready for you, along with a gown and socks you change into. Then your Prep, surgery and home in The ins and outs of same-day surgery By Katie Bausler, Community Relations Director Laveda Loose greets incoming same-day surgery patients. Surgical Services Director Sherri O’Connor, RN (left), and Nurse Manager Brenda Vigue, RN. Caitlyn Bedford, RN, awaits a same-day surgery patient 8 House Calls Fall 2018