Perioperative Nursing

Left to Right: John Toner III, RN (PACU); Susan Burke, RN (PATs); Joni Voltmer, RN (PREOP); Candy Kehoe, RN (PACU); Julie Dameus, RN (Clinical Manager); Elaine Kemp, RN (PAT); Caroline McIntyre, RN (PACU); John Donohue, RN (PREOP)
Left to Right: John Toner III, RN (PACU); Susan Burke, RN (PATs); Joni Voltmer, RN (PREOP); Candy Kehoe, RN (PACU); Julie Dameus, RN (Clinical Manager); Elaine Kemp, RN (PAT); Caroline McIntyre, RN (PACU); John Donohue, RN (PREOP)

Perioperative Services are comprised of the Operating Room (OR), Pre-Op Unit, Same Day Surgery Unit (SDSU), Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and the Endoscopy Suite. 

The surgical battle against cancer has advanced using modern technology and new treatment modalities. 

The surgical battle against cancer has advanced using modern technology and new treatment modalities. Approaches include lasers, ultrasonic aspiration of tumor tissues, microvascular reconstruction, cryosurgery, and sentinel node biopsy for melanoma and breast cancers.

Pre-Admission Testing

The Pre-Admission Testing team is here to support the patient’s preparation for surgery.  PAT is the first patient encounter with the surgical experience. Nurses assess the overall health and surgical preparatory needs of each patient and begin the education process. They work closely with Anesthesia providers.

Experienced nurses educate patients on what to expect and how to best prepare for their procedure.  Anesthesia physician assistants provide a comprehensive physical assessment and review of medical history to ensure the safest path for a patient’s procedure.  Medical assistants are available to obtain testing required for your procedure as well with the help of positive, helpful support staff to navigate your visit efficiently.

Pre-Op/SDS

The surgical battle against cancer has advanced using modern technology and new treatment modalities. Approaches include lasers, ultrasonic aspiration of tumor tissues, microvascular reconstruction, cryosurgery, and sentinel node biopsy for melanoma and breast cancers.

OR nurses prepare the environment for the scheduled surgery, interview the patient, and ascertain patient identity, procedure, and surgeon, as well as any other patient safety issues. Nurses utilize the EMR to record intraoperative activities including Universal Protocol Time Out; when all members of the surgical team participate to assure correct patient, site, intent, plan, and all needed studies and equipment availability.

The OR is equipped to preform simple to complex surgeries; simple biopsies, robotic assisted laparoscopic procedures, and extensive cancer resections with immediate plastic microvascular free flap reconstructions.

Operating Room

OR nurses prepare the environment for the scheduled surgery, interview the patient, and ascertain patient identity, procedure, and surgeon, as well as any other patient safety issues. Nurses utilize the EMR to record intraoperative activities including Universal Protocol Time Out; when all members of the surgical team participate to assure correct patient, site, intent, plan, and all needed studies and equipment availability.

The OR is equipped to preform simple to complex surgeries; simple biopsies, robotic assisted laparoscopic procedures, and extensive cancer resections with immediate plastic microvascular free flap reconstructions.

PACU

PACU is the next stop for the patient during their perioperative experience.  The PACU nurses are all ACLS certified and are experts in the care of patients emerging from anesthesia. They utilize assessment skills and record in the EMR. They also work closely with Anesthesia providers.

EMB

The Endoscopy Suite is staffed by ACLS certified nurses, gastrointestinal technologists and respiratory therapists who collaborate in a shared governance environment to provide care during and after endoscopies, bronchoscopies and minor surgical procedures. Pre and post procedure telephone assessments are used to evaluate the patient and the quality of care.