Ask a Magnet Nurse: Outpatient Surgery Nurses Focus On A Comfortable, Seamless Experience

Erin Lanier, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Outpatient Surgery
Candler Hospital

Smart Living: Surgery is a major decision that can cause some patients anxiety. How do nurses in Outpatient Surgery ensure that patients have a safe and comfortable experience?

Erin Lanier: We are here to guide you through every step of the way. And it starts with trust. I’m a people-person; I love talking with patients and asking them questions. It can really help with their anxiety and make their whole experience better. I try to build that trusted relationship throughout the pre-operative phase, as we complete the physical assessment, review the patient’s chart, establish IV access and administer any necessary pre-operative medications.

We also use this time to educate the patient, making sure they understand the procedure, the expected timeline, and what to anticipate post-surgery.

SL: Do most patients go home the same day? What can their loved ones expect?

EL: Yes, most patients do go home the same day, but we also have a newly-renovated Post-Surgical Unit for those who need additional monitoring. And all of our facilities have a comfortable waiting area for loved ones. We want the experience to be stress-free for everyone.

We work with our pharmacy to help supply patients with their medications before they discharge. This is a huge relief to patients and families, especially those who live outside of Savannah. It’s all about focused, personalized care. Our team is always working to give patients a seamless experience from start to finish.