Admission to the hospital
When overnight or extended stay is needed, after a period of observation you’ll be taken to your room from the recovery area or the Postanesthesia Care Unit to your room. Your family or friends may wait in a designated waiting area where the surgeon will meet with them at the end of the procedure. Your family or friends can join you in your room after you’ve been transferred there. Any personal belongings stored by hospital personnel and will be brought to your room.
When you arrive in your room, you will meet your new nurse and should be shown how to contact that nurse for help. You should also be taught how to use any electronic equipment available to you.
Appropriate diet and activity levels, available medications for you (for pain, nausea or sleeping), and any prescribed medications such as antibiotics should be explained to you. As always, you remain a partner in your care and recovery. Ask questions when you have them and provide feedback that will aid in your recovery and discharge to home.
Printed with permission from the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses, 2002.
