Does perioperative nursing include caring?

Abstract

Does perioperative nursing include caring? Does it show evidence of a theoretical base of caring? Yes, most definitely. We touch; we listen; we hold; we act as advocates. The challenge is to articulate these actions in our body of knowledge and practice. What would an outcome statement on perioperative caring look like? As perioperative critical paths are developed, how will perioperative caring outcomes be expressed? These are the challenges perioperative nurses must meet to demonstrate the necessity of the perioperative nursing role in providing humanistic care in the OR.

Postponed or cancelled heart operations from the patient's perspective

“…The fear of a possible operation is felt even before the patient undergoes coronary arteriography and receives a diagnosis (Heikkilä et al 1999) and the time that elapses from decision concerning operation and the operation itself is considered by most patients as a time of worry and insecurity (Bengtson et al 1996, Jonsdottir & Baldursdottir 1998, Perski et al 1998, Fitzsimons et al 2000. Most patients feel a sense of impotence, as their capacity to make decisions regarding their own wellbeing is minimal (Burchiel 1995). To the patients, big surgical interventions can mean strong psychological and psychosocial reactions connected with thoughts about death, pain and risk of complications (Lazarus & Averill 1972, Bresser et al 1993.…”

Patient reactions to cancelled or postponed heart operations

“…Even preoperatively, surgery can give rise to mental and physical reactions. The patients are worried and may feel powerless, because they have minimal chances to make any decisions about their own welfare (Lazarus & Averill 1972, Burchiel 1995). Research has shown that waiting for transportation to the operating theatre is one of the most frightening experiences for patients in connection with surgery.…”