The Role of a Nurse Practitioner in an Ambulatory Surgery Unit

Abstract

NURSES IN advanced practice are expanding the roles they perform. NURSE PRACTITIONERS (NPs) are the largest group of advanced practice nurses, and they have moved beyond primary care to practice in acute care environments, including peri‐operative settings. THIS ARTICLE provides a brief overview of advanced practice nursing and describes the role of NPs in a hospital‐based ambulatory surgery unit (ASU). THE ASU NPs provide preoperative care and ensure that patients are ready for surgery, which minimizes OR delays. AORN J 79 (March 2004)

Successful performance improvement

“…As was shown in this literature review, however, many outcomes relating to the contributions of the preoperative NP were quantified either directly or indirectly or supported anecdotally. These outcomes included reduction in the amount of time patients spent completing preoperative assessments; 11 , 12 cost savings related to patient care; 1 improvement in patient satisfaction scores; 11,12,15 significant increases in OR efficiency; 1,11,13 and significant decreases in start time delays and cancellations 12,13,15 . Finally, five of the six articles openly supported the concept that the preoperative NP role is Outcomes related advantageous 1,11,14,15 …”

“…The role of the NP in the ASU is to provide complete preoperative evaluations for patients scheduled for surgery at three Evanston Northwestern Healthcare hospitals. Surgeons refer preoperative patients to the NP if the patients are unable to obtain a current H&P from a primary care provider, require more in‐depth preoperative teaching, or are medically complex (eg, those with multiple organ disease, electrocardiogram abnormalities, a history of adverse anesthesia reactions) 15 . The NP independently assesses patients and provides preoperative care, and anesthesiologists are available for consultation.…”

“…The NP independently assesses patients and provides preoperative care, and anesthesiologists are available for consultation. Moreover, the NP is available to ASU staff members for consultation regarding preoperative and postoperative patient care issues 15 …”

“…The ASU found that patients seen preoperatively by the NP had complete medical records, had potential problems addressed, and were well informed. Surgery delays and cancellations have been reduced and patient satisfaction has improved 15 …”

The Nurse Practitioner Role in Evidence-Based Medication Strategies

“…This successful movement of the largest group of advanced care practitioners into the preoperative arena, moving from more traditional roles in primary care, has been quite advantageous to the health care system. 1 The NP's unique ability to blend both a nursing and medical model of care has provided for an increase in the volume of patients being assessed preoperatively, allowing medical residents to pursue other tasks. 2 The length of time patients must spend in the preoperative area has also been reduced, with documented improved patient satisfaction scores.…”