LPN/LVN in Outpatient Surgery/Ambulatory Clinic

[t.adamson]

Hello Nurses!

I just put in my month notice at the dept. of corrections. I'm so sad and depressed about it because I love my job. But I'm 2000+ miles a way from my husband and I miss him so much.

So I decided to accept a position around the Keesler AFB, MS area. It's an Outpatient Surgery/Ambulatory Clinic w/ 7900 procedures a year and at least 18 surgical physicians. I really don't know what to expect since my only experience is Corrections Nursing(Medical Unit with IPU, Special Needs, and Psych), volunteering at Assisted Living and flu shot drives. But they seemed to like me at the interview and I thank God!

So to any of the nurses out there with experience in Outpatient Surgery/Ambulatory clinics... Can you please share your experiences with me? I'm very nervous but also very thankful to get an opportunity like this one:)

Take care.

[Fiona59]

By outpatient surgical, do you mean a day surgery unit?

If so, it's pretty busy. Admit, prep the patient, wait for them to return from theatre, monitor, educate, discharge.

Good time management skill are your best friend. Review your assessment skills. Learn about the surgeries being performed. Is cataracts, outpatient gynie, lap choli's?

You need to understand what the patient is having done because they have lots of questions.

It's not a bad world and you pretty much never have to work weekends.

[t.adamson]

OH good. I bought a book from Saunders in regards to Ambulatory Surgical Nursing:) At least I'll have a week to read through it before I start orientation. Thank you!