1 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6
"We use your weight to make decisions about
medication dosages and equipment safety."
What we'd really like to say ... What we should say instead ...
Jokesters
"We love a good sense of humor, and also love
sharing banter with you as we prepare you for
surgery. However, please do not tease about the
stuff that matters: what we are doing for you
today, when you last ate or drank, or other critical
questions that require serious answers."
"These next 3 questions require your attention as
part of our safety process."
Companions
"We hate it when your caregivers look cold and
miserable, and our bath blankets are in limited
supply."
"It tends to be cold and boring for caregivers here,
so instruct them to dress warmly and to bring an
activity to pass the time."
Late-running days
"I wish we were not running late. It is something
we hate, and do everything to prevent it. Once we
are behind, however, we cannot fix it."
"You would not want us to rush anything for your
care, and we won't do it for others either."
NPO
"NPO means NPO. A little food before surgery is
not worth a hospital transfer and pneumonia or
worse."
"Please follow our fasting guidelines. It is not just
an inconvenience for you, it may also impact your
safety."
Smokers
"We don't judge you if you smoke, but even our
nurses' noses can't take the smell of cigarettes.
Also, please go easy on the perfume and
cologne."
"Smoking will slow your healing and impact your
post-operative course. Also, please don't smoke
just before your arrival, as the smell stays with
you and impacts others."
Weight
"Please don't give us your driver's license weight.
We won't tell anyone, and if we were good at
guessing, we'd have joined the carnival."
E
ffectively communicating with patients can sometimes be
challenging, and patients might say and do things that add to
these challenges. Here's how to tactfully get your message
across without offending.
Leslie Mattson, RN, BSHM Atlanta, Ga.
ALM Consulting Services leslie@almss.com
What We'd Love to Tell Our Patients
Ideas Work
That
