Tools and Resources

Planning for Your Procedure

Review the checklists below to ensure you're prepared for your surgery. Please note that this is a general guide.

Your physician’s instructions are specific to you; therefore, if your physician gives you instructions that conflict with the information here, please listen to your physician.

Inpatient Surgery Day Checklist

This checklist is designed to help patients who will be spending more than one night in the hospital. You will check out at noon the day you go home.

  • Make home arrangements.
  • Complete first soap shower.
  • Complete second soap shower.
  • Do not eat or drink eight hours prior to arrival time.
  • Take medication the morning of surgery, as instructed, with a sip of water
  • Bring your yellow pre-admission card. Depending on the location of your surgery, or if you were pre-admitted by phone, you may not have a card.
  • Bring robe, slippers and personal toiletries.
  • Bring medications from home in their original containers if you did not bring them to your pre-admission visit, or if instructed by your nurse.
  • Bring sleep apnea assists, such as CPAP or BiPAP.
  • Bring SMI breathing unit.
  • Leave valuables, including jewelry, at home.

Outpatient Surgery Day Checklist

This checklist is designed to help patients who will be going home the day of, or the morning after, surgery. If you spend the night in the hospital, check out time is noon.

  • Have an adult driver ready to bring you home from the hospital.
  • Have an adult caregiver selected to support you for the first 24 hours.
  • Complete first soap shower.
  • Complete second soap shower.
  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
  • Do not eat or drink eight hours prior to your arrival time.
  • Take medication the morning of surgery, as instructed, with a sip of water.
  • Bring your yellow pre-admission card. Depending on the location of your surgery, or if you were pre-admitted by phone, you may not have a card.
  • Bring medications from home in their original containers if you did not bring them to your pre-admission visit, or if instructed by your nurse.
  • Bring sleep apnea assists, such as CPAP or BiPAP.
  • Bring SMI breathing unit.
  • Leave valuables, including jewelry, at home.

Going Home

When it's time to head home, be sure you fully understand the instructions given by your nurse or doctor. If you don't understand, please ask.

If you have an outpatient procedure, it is unlikely you will need to spend the night in the hospital. You will need to stay until you are able to drink fluids, go to the bathroom, your vital signs are stable and your pain is under control.

Your recovery time will depend upon the type of procedure you have undergone and the anesthesia used. The Same Day Surgery Nurse will provide you with instructions for your care at home. Below are some topics that may be discussed.

  • Prescription medications
  • Bathing/showering
  • Diet
  • Pain (what to expect and what to do)
  • Activities and exercise
  • Incision care and stitches
  • Driving
  • Signs of infection
  • Returning to work
  • Follow-up visit to physician
  • Bandages and dressings
  • Who to call with concerns or changes in your condition