Advocacy for the Perioperative Patient

Thousands of surgeries and procedures happen daily. Patients place their lives and well-being in the hands of the surgical team. The operating room is a high risk environment and unfortunately, errors can occur resulting in harm and even death. Each surgical team member has a role and responsibilities during the surgical case. One main role of the perioperative nurse is patient advocacy and patient safety. However, this role can be impeded due to hierarchy and the operating room culture. Identifying the perioperative nurse\u27s role and responsibility relating to patient advocacy will provide directions in the perioperative nurse\u27s daily practice. An educational session designed to address the perioperative nursing role of patient advocacy is described. Watson\u27s theoretical framework of caring, presence, and empowerment enlightens the nurses to be more fully engaged in providing care to perioperative patients