Preparing for Surgery

The PACE staff is dedicated to making this process as convenient and comfortable as possible. You will work closely with a registered surgical nurse and an anesthesiologist to plan for your operation.


Depending upon the type of surgery, the team you work with may include a dietitian, physical therapist, respiratory therapist, and/or occupational therapist. Your PACE team can also make arrangements for you to speak to a financial counselor, if necessary.

You will receive specific instructions about what to do, and what not to do, before and after surgery. You will learn when you should stop eating food and drinking liquids, and which medicines are safe to take prior to your operation. Educational materials will detail the specific aspects of your surgical procedure.

Your PACE team can help you prepare for any post-operative needs, such as special ways your family may need to care for you at home. Your nurse will discuss how to communicate about, and cope with, post-surgical pain through a variety of treatments and technologies, including medication.

Physical and/or occupational therapy represents the road to recovery for many patients healing from major surgeries, and you will learn about how these therapies my help you.

The following information helps your health care team develop a plan of care that best fits you. To get the most out of your appointment, please remember to bring:

• A list of medications taken at home, including prescriptions, over the counter medications, and herbal supplements.
• Documentation of any implantable devices, such as pacemakers, internal metal rods or plates, and medication pumps.
• Insurance card(s).
• Any information given to you by your doctor about this procedure.
• A list of your allergies to medication, food, environment, or other things.
• A list of any questions you would like answered prior to your surgery.

​Other Helpful Tips:

• Let us know if you have any allergic reaction to latex or latex-containing products. Items such as gloves and catheters contain latex. Latex is a form of rubber. The nurse will have a set of questions to ask you if you are unsure of the allergy.
• Ask us any questions you would like answered. Our PACE nurses are certified medical-surgical nurses and have experience with all aspects of surgery. They will be able to answer any and all questions about what you can expect before, during, and after your procedure.
• Leave children in the care of a relative or friend so you can focus on learning without distractions.

Enter the hospital through the patient entrance, just off of Brown Street. Greeters will direct you to the Outpatient Care Center. The receptionist at the window will take your information and let your nurse know you have arrived.


If your child is scheduled for surgery, please accompany him or her to PACE. 
Children are usually less anxious about surgery if the process is explained to them, which we will do in non-threatening terms they can easily understand. We will also take them on a tour of our facility to help them feel even more at ease. As with any PACE appointment, be sure to bring along a list of medications, allergies, questions or insurance cards with you.

You are the most important member of the surgery team. Consequently, our staff will make every effort to answer all your questions and work with you to provide comprehensive care for all your pre-operative needs.

If you have any questions before your PACE appointment, or if you will be unable to keep your appointment, please call (812) 522-0433. The scheduling receptionist will direct your call to the appropriate medical profession.