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Surgery Liaison Puts Families At Ease
 Having surgery as a patient is unsettling, but having to cope with a friend or family member having surgery can be just as worrisome. Surgery Services now has a Family Liaison Nurse (FLN) to specifically help families and patients cope with these challenges.
A FLN communicates closely with the surgical team, volunteers and chaplains to support patients’ friends and family members. The surgical liaison possesses expertise and knowledge of surgical procedures and acts as a resource to help answer questions from friends or family members, and provide comfort and patient updates to ease the stress and anxiety involved when a loved one has surgery.
“This role adds a personal touch by giving families an idea of what is going on and a sense of security that someone is watching over their loved one,” said Kristie Buol, LPN, Surgical Services Family Liaison Nurse.
The FLN allows surgical nurses to focus solely on the patient’s procedure instead of trying to simultaneously relay information to families. Friends or family receive a pager at the beginning of the procedure to notify them when the FLN has patient news. The pager allows visitors to wander about the hospital without fear of missing an update.
“This position has added stability and consistency to the involvement between family members and their loved ones. Keeping families involved and informed decreases their level of anxiety, allowing them to concentrate on their loved ones care,” noted Robert Wehmeyer, director of Surgical Services.
There are also benefits tied to a patient’s recovery. “This position allows me to help patients cope with their surgery and aid in the healing process. It helps foster acceptance of their situation and gives them relief to know that someone is taking care of their friends and family,” said Buol.
Last Updated: 5/24/2007
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