title: The ambulatory surgical nurse. Evolution, competency, and vision.
abstract: Ambulatory surgery is one of the fastest-growing specialties in health care today. This article reviews several of the key elements that have been instrumental in defining the evolution of the Ambulatory Surgical Unit and predicts its place in the new millennium. It offers a view of the broad expanse of knowledge needed to practice within the fast-paced world of the ambulatory nurse. The implications of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations' competency mandate are discussed, and educational options are outlined for the perianesthesia specialist.
authors.affiliation: Post Anesthesia Care Unit/Same Day Surgery, Memorial Hospital at Easton, Easton, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Brockway
mesh_terms: D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000451:nursing* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends