From staff reports
Beaufort Memorial has welcomed a new nurse practitioner to lead the hospital’s Preoperative Assessment Clinic (PAC), which prepares patients for a safe, effective and stress-free surgery experience.
Krissy A. Oudinot, MSN, FNP-BC, brings her passion for patient education and communication to the PAC at the Beaufort Memorial Medical Plaza, addressing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension and developing individualized plans to prepare patients for surgery.
Specialists such as orthopedic surgeons, OBGYNs, urologists and general surgeons refer patients to the PAC if they have conditions or medical history that might affect anesthesia, the surgery itself, outcomes or recovery. Led by Oudinot, the PAC team performs comprehensive patient evaluations; coordinated lab and imaging services; refers to specialists, including those in cardiology and pulmonology; refers to specialty programs for weight management, smoking cessation and mental health services; and consults with anesthesiology to ensure the optimal safety and readiness of surgical patients.
Since obtaining her Master of Science as a nurse practitioner at Millersville University in Millersville, Pa., Oudinot has spent more than two decades assisting orthopedic and spine surgeons in the operating room, resulting in an extensive surgical and occupational medicine background that has given her insight into surgical preparation and recovery processes.
Before joining Beaufort Memorial, she assisted in surgery in a variety of orthopedic, spine and pain management procedures at a Maryland surgery center.
Oudinot’s goal is for her patients to go into their surgical procedures as strong and knowledgeable as possible, with their worries alleviated and feeling as mentally and physically prepared as possible.
“Knowledge is power,” she said, “and through clear communication, I like to make sure my patients are as informed, healthy and comfortable as possible before they undergo surgery.”
At the PAC, patients who are referred to the clinic by their surgeon receive a comprehensive review of their medical history, an assessment of their current health status and undergo any additional testing that is required to ensure their safety and readiness for their upcoming surgery.
To learn more about the PAC and how to prepare for your upcoming surgery, call 843-522-7220 or visit BeaufortMemorial.org/PreoperativeAssessmentClinic.
