Hi! My name is Ramsey! I’m dedicated to assisting families as they prepare for and cope with pediatric medical procedures. I help educate pediatric patients and empower them with information on what to expect while at the Yellowstone Surgery Center.

ON YOUR BIG DAY

Things To Remember:

  • No Food or Drinks After Midnight The Night Before Your Surgery
  • Wear Your Comfy Clothes
  • Bring Your Favorite Blanket or Stuffed Animal

Gifts For You:

  • A Backpack & Activity Book
  • A Stuffed Ramsey
  • A Snow Cone or Popsicle

Sometimes when you’re doing something new it can make you a little nervous and that’s why we have put together a video tour. It should help familiarize you with the surgery center and put your mind at ease. We are committed to your child having a positive experience. Please take the time to write down any additional questions, a nurse will call you before the scheduled visit and this is a good time to ask any questions you may have.

From a child’s point of view so kids can watch it too! The video follows a little girl’s visit to Yellowstone Surgery Center (YSC).

Watch our video:

To The Parents:

We understand it can be stressful when your child is undergoing surgery and that it may be hard to know what to expect. That’s why we have put together a list of the most commonly asked questions and answers to help you and your child prepare for the big day.

Children less than 10 years of age will have an I.V. started in the O.R.

After your child has been taken to the operating room, you will go back to the waiting room.
At least one parent or guardian must remain at the Yellowstone Surgery Center at all times- before, during, and after surgery and until he or she has been discharged. If you have more than one child having surgery on the same day, we request you have two parents/guardians present. Once the surgery has been completed, the surgeon will come and visit with you.

After surgery has been completed, your child will be in Phase 1, where they are closely monitored as they recover and wake up from the anesthesia. It is our policy to not allow family members or loved ones to accompany their child into the Phase 1 recovery areas of our facility. When the child begins to wake, a nurse will transfer them to Phase 2 recovery and will come and get you from the waiting room.

It is normal for children not to be themselves immediately after surgery. The anxiety of having surgery, being in unfamiliar surroundings and the after-effects of anesthesia may cause them to be grumpy and out of sorts. These feelings, combined with post-surgical discomfort, may cause your child to cry, and sometimes inconsolably. Holding and comforting your child, talking to them softly and letting them snuggle with a favorite stuffed animal or blanket may help to calm them.

Your nurse will review any post-surgical care instructions with you, including what medications should be administered and when your child might return to normal activity. You will also receive information about any symptoms or behaviors you may want to look for after you take your child home. Instructions will vary by child and by the type of surgery performed.

Once released from our facility should questions arise call Yellowstone Surgery Center or surgeons office if non-emergent. A nurse from Yellowstone Surgery Center will call the following day and can troubleshoot questions.

Based on their age and anxiety level, your child may receive medications like Versed or Midazolam prior to surgery to help aid in their transition into the operating room. It usually takes about 10 minutes to begin working, and may make your child feel sleepy.

What To Expect: 

I.V. Start: Almost every surgery requires an I.V. to be placed for administration of fluids and medications by the doctors and nurses. The I.V. gets placed prior to or after the patient is asleep depending on the age of the child. Older children may need to have them placed prior to going under anesthesia because of safety concerns.

Operating Room: A nurse will escort your child to the Operating Room (O.R.). Yellowstone Surgery Center Policy does not allow parents or family members to go into the operating room. Your child will be taken good care of by our specially trained O.R. Staff.

Waiting Room: After your child goes into the OR, you will be asked to go back to the waiting room. At least one parent or guardian must remain at the Yellowstone Surgery Center at all times- before, during, and after surgery- until he or she has been discharged. If you have more than one child having surgery on the same day, we request that you have two parents/guardians present. The surgeon will come and visit with you following the procedure.

Phase 1 Recovery: Your child will be brought to the first phase of recovery after his or her surgery is complete. Parents and family members are not allowed in this area of Yellowstone Surgery Center. Your child will be closely monitored by 2 Registered Nurses (RN) as they recover and wake up from anesthesia.

Phase 2 Recovery: The RN will transfer your child to the second phase of recovery after they are awake and doing well recovering from anesthesia. It is important for us to reunite the child and their family as soon as possible.

Discharge: Your child will be ready for discharge when their pain is under control and oral intake is adequate. We may not be able to take away all of the pain. However, we strive to meet a tolerable pain level for your child. The RN will review the doctors’ orders and home care instructions specific to your child’s surgery. This will also include what to watch for, when to call the doctor and what medications to take at home if needed.

What To Have On Hand At Home:

  • Ibuprofen (Liquid – dependent on age)
  • Tylenol (Liquid or Chewable – dependent on age)
  • Popsicles
  • Apple Juice
  • Sprite or 7UP (this suggestion may not be appropriate for tonsils – ouch!)
  • Soups
  • Jell-O or Pudding
  • Ice Cream

What To Expect Right After Surgery And Anesthesia:

  • Grumpy or “Out of Sorts”
  • Crying & Hard To Console
  • Sleepy or Drowsy
  • Dizziness
  • Sore Throat
  • Headache or Muscle Aches
  • Discomfort or Bruising At Needle Sites
  • Nausea & Rarely Vomiting
  • Skin That Feels Warm To The Touch

Activity:

  • Most children will not feel up to their regular activities, but on a rare occasion anesthesia can cause children to become hyperactive.
  • Anesthesia and pain meds can affect a child’s balance and coordination. Avoid strenuous activities for up to 48 hours after surgery.

ACTIVITIES TO AVOID: Biking, swimming, running or other physical activities. (Be cautious around stairs.)

QUIET ACTIVITIES: Coloring or activity books, watching movies, reading stories.

When To Call Your Doctor:

If your child experiences any of these symptoms, contact your physician immediately.

  • Pain that is not controlled with the medications provided
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fever higher than 101 degrees
  • Excessive redness, swelling or drainage from the surgical site. (Note: A small amount of redness, swelling or drainage is common within the first 24 hours)

In The Media:

“Preparing pediatric patients for surgery is crucial to positive patient and parent experiences. Through preoperative screening, observation, and postoperative feedback, clinical staff nurses at Yellowstone Surgery Center (YSC) in Billings, Montana, identified a need to provide increased information to pediatric patients and their parents regarding the surgical process and postoperative expectations for recovery. The director of nursing developed a program for patients that includes preoperative education and hands-on experience. The YSC Kids program is a customizable program that includes nine initiatives designed specifically for children. The program has been shown to successfully educate pediatric patients and their parents about the entire perioperative process, this easing their anxiety about an unfamiliar situation.”

AORN Journal – The Official Voice of Perioperative Nursing

Testimonials: 

“Just a shout out to Yellowstone Surgery Center. My 2 year old had to have surgery this morning to correct her congenital trigger thumb. The staff was amazing from the minute we walked in the door. Communication was wonderful they kept me informed every second. My daughter felt loved the whole time she was there. I highly recommend this business.”

Tina R. October 2021