My name is Josie Dekoker, and I’m new here! WOC’s newest ASC RN to be exact I graduated from Centralia College in June and obtained my nursing license in July. This is my first nursing job, and I couldn’t be happier to call WOC home. The staff (AKA: Family) here have been so welcoming and helpful in my transition into practice. That coupled with my desire to learn, and the diversity of daily duties makes this job opportunity perfect for me! Besides taking care of patients, I love being able to learn new things every single day. Each day I have a brand new experience. Whether it be a new question from a patient, to a new surgery or a new opportunity, all of these new things help foster the RN that I am becoming.

You’re probably wondering where I am going with all of this. I am writing, WOC’s ASC blog to be exact.

Do I like to write? Nope. Not even a little bit. However, that’s not what this is about. This blog is a learning experience, and as I previously mentioned, I love to learn! As a fresh RN, straight out of school, you can imagine that I have a limited scope of experience in a surgery setting. And what is the best way to learn? To teach someone else what you know. And I am going to do just that. I am going to teach you the ins and outs of our ASC. You get to join me on this learning journey, and we can learn together. So buckle up! We have a long journey ahead, and I can’t wait to get started.

What better day to start than the beginning of National ASC week! Yes, an entire week to recognize the ASC’s around the country. ASC’s give patients a choice. A choice of where they want to have a surgical procedure. This year marks the 11th anniversary of National ASC week. However, the first ASC has been around for much longer than that. Our ASC was actually one of the first ASC’s in Washington State! How neat is that?!

Okay, so let’s get started.

What is an ASC?

ASC stands for Ambulatory Surgery Center and is also sometimes referred to as Outpatient Surgery Centers. Patients who visit an ASC are lucky enough to go home the same day, often within hours, of having a surgical procedure.

Why would someone choose to have surgery in an ASC?

There are many reasons for patients to choose to have surgery in an ASC. Some include, but are not limited to:

  • Lower cost
  • Lower risk of infection
  • More personalized care
  • Shorter “stays.”
  • More relaxed setting for both the patient and family

What procedures does WOC offer to be done in the ASC?

We can do a number of orthopedic cases in our ASC. From the removal of a Ganglion cyst (that bump often on the back of your wrist) to even replacing a total joint! Our surgeons are trained to complete a wide array of procedures.

How do I decide if I should have a procedure at the ASC?

The most important thing you can do is schedule an appointment with one of our providers. The provider will evaluate any ailments, review any surgical and non-surgical options, then discuss the best course of treatment with you. If surgery is the next step, then our surgeons will work side by side with you to decide where your surgery should be completed to provide an optimal recovery and have the best possible outcome for you.

Whatever your orthopedic ailment may be, be sure to give us a call today at 360-736-2889! We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Until next time,

Josie Dekoker