How an OR nurse helps patients feel calm and cared for before surgery

LOUISVILLE, Colo. — For Amber Wood, the path to nursing started early with a simple but powerful desire to help others.

She can trace that calling back to sixth grade, when she first decided she wanted to become a nurse.

“I never looked back,” she said.

Today, that same sense of purpose continues to guide her work as assistant nurse manager in the operating room at AdventHealth Avista, where she plays a key role in supporting both patients and team members in one of the hospital’s most dynamic environments.

A culture that feels like home

“I absolutely love the people that I work with and the culture that we have at Avista,” Wood said. “I never feel like I have to go to work. I just think, ‘what am I going to do today?’ and I think that’s wonderful.”

That culture of connection is especially strong within the operating room team, where collaboration is at the heart of everything they do.

“The OR team at Avista is special because everyone makes it feel like we’re a family,” she said. “We have our ups and downs, but everyone is there for each other and ready to help whenever a teammate needs anything.”

Creating calm in critical moments

While the operating room is often associated with fast-paced, high-stakes care, Wood and her team prioritize something equally important: helping patients feel at ease.

Before surgery, the team takes time to slow down, answer questions and build trust.

“We work together to create a calm, reassuring environment,” she said. “We want patients to feel confident, cared for and at ease.”

Behind the scenes, however, that calm environment is supported by constant coordination.

Although the team focuses on one patient at a time, there is a complex network of communication happening in real time -- balancing the needs of the surgeon, anesthesia team, scrub techs and others.

“It’s a level of teamwork people don’t always see,” Wood said. “Everyone is working together at the same time to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely.”

Advocating for patients

One experience early in Wood’s career continues to shape how she approaches patient care today.

While preparing a patient for surgery, she listened closely as the patient shared her medical history and expectations for the procedure.

Later, when she noticed a potential discrepancy in the planned approach, Wood spoke up to ensure the patient’s wishes were clearly understood.

The care plan was adjusted accordingly, and the experience left a lasting impression.

“That moment reinforced the importance of truly listening to our patients and advocating for them,” she said. “Even when it requires speaking up.”

Life beyond the OR

Outside of work, Wood enjoys channeling her creativity by sewing surgical caps and spending time relaxing with her “fur babies” while watching anime.

It’s a balance that helps her recharge and return each day ready to lead, support her team and care for patients with excellence.