I had surgery for a shoulder problem last month. I was in and out of the hospital the same day. Even though I was feeling fine, the nursing staff wouldn't let me go home until I had met certain goals. Wasn't this a waste of time and money?

After surgery of any kind, patients are monitored in the recovery room until transferred or released. Before going home, patients must have minimal pain and nausea. Vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, and number of breaths per minute must be within normal ranges. Control of pain and other symptoms is also important.

Without proper care after surgery, complications can develop. Pain control is especially important to avoid further hospitalization. Measuring the patient's vital signs is one way to assess pain. The time it takes to make sure a patient is on the road to recovery is an investment in an overall good outcome.