[Pre-operative period of the heart surgical patient: nursing approach making a difference]

This is a study that was developed in a Cardiology Unit of a University Hospital in the country area of Rio Grande do Sul. Its aim was to identify the perception of the cardiac surgical patient about the pre-surgical orientations given by the nursing staff. The population was of male and female adult patients who were submitted to any cardiac surgical process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to grasp the perception of the patient about the given information. The following themes emerged: tranquilizing awakening; stressful environment; nursing: being with and humanization; privileged feeling; technology in orientation; and orientation: meaning of clarifying, tranquility and courage.