The pursuit of greater efficiency in modern day surgery has led to the adoption and development of many new and extended nursing roles. Such roles often focus on physiological measurement to ensure patient safety before and during surgery. However, studies suggest that patients require considerable care in relation to the social and psychological effect of hospital admission, general anaesthesia, surgery and discharge. This article discusses the effect of modern day surgery on nurses’ practice and concludes by outlining the psychological care need of patients undergoing elective day and short stay surgery.