Coping strategies of cardiac surgery patients in the perioperative period.

Clinical nurse specialists, critical care nurses, and advanced practice nurses can influence patients' coping before and after cardiac surgery. By understanding the patients' experience, clinicians can tailor interventions that maximize patient coping. This nursing research study was designed to explore patient coping before and after surgery. A repertoire of interventions based on study results is provided so critical care and advanced practice clinicians can best assist the patient.