There is an art and scientific methodology to effective patient communication. Knowledge of the patient’s physiological, psychosocial, cultural, spiritual, and educational needs allows the perioperative nurse to provide a holistic approach to care. A holistic picture of the patient allows the perioperative nurse the opportunity to identify patient care issues that extend beyond the medical diagnosis and planned surgical procedure and choose a nursing diagnosis based on key elements of the patient’s needs and goals. This is key information that should be relayed during the transfer-of-care process.