To undergo orthopaedic surgery and then return home the same day is becoming more common. People feel there are benefits with day surgery as it affects their daily life less than having to spend several days in hospital. The aim of this study was to describe people’s experience of being awake while undergoing orthopaedic surgery under regional anaesthesia. Ten people who had orthopaedic day surgery under regional anaesthesia participated; eight women and two men. Data were collected in personal, qualitative interviews and analysed using qualitative thematic content analysis. The analysis resulted in two themes and seven categories. The findings show that the staffs’ consideration and professionalism were significant for the participants’ wellbeing during surgery. The environment in the operating theatre ward is described as inspiring safety, calm and warmth. A good exchange of information between the person who will undergo orthopaedic surgery and the nurse does not depend primarily on how long they spend together; it is more about how they make contact with each other and how the nurse’s presence is experienced by the person.