Careers in Nursing | Medical–Surgical Nurse

Medical–Surgical Nurse

Career Overview

Medical–surgical nurses are RNs who specialize in the care of patients admitted with nonsurgical (medical) and surgical conditions. These nurses work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities. The medical–surgical nurse has an incredibly complex job. The entry-level medical–surgical nurse makes nursing judgments based on scientific knowledge and relies on procedures and standardized care plans. Nursing care is directed toward alleviating physical and psychosocial health problems. Advancing to an intermediate level, the medical–surgical nurse with experience becomes more skilled in developing individual and innovative care plans to meet client needs. With a broader base of experience, a more advanced clinician cares for clients with complex and unpredictable problems. The most common place of employment is the hospital.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

RN preparation and, often, Master of Science in Nursing preparation are required. Certification is available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and from the Academy of Medical–Surgical Nurses.

CORE COMPETENCIES/SKILLS NEEDED

• Excellent observation and assessment skills
• Skills in recording symptoms, reactions, and progress
• Skills in administering medical treatments and examinations
• Knowledge of convalescence and rehabilitation requirements for patients
• Skills in developing, planning, implementing, evaluating, documenting, and managing nursing care
• Patient and family education skills
• Ability to help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health

RELATED WEBSITE AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION

• Academy of Medical–Surgical Nurses (www.amsn.org)
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (www.nars.nursecredentialing.org)
• Medical–Surgical Nursing Certification Board (msncb.org)