Med surg nursing stands for medical-surgical nursing, which is a nursing specialty that focuses on providing care for adults who are either preparing for, or recovering from, a surgical procedure. Med surg nursing is the most popular nursing specialty in the United States, with the most healthcare professionals choosing to work in this field. Med surg nurses are RNs (Registered Nurses) who care for diverse adult patient populations and treat a wide range of medical conditions. They often perform a variety of pre- and post-surgical tasks to support patients who are ill or injured.
Med surg nurses often work in a more fast-paced environment than other types of nurses, due to the high volume of patients and intense work that revolves around surgical operations. They are required to educate patients on their condition, comfort them before or after surgery, and inform their families about their care. Med surg nursing is often considered a stepping stone for many nurses because it provides a solid foundation in nursing skills. Unlike specialties like labor and delivery or oncology, med surg nurses must be prepared for any number of medical conditions. Due to the variety of tasks involved and diverse patient population, this specialty is also ideal for new nurses looking to gain experience and skills in an acute setting.
Common illnesses a med surg nurse may treat include heart disease, pneumonia, diabetes, and cancer. Med surg nursing also allows nurses to learn what they like and dislike about nursing, and to gain valuable experience in nursing and have a rewarding, fulfilling career helping those in need. The experiences gained in the med-surg specialty can also be very beneficial to nurses throughout their career as they build their nursing knowledge, skills, and provide outstanding service to clients.
