Why Choose to Become a Med Surg Nurse? (2024)

Med surg nursing is hard work, but it is one of the greatest and most rewarding nursing specialties. If you are looking for a med surg opportunity, click the link below to apply DirectShifts Platform.

Registered Nurse | Medical-Surgical | Chicago, IL

Here are the top 5 reasons why you may choose to become a medical-surgical nurse:

1. Wide range of skills: Medical-surgical nurses are trained to work with a diverse range of patients and conditions. They develop skills in managing complex medical issues, such as wound care, pain management, and medication administration.

2. Career advancement opportunities: Medical-surgical nursing provides a strong foundation for career advancement in healthcare. Nurses can specialize in areas such as critical care, oncology, or cardiology, and work their way up to management or leadership positions.

3. Job stability: Medical-surgical nursing is in high demand, making it a stable career choice. Hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities are always in need of skilled nurses who can provide quality care to patients.

4. Personal fulfillment: Medical-surgical nurses often form strong relationships with their patients, providing emotional support during challenging times. This can be deeply fulfilling for nurses who are passionate about helping others.

5. Competitive salary and benefits: Medical-surgical nursing is a highly skilled profession, and as such, nurses can earn competitive salaries and benefits. In addition, many healthcare facilities offer educational opportunities and tuition reimbursem*nt for nurses who wish to advance their careers.

A typical day for a med-surg nurse:

1. Assessing patients: Med-surg nurses usually start their day by assessing their assigned patients. This involves taking vital signs, checking medical charts, and evaluating patient conditions to identify any changes or concerns that may require immediate attention.

2. Administering medications: Med-surg nurses are responsible for administering medications to their patients. This may involve giving oral medications, injections, or intravenous medications. They need to ensure that the correct dosages are given at the right times and that the patients are responding well to the treatments.

3. Collaborating with the healthcare team: Med-surg nurses work closely with physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that their patients receive the best care possible. They communicate patient information and make recommendations based on their observations to facilitate effective care delivery.

4. Providing patient care: Med-surg nurses provide a variety of patient care services, such as assisting with activities of daily living, changing dressings, and providing wound care. They also educate patients and their families about their conditions and self-care practices.

5. Documenting patient care: Documentation is a crucial part of a med-surg nurse's day. They must accurately record patient information, medications given, and other treatments provided. This documentation is important for patient care continuity, legal purposes, and quality improvement initiatives.

What is Med Surg Nurse Salary?

The salary for a medical-surgical nurse varies based on experience, location, and other factors. According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a Med Surg is $89,414 per year in the United States, with an average salary of $84,723 per year. Medical-surgical nurses are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this occupation to grow faster than average between 2021 and 2031, due to an aging population, advances in medical technology, and an increased focus on preventive care. Medical-surgical nurses are also in demand in home health care, nursing homes, and outpatient facilities.