Med-Surg

Nurses New Nurse

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Hello all...Im not sure if Im posting this in the right area but here goes. From what I hear from current nursing students is that they hat Med-surg, I also heard that a time or two from nurses in the feild. So basically I have two questions...What exactly is med surg? Also, why do people hate it so???

Specializes in ED, trauma.
Hello all...Im not sure if Im posting this in the right area but here goes. From what I hear from current nursing students is that they hat Med-surg, I also heard that a time or two from nurses in the feild. So basically I have two questions...What exactly is med surg? Also, why do people hate it so???

MedSurg = medical surgical. It's a sort of catch all term for medical it surgical patients. For instance, a diabetic patient or a laparoscopic cholecystectomy patient - both could be on the unit.

Some people don't hate it. Most don't like the high patient load. Some don't like the variety of patients. Some don't like the redundancy that may come with that type of unit. It's just like anything else in life, some people love it, others hate it.

Not everyone likes peanut butter, not everyone likes chocolate, and certainly there are people who don't want those thing to ever cross paths!

MedSurg = medical surgical. It's a sort of catch all term for medical it surgical patients. For instance, a diabetic patient or a laparoscopic cholecystectomy patient - both could be on the unit.Some people don't hate it. Most don't like the high patient load. Some don't like the variety of patients. Some don't like the redundancy that may come with that type of unit. It's just like anything else in life, some people love it, others hate it. Thank you for your input...I figured thats what it was just a mix of all sorts of patients.Not everyone likes peanut butter, not everyone likes chocolate, and certainly there are people who don't want those thing to ever cross paths!
I figured thats what it was...kind of a mix of all sorts of patients. I can see why one would get irritated if they work looking for a specilty, however it sounds like a good place to start for a new grad.Thanks!
Specializes in School Nursing, Public Health Nurse.
Hello all...Im not sure if Im posting this in the right area but here goes. From what I hear from current nursing students is that they hat Med-surg, I also heard that a time or two from nurses in the feild. So basically I have two questions...What exactly is med surg? Also, why do people hate it so???

Like CP2013 said above Med-Surg is your basic patient that's not on a specific unit like stroke or telemetry. The reason nursing students hate it is because it can be seen as our hardest class. It has the most content as it is goes through all the body systems and various complications. It's basically everything that doesn't fall in Peds, Maternity, or Psych. So basically it's the bulk of our nursing practice. It's your first hands-on nursing class/rotation and it will make or break your decision to be a nurse because it is the core of nursing skills and assesment. And yes it is a good place to start as a new grad! You get the basics and a variety of different pateints. It's also easier to get in to a Med-Surg position than a specialty.

Thanks Kenderella!!

Specializes in ED, trauma.

You're right, it's a great place for new grads to hone their skills! It's just not for everyone. I'm personally not a fan of seeing the same patient for a 12 hour shift, admissions, discharges, etc. floor nursing just isn't my cup of tea, but I respect what they do for sure!

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