What are the differences between medical and surgical nursing?

types of patients. I work medical and I HATE being floated to surgical just because of the type of patients I have vs what they have. My best friends work surgical and they are the opposite of me

Thank you for the information. I still have some time to consider which areas I want to work in the future. Thanks again!

As far as I kno, Surgical are patients that are pre op and post op patients. Medical is when someone is being looked after but aren't surgical patients. I think I prefer medical atm, though like you I have plenty of time to decide :)

surgical patients are those who are either pre op, or post op patients. Many have drains, picc lines, CBIs, epidurals, dematone checks, LOTS of IV meds, stuff like that.

Medical patients are those who are all non surgical. so they come in with UTI, Sepsis, hypoglycemia, all the electrolyte imbalances, many for falls, CHF, failure to thrive.. and the list goes on and on :)

surgical patients are those who are either pre op, or post op patients. Many have drains, picc lines, CBIs, epidurals, dematone checks, LOTS of IV meds, stuff like that.

Medical patients are those who are all non surgical. so they come in with UTI, Sepsis, hypoglycemia, all the electrolyte imbalances, many for falls, CHF, failure to thrive.. and the list goes on and on :)

Exactly what was said here.. I work on a surgical floor in my hospital and the medical floor is a few floors down, but sometimes our floor does get medical overflow. Some hospitals, the smaller ones, just have med/surg floors rather than a separation of both. I love working on the surgical floor, never thought I would, but I do. Still doesn't take the place of my dream of being an OB nurse though lol.