[MeechiesRNBSN]

Hey everyone,

I am a new grad who is considering two positions in Surgical Step-Down or Medical Telemetry. What are the differences between both nursing areas? What do you think are the pros and cons? Would you recommend either unit for a new grad RN, BSN? If anyone out there has worked in either, please share your experiences.

Input would be greatly appreciated it. Thank you all for your support.

~Mee

[Loriilrn]

My first nursing job was on a surgical floor. I stayed on the same unit for 10 years. I really LOVED it. Then I got married and had children. So I found a position closer to home.
What I enjoyed most about the unit, is it was very challenging and the patients got better and went home. I believe without exageration that I may have had 5 patients die while in my care and that is in a period of 10 years. My first death occured when I floated to a medical floor.

The best part about a surgical floor is the variety. I learned more in 3 months than I did in nursing school.

I hope this was helpful.

[MeechiesRNBSN]

Thank you so much for your response, Loriilrn.

I was told that a surgical step-down has higher acuity patients when compared to a normal telemetry. The pt to nurse ratio is 1:4 when compared to med tele which is 1:5. I would be with one less patient, but overall much sicker patients.

Hope you all have thoughts to share.

Thanks again!