Med/Surg Rotations

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jul 1, 2009

Hello,
I am about to start my Med/Surg I rotations in 5 days, and I'm super nervous because I don't really know what to expect. We did our Fundamentals rotations, but it was mainly just morning care and assessments. I was just wondering what to expect when I go in. I've talked to people above me who were at the hospital I'm going to and loved it, but nothing about what they were doing. Any advice would be appreciated!

In your med/surg rotation, I'd expect that you would continue to build your assessment skills, and also start building your patient care/clinical skills (wound care, dressing changes, researching & passing meds,...). You'll hopefully be exposed to a wide range of pathophysiologies which will also give you ample chances to spend hours & hours & hours & hours & hours & hours & ... writing those all-so-fun:icon_roll Nursing Care Plans.

hope4thebest · Jul 1, 2009

med/surge

you will adding to your knowledge (going from general to specific) EXAMPLE

1) you read the chart (important to know WHY are they in the hospital? what is their past medical Hx, what has happened in the last 24/72 hrs, lab values, test, results, what is the plan for the patient; surgery/discharge /rehab/ placement in a resident)

2) head-to-assesment (you gather the behaviours) + vitals signs

example you notice that the pt has swelling bilaterally in his feet (behavior)

now comes the more specific part (the BIG WHY question what has caused him to have swelling?)

Is it due to surgery (hip replacement?)

Is it due to fluid overload?

is it due to Right sided CHF?

3) find out the reason *this may single a decline in the clients status*

In this part of your clinical your beginnig to INTERVENE, You see something, you come up with the solution, you take action (after discussing with your teacher your reasons) and you evaluate (did it work??)

hope it helper!!

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · Jul 2, 2009

I feel that I was in your shoes this winter. My fundamentals rotation we learned assessment and nandas. No hands on CNA type care whatsoever. This bit me in the tushie in the long run and I'm still recovering from that bite.

But med surg is fast paced. When you get your patient assignment. Read their chart. Find out what they are here for. Look at their plan of care for any restrictions or orders such as side rails, IV, seizure precautions, wounds, diet etc. etc. etc.

Then go greet them. Be friendly and calm. If they are still eating breakfast, gather your supplies for AM care if you have to give it. Get everything you need for your assessment. B/P cuff, stethoscope, thermometer, Pulse ox,(some units have an all in one on wheels, if you are allowed to use it, don't let it out of your sight until you are finished with it lol).

Help them with breakfast. Then do AM care if you have to or if it wasn't already done. After AM care do your assessment.

Remember to wash your hands before entering a patients room and before leaving a patients room. Keep spare gloves and alcohol pads in your pocket.

dmfisher86 · Jul 2, 2009

Thank you so much! I was lucky enough to get some CNA kind of experience in my last rotation. I know some people from my school though that did not have such luck. Their instructor would not even let them do assessments!!!

I feel a little more confident now that I know what to expect though. It's just different going from a long-term rehab center to a hospital.

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · Jul 2, 2009

Thank you so much! I was lucky enough to get some CNA kind of experience in my last rotation. I know some people from my school though that did not have such luck. Their instructor would not even let them do assessments!!!
I feel a little more confident now that I know what to expect though. It's just different going from a long-term rehab center to a hospital.

Well I volunteered on a medsurg telemetry unit before nursing school. So going into med-surg clinicals wasn't as blurry for me as it was for some of the other students.

My instructor expected everyone to do assessments. and AM care. Regardless of whether we had previous experience or not. The CNA's must have hated me because I was always calling them in because I needed help. I learned so much from them though!

Another thing, if you need help. ASK. Because you could be putting your patient in danger.

dmfisher86 · Jul 2, 2009

Thanks! I'm volunteering on an acute care floor at Children's right now, and I think it's helping me feel more comfortable as well.

I have another question for any one who could help.

Is it better to take an extra semester at the end part time so I can focus on studying for the NCLEX and job hunting? Or should I try to finish within the next year and save myself the money?

I have both options in front of me, but I'm leaning towards the first option because I want to make sure I have a job when I graduate.