? About Med/Surg (2nd Sem)

[ibmaryann]

I just completed my first semester which was Fundamentals. I DID learn the fundamentals last semester, alot of which was not actual "hands-on" (important none the less.) Will we actually be getting "indept" into actual nursing things the 2nd semester? I really want to get into the "hands-on" nursing stuff to see how well I am going to do with it. I feel you never know how good of a nurse you are going to be just by grades and such but by how well you can figure stuff out. This probably sounds confusing but I really want to get into the nitty-gritty.

Mary Ann

[Jules A, MSN]

Hi,

I would imagine all the programs are different but in mine by the end of the first semester we were giving meds including subq injections. Early in the med-surg rotation it was kind of more of the same: meds, personal care etc. but with two patients. By the end of med-surg I was moved to a busy floor with more critical patients and we got to do quite a bit. I spent time in CCU and OR. My instructor was really tough and it was nerve wracking but by the end I really did feel like I was almost a nurse. Ask your school what the second semester is like and I'm sure they can give you an idea of their expectations for your progress. It will start to come together. Jules

[Achoo!, LPN]

In second semester I emptied ostomies, D/Ced IV's and catheters, Pushed IV meds, hung piggybacks, monitored PCA's, did dressing changes, pulled hemovacs, adjusted insulin pumps, alot of teaching with C&DB with post-ops. The most important thing is to be proactive. Ask your head nurse if they have anything interesting if they could let you know and have you do it or assist them. Even if it isn't your patient.