How can I learn to like medsurg?

mommyX2 · Dec 25, 2008

Take it as a learning experience and know that you can and will move on to other things at some point. There is tons of knowledge to be gained from being on a med surg floor.

RN1982 · Dec 25, 2008

Med/surg is great learning experience especially for ER. It's great for getting comfortable in your assessment and organization skills. I have to say that my first year of nursing was the toughest but as you move forth in your career it gets easier. Just stick it out for a year and then apply for a position in ER, or perhaps you may try applying at a different hospital.

lpnflorida · Dec 25, 2008

Perhaps reframing this in your mind would help. Look at working in Medsurg as a means of honing your nursing skills which will be invaluable for the rest of your career.

You have a long term goal which is working in ER, think of this as a short term goal to reach your long term goal.

Look at the positive as opposed to what you perceive to be negative.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Dec 25, 2008

going in with the attitude that you just don't like med-surg isn't going to be helpful. maybe it isn't what you've always dreamed of, but it's a whole lot easier way to start nursing than being slammed in the er, or or icu right away. (my husband refers to med-surg as "on the job training" and contrasts it to icu where newbies have to study a lot on their off time in order to keep afloat.)

med-surg is a great way to develop your basic nursing skills and become comfortable doing a rapid, focused assessment while readjusting the blankets, checking the drains, having a brief conversation. you learn how to prioritize, manage your time and get things done. you learn to put in an iv, ng and foley in 15 minutes while assessing your patient at the same time -- all skills that will stand you in good stead in one of the "sexier" units. and you learn how to talk to doctors, interact with ancillary services and teach patients and their families. plus you meet some really nice people and they're actually awake and able to talk to you!

if you go into med-surg with the right attitude, it can be a great learning experience, and you may even discover that you like it a whole lot better than you thought you would!

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2008

May I ask why you don't like medsurg?

It's what nursing is all about.

Don't get me wrong, there are other very

important area's of nursing, but like the other's

said, medsurg is where you build upon that foundation

you received in nursing school. I went into medsurg,

didn't think I'd like it, but come to find out, it's a great

job. A great place to start for a new-grad.

I couldn't imagine having to start in ER or ICU as a new grad.

In medsurg, we receive report from the nurse we're releiving, but ER...

You have to be the main assessment person, no body is there giving

you report, therefore, you have to possess GREAT assessment skills. The

only way you'll get great is going into medsurg.....becoming comfortable

in your skills, assessments, communication, etc etc.

I RN A · Dec 25, 2008

Thank you to all who replied to my thread. I know a lot of people think that medsurg is a good foundation. I have tried to like it. I worked on a tele floor as a student nurse, I've been in clinicals on medsurg floor. I do not like it because I like ER's crazy pace. I think fast, I move fast, I love doing chest compressions, I love drawing blood, I like putting IVs, NGs and foleys. Besides, the orientation to ER is 6 month and for medsurg is 6 weeks. I do not like medsurg because I feel as a nurse you just assess, give meds and chart. When I was precepting on the last quarter of nursing school, I have found out that a lot of nurses on medsurg floor do not know how to put an IV. One of them has been working on the floor for 4 years and never put the NGT in a patient. I do not want to loose my skills,which I have learned working in ER as a student nurse. I feel that I'm ready for ER, but can't find a job. So, I will take it as it is, go where they want to place me and learn from my experience and move on to being a trauma/ER nurse as soon as I can. I will try to be positive and keep looking for a job.

lpnflorida · Dec 25, 2008

I think you can let your co-workers know that you are interested in being hands on. If an IV needs to be started, have them let you know, same with NG or anything else. I get to be the foley and NG ,dobhoff queen, as number one if no one else can get them I can. Some facilities use IV team, but that does not mean you can not start your own iv's. Be creative. Good luck.

Your experience on medsurg will be what you choose to make it.

Tim92 · Dec 25, 2008

I would just try it out. You might not like it, but it is a great way of learning something new and once you do that for a few years go talk to the staff and ask them if you can change to the ER area. The more jobs and experence you have to expand your horizons the more your chances will increase for them to let you work in the ER after a few years or so. Good luck!

:]

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Dec 25, 2008

Embrace each and every area you are in for whatever learning you can acquire from that area. Each one has things that you will learn.

When you transfer to the ER you will be better accepted by the staff for having a med/surg background

HM2VikingRN, RN · Dec 26, 2008

Use the opportunity to show how good you really are as a nurse. I wanted an ER job

as a new grad but I landed a Psych job. I am practicing my assessment skills every day to keep myself fressh.

Keep working on certifications ACLS etc so when the right job comes along you will be ready to take it.

A good attitude will improve your professional reputation at your hospital which will also help you to to move forward in your career.

RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN · Dec 27, 2008

There is usually always an IV to resite on our medsurg floor. NG tubes are pretty common as well.