I'm scared! Changing specialties to med-surg

[antsinpants]

I am in a tough situation- I am not a new RN but all of my experience is outpatient, and mostly plastic surgery. I want to pursue my WOCN which is my real passion. I have a job offer at a hospital that wants me to work Med-Surg for 6 months before they will transfer me to wound care, since I have no experience.

The orientation consists of 2 weeks (6 twelves) with a preceptor. Thats all, no classroom training. I am really not sure if I can do this. I am so far removed from all of these skills. I am considered an experienced nurse but I feel like a new grad. Or more like an old grad, since its been years since school. What do you think? What should I study and prepare for? This seems like a great opportunity but I am so intimidated and scared. I was always scared of Med-Surg. Help!

[RN403, BSN, RN]

First, breathe! There is a lot to see, do, and learn in Med-Surg, but, you can do it. As you start to work you will see which diseases and illnesses your floor deals with the most. Go home and study these. Become familiar with the nursing interventions and possible complications with these diseases to increase your competence and confidence on the floor.

Brush up on any nursing skills that you have not dealt with in a while, either with Med-Surg books or even YouTube.

The key is to take it one day at a time and go home and study the disease processes you see. In time you will get into your own swing on the Med-Surg floor and will feel comfortable in your new role.

Good Luck!