Making the Switch from Peds to Med-surg

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

Hey I have two years of adolescent and pediatric inpatient experience, and have just accepted a job working full-time in an area med-surg float pool. I would be "cross-trained" to peds floors, but I would primarily be working on adult units. I am a little nervous since I've never worked med-surg, but I feel like this is a good way to jump in. The hospital I'm starting at has a 1:4-5 ratio during the day, and a 1:6 at night. They also understand that in peds we don't do telemetry, so, for now, I will not be considered responsible for telemetry.

Does anyone have any advice for making my transition go smooth? I'm eager to start learning even more in my new area of nursing.

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Specializes in school RN, CNA Instructor, M/S.

Medications are going to be one of your strongest challenges! your used to meds by peds standards and adult med/surg is way different. I went the other way med surg to peds so please believe me!! Invest in a good pharmacology book and since you mentioned telemetry youmight want to start with a refresher on your cardiac meds!! Good luck and I am here if u need support!!!

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.
Medications are going to be one of your strongest challenges! your used to meds by peds standards and adult med/surg is way different. I went the other way med surg to peds so please believe me!! Invest in a good pharmacology book and since you mentioned telemetry youmight want to start with a refresher on your cardiac meds!! Good luck and I am here if u need support!!!

Thanks Noreenl. I'm figuring I'll brush up on my cardiac meds. Thankfully I have worked primarily adolescent so I am used to the adult drug doses of antibiotics and other meds.

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

I start July 6th!! I'm super excited, trying to find a local ACLS class to take.

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that seems to be a challenge! switching from children to adult must not be easy. i am a bsn student and am going to the med-surg floor?? would you like to share some of your of experience in peds, i like to be a peds nurse too!!

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would anyone like to share their first experience on med-surg???

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