Medical vs Surgical vs Med/Surg???

snowfreeze, BSN, RN · Oct 18, 2007

Talk to a few people who work each unit, ask about self scheduling and if you can request a day off each schedule and have that honored. You will most likely have to work two shifts, choose the unit that gives you the two you want. Avoid a unit with a high turnover of staff for your first job. Ask about the ratio of experienced nurses, (greater than 5 years of experience) to newer nurses, go with a unit with equal or higher number of experienced nurses you will learn more and those units are usually less stressed due to higher number of experienced nurses.

Jen1228 · Oct 18, 2007

I am a new grad too and I would like the surgical floor. It seems to be a tougher area for new grads to get into so it might be a good opportunity, especially if you have any interest in working PACU or OR one day, it could help get your foot in the door. I doubt there would be much difference in a med-surg or medical floor. I guess it depends on what you are looking for really, but I agree that you will get good experience in them all. Can you tour each floor and talk to the nurses before you decide? That would let you see what you're getting into. Good luck!

RNperdiem, RN · Oct 18, 2007

Depending on census there is likely to be "overflow" between medical and surgical. It is likely you will take care of both. Either will give you great experience.

JulieRN07 · Oct 18, 2007

I agree that they would all be great experiance. I am a believer that a med/surg nurse can go on to any kind of nursing because you get such a diverse group of patients and diagnosis'. The thing that bothered me the most as a new grad on the floor was staffing and support. I would find out how things are run on each floor and maybe that will help to sway you.

Good Luck!