Neuro/telemetry vs. med/surg

sapphire18 · Feb 14, 2012

I think this would depend entirely on the coworkers, floor/hospital itself, and where the new grad's interests lie. Neuro-telemetry requires extremely in-depth knowledge in neuro disorders, symptoms, treatments, surgeries, etc. Med/surg is much more broad. Neuro-tele can get extremely high-acuity patients, and if this is the case the ratio would be less than a general med/surg floor. Sorry I can't give a more direct answer!

Crystalish1 · Feb 14, 2012

I got my LVN back in October and started working the Telemetry floor at a local hospital. Let me tell you, it definitely depends on how fast you can learn and the relationship you have with your co-workers. Luckily, I have met great RN's and LVN's who are informative and friendly. There are times that I feel overwhelmed, telemetry floor is hard, there are so many things you have to know. And as a new grad, you are not going to know everything. Take advantage of all of your orientation time, ask questions, keep a notebook and try to get a preceptor that your trust. Good luck!

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Feb 15, 2012

What are the patient care ratios for each unit? What would your orinetation consist of for each unit?

pitaya · Feb 28, 2012

There are pros and cons to each, but honestly, I echo what someone above me said about it depending on co-workers as one of the factors. In fact, I think co-workers can make a huge difference. The med-surg unit at my hospital has a HORRIBLE reputation because the nurses are not helpful or friendly. The telemetry unit on the other hand, has a great reputation because the nurses are just the opposite...helpful and friendly!

D.R.A. · Mar 1, 2012

I'm a new grad on a med/surg unit. Some of my classmates work one floor up on respiratory, tele, and neuro. They have to know a TON. They are taking about 12 different classes during their orientation period. I just took one.

I agree that ratios, and attitude of co-workers plays a big role.

djh123 · Jan 21, 2013

I'm a middle-aged new grad, so even though I thought I'd heard of all of the different types of hospital floors/areas, this is a new one to me - 'neuro-telemetry'... all of the others I've seen before were referred to as just 'telemetry' or 'med-surg - telemetry'.