Psych RN to MedSurg

[katyb213]

Hey everyone,

I became a psych nurse straight out of school and have been in psych for about a year and half. I just accepted a medsurg position at a local hospital. I am excited but nervous since it is so different. I will be working 6a-6p (3X12s). Please any advice, tips, cheat sheets, etc would be super helpful since it is a whole different ballgame than psych.

Thanks!

[cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP]

I'm in the same exact situation (except I'm doing 7 PM - 7 AM) so I will be checking back on the thread as well.

!Chris

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

I would tell you to look at some other posts under the med/surg threads. I see these questions asked frequently.

Otherwise, maybe brush up on the most commons surgeries and diagnosis you will be seeing on your floor. Are you up on your lab values and what they mean?

Cheat sheets: A place for Name, Diagnosis, VS, values, I/O, drains, med times, IV's, diet and if room a place for updates that you write as you go. Those were my priority ones. You will design as you go, most likely, to fit your needs.

Good luck to you both and welcome to Med/Surg. :)

[iamgabrielle]

from a psychrn to med surg I feel like I'm drowning.. I just want to punch my self in the face too frustrated. wish you both luck hopefully u guys will do better.. coz I failed

[ivyleaf]

Wondering how the OPs are doing with the switch... I am a psych nurse considering the switch...

[wanna_be_brave_nurse]

I am a psych nurse (for 4 years) and want to get a med surg job to get more clinical skills. Some places looked down on nurses who only did psych and only hire RN with med surg experiences. How can I get med surg experience if I can't get a med surg job? I am in central NJ. Does anyone know of a good NJ hospital to start? I know it's too much to ask for, but I'd like to work at a place that has good preceptors/nurse educators and a good orientation. Thanks.