transitioning to Med-surg-HELP

Specialties Med-Surg

Published

I graduated in 2012. It took me 6 months to find a job. I finally got an offer @ a hospital 6 hours away in the middle of nowhere! The next day I received an offer from dialysis, which is local. I took the dialysis and have been doing that since 2012.

I recently stopped travel nursing and started applying. I got an offer on a med-surg unit. This is the only offer aside from clinical research that I've received. I'm debating on taking the med-surg but I have no experience in this area. However, I know down deep I'm being branded as a dialysis nurse and this may be my only chance to get in. I know this is probably the only way to get in the door into other areas of nursing.

What do you recommend me reviewing!? I am super nervous about this transition!

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hi is it med-surg ortho? if so review post op care for hip arthroplasty, total knee replacement surgeries. laparascopic cholecystectomy, appendectomy, these are some surgeries you may encounter.

medical side: diabetes (insulin types) review how to insert iv's on you tube, picc line access, IM injections, assessments such as listening to lung sounds, bowel sounds, heart, feeling for radial pulses, checking for edema, skin assessments. fall precautions, general restraints indications, protocols. charting defensively...... I can go on and on. lol good luck you'll be fine. don't be afraid to ask lots of questions!!

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I am in the same boat as you so I can totally relate. I have also only worked in dialysis and really think that we have a stigma. I'm also currently considering med surg to gain more skills and experience. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or need support.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing, Trauma, Wound Care.

First of all, Congratulations! I myself was in the same boat almost 2 years ago, however I started in a Skilled Nursing Facility then I became a Psych nurse in an acute care setting before I transferred to Med-Surg.

In my own experience, it is important to study the protocols per facility. I suggest review Blood transfusion, PCA, PICCs and other central lines, Sepsis monitoring/ SIRS criteria as you monitor pt for sepsis daily. What kind of MedSurg Unit are you in? Mine is a bit different because I work in a MedSurg Trauma Unit so we basically cover neurosurgery pts, ortho, plus we have OBGYN pts. When it comes to pt diagnoses I would review DM, CHF, and the usual surgery cases such as appendectomy, ex lap, cholecystectomy et. al. You'll do head to toe assessment at leaat q 4hrs.

Don't be too scared for sure you'll do great! Renal patients, that's your expertise! Expect wound care as well.

If you need any help, or any questions, feel free to message me!

- zhapper2002, BSN,RN,WCC

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Specializes in Hemodialysis, Mental Health, Addictions.

I am in a similar boat as well! It took me five months and having my final preceptorship in dialysis to finally get a my first nursing job in dialysis. There are things I like about it but it can be very repetitive and I'll be starting casually in adolescent mental health next month for some variety. I love psych but also want to get some medical experience soon...

I've only been in dialysis for 4 months so definitely feel like it's too soon to move to med surge but I'm a little bit antsy to get that experience under my belt!

I agree there is definitely a perception of us as new nurses in dialysis. A lot of the more experienced nurses keep saying to just leave and go to med surge but I don't want to be a job hopper!

I can't PM yet but would love to hear how your transition goes! Good luck!! :-)

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