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Hey, I'm Ruth and I am a med-surg nurse in the U.S. I have been in this specialty for 2½ years, and here is my perspective on common assumptions about it. I also worked as an ED nurse for 8 years in the Philippines before becoming a med-surg nurse, which has given me the opportunity to compare the two based on my experience.
Myth 1: Med-Surg is boring
Many people assume that med-surg nursing is basic and the same old routine, but I can confidently say that this specialty is never boring. Med-surg nurses can be compared to Swiss Army knives and jacks-of-all-trades. We possess a versatile skill set that allows us to manage a diverse range of patient conditions, from post-op care to chronic illness management. This is a highly demanding unit that hones skills vital to our nursing careers, such as advanced assessments, strong clinical judgment, patient advocacy, implementation of patient safety measures, medication administration, and individualised wound care.
Myth 2: Med-surg is just a stepping stone
Med-surg nursing is often said to be a stepping stone to other specialties, which is partly true, as this is what I would consider a foundation of our nursing careers. Although, I would say it is more of a solid rock rather than a stepping stone.
In a high-volume and high-acuity environment, we learn to deliver nursing care without sacrificing quality by effectively managing time, critical thinking, and prioritising tasks. We don’t just follow doctors’ orders; we implement them with professional, legal, and ethical judgment. Med-surg nurses understand the reasoning behind every order and use our skills and knowledge to ensure that all interventions are safe and appropriate for our patients.
Myth 3: We're drowning in documentation
Time management is a crucial skill in med-surg nursing. We are considered multitaskers. I start my rounds as soon as I receive handover from the outgoing nurses, and I complete my comprehensive assessments at the same time. After I finish 4–5 patients, it is usually time for their evening medications and wound care as well.
On high-volume floors, patients will also be using their call lights at this time to relay different needs, and this is where delegation skills and prioritization come into play. We usually document after scheduled medications are given, and shortly after, it is time for midnight medications. There are also times when unexpected events occur that require clinical judgment. I can confidently say that 80% of the time, nurses are on their feet or at the bedside providing individualized care to patients.
I strongly believe that newly immigrant nurses will benefit greatly from being deployed to med-surg units in the U.S., mainly because it provides a strong introduction to how the American healthcare system works and allows you to become familiar with how different patient conditions are managed.
Accept the challenge of med-surg nursing! Take in everything you need to learn and sharpen your skills!
Ready to take your career to the U.S.?
