Medical-surgical nurses manage 5-7 patients while providing care and treatment to ill, injured, and recovering adults. They are responsible for a multitude of duties, which depend largely on the setting. A “med-surg” nurse must be able to administer medication, monitor vital signs, change dressings and provide wound care, implement nursing care plans, and provide patients with education and support. While juggling multiple patients’ needs, a medical-surgical nurse may delegate some basic tasks to LPNs on staff.

• Conduct physical exams to assess patient health needs and problems
• Implement physicians’ orders, perform treatments, start IVs, administer medications, and interpret special tests.
• Administer direct care to injured, disabled, ill, or convalescent patients
• Review and maintain medical records
• Implement and develop nursing care plans
• Counsel patients and family members on disease prevention and health maintenance
• Order and evaluate diagnostic tests to assess patients’ conditions and needs
• Supervise the work of licensed practical nurses, nursing aides, and assistants
• Educate patients about their medical conditions and treatment plans
• Maintain a safe, hygienic working environment
• Prepare rooms and medical equipment and decontaminate instruments
• Provide emotional and psychological support
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Treatment planning
• Case management
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Critical care nursing
• Hospital experience
• Acute care
• Life support
• Telemetry
• Patient/Family education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses