Medical-surgical nursing is the largest nursing specialty that provides care for patients across multiple medical fields. It has evolved from an entry-level position to a defined specialty with a dedicated certification. Medical-surgical nurses work in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, clinics, and home health care. They have a diverse set of skills and their job is expected to have 26% growth between 2010 and 2020, making it a highly demanding and respected nursing specialty.

1. Medical-surgical nursing is the largest
specialty in the profession that provides
care for patients across multiple medical
fields. It has evolved from an entry-level
position to a defined specialty. Once
considered a stepping-stone, it’s now
viewed as a foundation for every institution.
It is respected as one of the most
demanding nursing specialties.
Medical-surgical nurses do so much
Work everywhere:
Inpatient care units
Clinics
HMOs
Ambulatory care units
Home health care
Long-term care
Skilled nursing homes
Urgent care centers
Surgical centers
Universities
CMSRN Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
This is the most prestigious credential in medical-surgical nursing. The
credential demonstrates commitment and value and is endorsed by the
Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses.
Medical-surgical nurses have a vast set of skills:
organized
caring
adaptable
self-controlled
emotionally stable
good communicators
quick thinking
detail-oriented
patient-facing
89%job satisfaction
multifaceted
structured
empathetic
Facts
Largest nursing specialty
12%
2010
2020
26% job growth
“The toughest job you’ll ever love.”
MedSurgMore than a general nurse!
The Stanley Shalom Zielony Institute for Nursing Excellence
http://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/nursing/
Sources:
http://www.nursingexplorer.com/careers/medical-surgical-nurse
http://www.amnhealthcare.com/uploadedFiles/MainSite/Content/Healthcare_Industry_Insights/Industry_Research/2013_RNSurvey.pdf
http://www.bls.gov/oes/2011/may/oes291111.htm
https://www.amsn.org/practice-resources/what-medical-surgical-nursing
©2014ClevelandClinic14-NUR-1398