What Is Medical Surgical Nursing

Medical surgical nursing, also known as adult health nursing, is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on the care of adult patients who are experiencing a range of medical and surgical conditions. This field of nursing requires a deep understanding of the human body, its systems, and the various diseases and conditions that can affect it. Medical surgical nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers, and are responsible for assessing patients' needs, developing care plans, and implementing interventions to promote health and well-being.

Medical surgical nursing is a complex and dynamic field that requires a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, as well as excellent communication and critical thinking skills. Medical surgical nurses must be able to assess patients' conditions, identify potential complications, and develop effective care plans to promote optimal outcomes. They must also be able to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, therapists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care to patients.

Scope of Medical Surgical Nursing

The scope of medical surgical nursing is broad and encompasses a wide range of activities, including assessing patients’ physical and emotional needs, developing care plans, implementing interventions, and evaluating outcomes. Medical surgical nurses must be able to care for patients with a variety of medical and surgical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and cancer. They must also be able to manage patients’ pain, promote wound healing, and prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and deep vein thrombosis.

Medical Surgical Nursing Specialties

Within the field of medical surgical nursing, there are several specialties that require additional education and training. These include critical care nursing, operating room nursing, and emergency nursing. Critical care nurses care for patients who are critically ill and require close monitoring and life-sustaining interventions. Operating room nurses assist surgeons and anesthesiologists during surgical procedures and care for patients in the post-anesthesia care unit. Emergency nurses care for patients who are experiencing acute illnesses or injuries and require rapid assessment and intervention.

Education and Training for Medical Surgical Nursing

To become a medical surgical nurse, one must complete a nursing program that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). These programs typically include coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing skills, as well as clinical experiences in medical surgical nursing. After completing a nursing program, one must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN).

In addition to basic nursing education, medical surgical nurses may pursue advanced education and training in specialized areas, such as critical care nursing or operating room nursing. These programs may include coursework, clinical experiences, and certification exams. Certification in medical surgical nursing is available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and demonstrates expertise and commitment to the field.

Certification in Medical Surgical Nursing

Certification in medical surgical nursing is available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and demonstrates expertise and commitment to the field. To be eligible for certification, one must have a current RN license, have a minimum of 2 years of experience in medical surgical nursing, and have completed a minimum of 2,000 hours of practice in medical surgical nursing in the past 3 years. The certification exam is administered by the ANCC and consists of 165 multiple-choice questions that test knowledge and skills in medical surgical nursing.