What It's Like to Be a Med-Surg Nurse

Med-surg as the foundation specialty: variety, learning, often stepping stone.

Med-surg is the entry point for many nurses. Often a stepping stone, sometimes a career.

Day-to-day

4-6 patients (sometimes more). Variety of diagnoses. Med admin, assessment, teaching, discharge planning. Lots of charting.

Why people leave

High ratios. Pace. Limited specialty depth.

Why people stay

Variety. Skills broad. Backbone of hospital.

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