Taking care of the sick, injured, convalescent or disabled is what the Registered Nurse does. It is their job every day to assess, plan, intervene, implement and evaluate, under general supervision, and according to the established practices and philosophy, to provide a climate which optimizes patient care. RN’s collaborate with other professionals to achieve desired patient outcomes through effective care and treatment. Registered Nurses need communication skills to interact with patients and family members while maintaining professional nursing standards. Travel assignments and jobs are available as the healthcare field continues to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists nursing as a top ten occupations with largest job growth. Travel nursing can allow you to see other areas you have always thought of visiting. Work in a great environment of your choice and enjoy visiting the area in your free time.

The Registered Nurse Medical Surgical responsibilities include managing care of patients that require general assessments, therapies and interventions, sometimes after surgery and sometimes related to specific conditions. The RN conducts individualized assessments of the patient and prioritizes the data collection based on immediate needs or conditions. Conducting ongoing assessments, performing appropriate treatments as ordered by the attending physician and keeping accurate records are some duties of the RN. The Medical Surgical RN will document assessment findings, psychosocial/physical responses to interventions and track progress toward desired patient outcomes.

In addition to providing safe and comprehensive nursing care, responsibilities of the Medical Surgical Registered Nurse would be to demonstrate understanding and utilization of universal precautions, asepsis and infection control procedures, monitor and operate equipment, assess and educate the patient and family members as required and attend rounds. The Medical Surgical RN must be well versed in a large variety of health conditions due to the broad range of medical conditions they may encounter.

What does a Med/Surg RN do?

• Coordinates and consults with health care team members in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the patient care plans.
• Answer questions and educate the patient about surgical procedures
• Observe and record patient vital signs and medical information
• Prepare, administer and record prescribed medications. May be administered orally, subcutaneously or through an IV. Monitor and report adverse reactions to medications or treatments.
• Observe, monitor and adjust specialized equipment. Interpret and record electronic displays.
• Providing bedside care for a variety of patients, which could include pre- and post-surgery patients
• Monitor patient and initiate corrective actions if the patient displays adverse reactions or symptomatology.
• Educate the patient and/or family members as the physician prescribed, by teaching them how to manage their injury/illness and by explaining home care needs after treatment.
• Insert catheters, start IV’s and change dressings.
• Prepare equipment and assist the physician in the examination and treatment of patient.
• Respond to life-saving situations based upon nursing standards and protocol.
• Participate in the planning for discharge.
• Accurately record all information regarding care and treatment completely and concisely in a time manner and in the appropriate format.
• Supervise the care provided to the patient by nursing aides and licensed practical nurses.
• When qualified and competent the RN may float among various services required in the setting.

Patients in these settings require around-the-clock care, meaning shifts for these positions may include days, nights, weekends and holidays. Normally these settings present a heavy case load and the environment is fast-paced. RN will spend considerable time standing, walking, bending and stretching, as well as assisting in patient transfers and must follow proper body mechanics and procedures in order to avoid back injury. The RN Medical Surgical may be exposed to chemicals and communicable diseases. Patients being treated may be irrational, agitated, confused and uncooperative.