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Medical-Surgical Nurse Job Description

med surg nurse

Review this Medical-Surgical Nurse job description for a reference when building your resume. Review the qualifications and requirements listed to get an understanding of what you need to include on your resume for what employers would look for in this field.

SUMMARY:

A Medical-Surgical Nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in providing nursing care to adult patients in medical-surgical settings. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, delivering comprehensive and holistic care to patients with various medical and surgical conditions.

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FUNCTIONAL DUTIES:

  1. Patient Assessment:
    • Conduct thorough physical and psychosocial assessments of patients upon admission and throughout their stay.
    • Monitor vital signs, laboratory results, and other relevant data to assess patient status.
  2. Care Planning and Implementation:
    • Develop and implement individualized care plans based on the patient’s medical and surgical needs.
    • Administer medications, perform treatments, and carry out interventions as prescribed.
  3. Medical-Surgical Interventions:
    • Provide care to patients with medical conditions (such as diabetes, respiratory diseases) and those recovering from surgical procedures.
    • Collaborate with physicians and specialists to manage and treat complex medical issues.
  4. Wound Care and Postoperative Care:
    • Perform wound care and monitor postoperative patients for complications.
    • Educate patients and families on postoperative care, medications, and follow-up instructions.
  5. Pain Management:
    • Assess and manage pain effectively, utilizing pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
    • Collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure patient comfort.
  6. Patient Education:
    • Educate patients and families about their medical conditions, treatment plans, and self-care measures.
    • Provide resources and support for patients transitioning to home care.
  7. Collaborative Care:
    • Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, including physicians, therapists, and social workers.
    • Participate in care conferences and contribute to care planning.
  8. Emergency Response:
    • Respond to emergencies and provide immediate nursing care during crises.
    • Follow established protocols for rapid response and emergency situations.
  9. Patient Advocacy:
    • Advocate for patients’ needs, preferences, and rights.
    • Address any concerns or issues raised by patients or their families.
  10. Documentation:
    • Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, documenting assessments, interventions, and outcomes.
    • Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory documentation standards.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) is preferred; Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) accepted.
  • Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications.
  • Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
  • Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Flexibility to work variable shifts, including nights and weekends.
  • Continuous commitment to professional development and evidence-based practice.

Note: Med-Surg Nurse job descriptions may vary based on the specific requirements of the healthcare facility and the patient population served.

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