What is Medical-Surgical Nursing? Typical Duties, Pay & How to Become One

What is Medical-Surgical Nursing? 

A medical-surgical nurse, often called a med-surg nurse, is a registered nurse (RN) who provides care for adult patients with a wide range of medical conditions. They also care for people recovering from invasive procedures and surgeries.  

The role of a med-surg nurse requires strong clinical, critical thinking, and communication skills, as these specialists often report to surgeons, physicians, and other healthcare providers. Adaptability is also essential because patient conditions can change quickly, and nurses must respond to emergencies while shifting priorities on the spot. 

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about medical-surgical nursing—including what med-surg nurses do, education and certification requirements, salary expectations, and what a typical shift looks like. 

What Does a Medical-Surgical Nurse Do? 

Working as a medical-surgical nurse is challenging and requires focus, dedication, and attention to detail. Despite this, many med-surg nurses report that it’s a highly rewarding career path in healthcare! 

Med-surg is a great starting point for many nurses, providing a strong foundation in essential nursing skills. Unlike specialties like oncology, however, med-surg nurses need to be ready to handle a wide range of medical conditions. 

The typical duties and responsibilities of a medical-surgical nurse vary from facility to facility, and often include:  

• Caring for adults with all kinds of medical needs, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, cancer, traumatic brain injuries, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, sepsis, pneumonia, and other serious conditions
• Assessing and monitoring patients’ vital signs, medical history, and symptoms
• Administering the correct dosages of medications and treatments
• Managing wounds and dressings to prevent infections and aid in the healing process
• Providing pain management tailored to each patient’s needs
• Educating patients and their families about conditions, treatment plans, and the recovery process
• Providing dietary guidance and education to manage symptoms
• Preparing patients for surgery and guiding them through pre-op instructions
• Assisting during surgery as needed
• Coordinating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to create care plans
• Supporting discharge planning and providing home care instructions for patients and their families.  

What Medical Needs Do Med-Surg Nurses Support? 

When it comes to surgeries, med-surg nurses often provide: 

• Pre-operative care: Med-surg nurses prepare patients for surgery by reviewing medical histories, ensuring consent forms are complete, educating them about the procedure, and helping them feel comfortable and informed before heading into the operating room. 
• Intraoperative care: During surgery, med-surg nurses may assist by preparing the operating room, positioning patients, and supporting the surgical team as needed. In some settings, they also help monitor patients’ vital signs and ensure equipment and supplies are ready. 
• Post-operative care: Medical-surgical nurses provide wound care, pain management, and close monitoring to ensure patients are recovering safely after their procedures. 

Essential Qualities and Competencies of Med-Surg Nurses 

In addition to providing high-quality care for a wide range of medical conditions, med-surg nurses should have: 

• Comprehensive clinical knowledge of body systems, diseases, and conditions, and how to manage them.  
• Critical thinking skills to assess patient needs and make informed decisions in case of emergencies. 
• Effective communication to communicate clearly with patients, families, and their healthcare team.  
• Compassion and empathy to provide heart-centered care and support to patients. 
• Attention to detail in administering medications, monitoring patients, and charting.  

How to Become a Med-Surg Nurse 

To become a med-surg nurse, the most important step is to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN takes about two years, while a BSN typically takes four years. Many nursing programs offer flexible options, including part-time, evening, or weekend classes. 

After completing your degree, you’ll prepare for and take the NCLEX-RN exam. Most new grads spend a few weeks to a couple of months studying, though the exam itself is completed in one day. Once you pass, you’ll receive your RN license and can begin applying for jobs in med-surg nursing! 

 If you’re ready to find your first or next role in med-surg nursing, explore open jobs through Gifted Healthcare today, or apply to speak with a recruiter! We have a wide variety of med-surg nursing jobs available around the country, including travel, local, and PRN positions. 

Other Requirements and Certifications 

Hospitals almost always require the Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, which ensures you're prepared to provide care in emergency situations, as well as the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification. This training prepares you to respond to more complex cardiac and respiratory emergencies. 

Other recommended certifications include: 

• The Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) credential, offered by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board. 
• The Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (RN-BC), offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). 
• A Telemetry certification, which can benefit med-surg nurses who work with patients on cardiac monitoring units. 
• The Essentials of ECG & Dysrhythmia Monitoring course, offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. 
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and/or the Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC), if you plan float units or transition into other specialties in the future. 

How Much Does a Med-Surg Nurse Make?  

Based on averages from current and past med-surg nursing jobs listed on Gifted Healthcare, pay typically ranges from $1,350 to $3,000 per week. However, rates vary by agency, position type—travel, permanent, per diem, or local—and location, with urban hospitals generally offering higher pay than rural facilities. Travel assignments also typically pay more than other nursing jobs. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Med-Surg Nursing 

Can I become a med-surg nurse right after receiving my RN license and passing the NCLEX-RN exam? 

Yes! The med-surg unit is often the first step for many new nurses. It not only builds essential skills and experience but also opens doors to future specialties, including critical care, oncology, labor & delivery, and other units, if you choose to transition later.   

Can I work in the med-surg unit as a travel nurse?  

Absolutely, med-surg units are often in high demand for travel nurses. With this opportunity, you can gain experience in different medical facilities and locations across the country while enjoying flexible schedules and competitive pay. 

What are the requirements for becoming a travel med-surg nurse? 

The most important requirement to become a travel nurse is to have an active Registered Nurse (RN) license. In addition, you should apply for the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) because it allows you to obtain a multistate license and practice in any state that is part of the compact. 

Additionally, most travel nurse agencies and hospitals require at least two years of recent med-surg experience before accepting travel assignments. Gifted Healthcare typically requires at least one year of experience in your preferred specialty. 

Learn more about how to start travel nursing, including specific requirements, steps, and the benefits of this rewarding career path.  

Find Your Next Medical-Surgical Nursing Job Through Gifted Healthcare! 

Gifted Healthcare provides healthcare professionals with exceptional, high-paying career opportunities, including med-surg nursing. 

We’ve earned recognition as a Best Travel Nurse Agency by The Gypsy Nurse, the world’s largest online community for travel nurses, and as a Top 20 Travel Nursing Company by BluePipes, the leading professional networking platform in healthcare.  

Connect with a recruiter to join the Gifted Family today! Apply here.