Med-Surg Nursing Jobs: Overview
Med-surg nursing jobs enable you to care for patients who are about to undergo surgery or who are recovering from it. With anywhere from 40 to 50 million major surgeries taking place in the United States each year, med-surg nurses are in demand for full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, and per diem work.
Working in the medical-surgical unit is an especially great way to gain exposure as a graduate nurse. You’ll encounter a variety of conditions and serve a diverse patient population. Ready to take the next step in your career? Begin your search for med-surg jobs on Credenza today and find the position that fits your needs. You can also search by license type:
Med-Surg Nurse Education and Responsibilities
You'll find opportunities in med-surg nursing for nearly every level of nurse. You must have completed an approved nursing program and hold an unobstructed license or certification in the state in which you work.
To qualify for med-surg nurse jobs as a registered nurse, you'll need either an associate degree in nursing or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a license in good standing. Consider becoming board certified in medical-surgical nursing (MEDSURG-BC) or becoming a certified medical-surgical registered nurse (CMSRN). For more insight into what an employer might be looking for, check out our sample med-surg job description template.
Many med-surg jobs are located in acute care hospitals. But they’re also available in inpatient clinics, nursing homes, home healthcare settings, and outpatient surgical centers. Your scope of practice will differ according to your license. Some duties you may be responsible for as an RN include:
- Assessing patients
- Administering medication
- Changing wound dressings
- Running medical tests and reviewing lab results
- Patient education
Resume and Cover Letter for Med-Surg Nurse Jobs
A comprehensive, professional-looking med-surg nursing resume is key to showing an employer that you’re an optimal fit. Make sure your resume reflects the requirements that you see in a particular job posting. For instance, if the ad says the ideal candidate will “act as a mentor and help with orientation of new staff members,” incorporate that phrase in your resume.
In your cover letter, explain how you’ve guided and supported new nurses in the past. This can help an employer get a clearer picture of how you’d be a valuable addition to their team.
Interviewing for Med-Surg Nurse Jobs
Job interviews can make even the most experienced nursing professionals uncomfortable. But taking time to prepare in advance can do wonders for boosting your self-esteem and calming your nerves. Review our med-surg nurse interview questions to get some insight into the topics you might be expected to cover.
Med-Surg Nurse Salary
The average annual salary for an RN in general medical and surgical hospitals is around $101,060. Your location, level of experience and education, facility type, and employer can make a difference in what you earn. These areas are among the highest-paying for RNs:
For a better idea of med-surg nurse jobs’ salary ranges in your area, explore the latest openings on Credenza.
Ready to Find Med-Surg Nurse Jobs?
Check out all the positions available right now. Want more options? Find out how Credenza can match you with nursing jobs in your specialty and area.
