A medical-surgical nurse is an expertly trained nurse who focuses on the care of adult patients in surgical and medical environments such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing care establishments.

These nurses primarily deal with preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care of patients. They often take on the task of managing the care of their patients, while also assisting other nurses in patient care.

Medical-surgical nurses are predominantly based in hospitals, clinics, or nursing care establishments. They cater to the needs of adult patients undergoing surgery and other forms of medical treatments.

Key roles and tasks of Medical-Surgical Nurse Duties include:

• Evaluating, devising, executing, and reviewing patient care plans in collaboration with healthcare practitioners.
• Interpreting medical data, and delivering personalized, direct bedside nursing care to patients both pre-and post-surgery.
• Preparing, dispensing, and documenting prescribed medications.
• Performing tasks such as changing dressings, placing catheters, and initiating IVs.
• Manipulating specialized medical equipment as required, in addition to interpreting and logging measurements.
• Observing patients’ vital signs and promptly reporting any negative medication reactions.
• Cooperating with the healthcare team to plan for patient discharge.
• Addressing queries and educating patients and their families about surgical procedures and care after surgery.
• Maintaining and updating records including patient files, medical charts, and health history.
• Complying with the highest nursing practices, standards, and protocols.

To qualify as medical-surgical nurses, they go through the necessary training and acquire licensure as registered nurses. In addition, they undertake specific courses to further specialize in their field.