Common Procedures and Best Practices in Medical-Surgical Nursing
Posted on January 20th, 2025
Medical-surgical nursing is one of the most diverse and rewarding fields within the nursing profession. As medical-surgical nurses, also known as med-surg nurses, work in a variety of settings, they are responsible for caring for adult patients who are undergoing surgical procedures or dealing with a wide range of medical conditions. These nurses are the backbone of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings, offering patient care before, during, and after surgery, and helping manage chronic illnesses.
In this article, we’ll delve into the common procedures and best practices in medical-surgical nursing, which form the foundation of excellent care for patients in the medical-surgical unit. Whether you are a seasoned medical-surgical nurse or someone interested in pursuing this specialty, understanding these key procedures and practices is crucial for providing optimal patient care.
What is Medical-Surgical Nursing?
Medical-surgical nursing refers to the care of adult patients who are recovering from surgery or managing acute or chronic medical conditions. Medical-surgical nurses provide essential support to both physicians and patients, ensuring proper medical treatment, offering patient education, and managing a range of patient needs. They work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home care, and may be involved in preoperative, perioperative, or postoperative care.
As a medical-surgical nurse, your responsibilities will vary depending on the patient’s needs. However, some common procedures and best practices apply across the board, regardless of the healthcare setting.
Common Procedures in Medical-Surgical Nursing
1. Preoperative Care
Before surgery, medical-surgical nurses play a vital role in preparing patients both physically and emotionally. Preoperative care includes gathering patient history, explaining the procedure, performing physical assessments, and providing necessary medications. Nurses will also educate patients about what to expect during and after surgery, reducing anxiety and ensuring they understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.
The nurse will also assess the patient’s vitals and ensure that laboratory tests or imaging studies are completed as required. Ensuring that all necessary preoperative instructions are followed—such as fasting before surgery or stopping certain medications—also falls under the nurse’s responsibilities.
2. Intraoperative Care
While patients are undergoing surgery, medical-surgical nurses often assist in the operating room. They may be tasked with tasks such as monitoring the patient’s vital signs, maintaining sterile fields, administering anesthesia, and preparing necessary instruments. During surgery, maintaining patient safety is paramount, and medical-surgical nurses must work closely with surgeons and anesthesiologists to ensure a smooth procedure.
3. Postoperative Care
After surgery, medical-surgical nurses are responsible for managing patients’ recovery and monitoring their condition. This involves assessing vital signs, wound care, pain management, and helping patients move safely after their procedure. Nurses also monitor for signs of complications such as infections, hemorrhages, or issues related to anesthesia.
One of the most important aspects of postoperative care is helping patients with mobility and encouraging deep breathing exercises to prevent complications such as pneumonia or blood clots. Nurses also provide education on how to care for incisions, manage pain, and follow up with any required therapies after discharge.
4. Wound Care and Dressing Changes
Wound care is an essential part of medical-surgical nursing, especially for patients recovering from surgeries. Nurses are trained in performing sterile dressing changes, assessing the wound for signs of infection, and ensuring that the wound is healing correctly. This often includes cleaning, re-dressing, and inspecting surgical incisions or any other types of wounds, such as ulcers or burns.
The nurse must also be vigilant for signs of complications such as poor circulation, swelling, or infection, and must report these to the healthcare provider immediately.
5. Pain Management
Pain management is another essential aspect of medical-surgical nursing. After surgery or while managing chronic medical conditions, patients will often experience pain that needs to be carefully managed. Medical-surgical nurses assess the patient’s pain levels, monitor the effectiveness of pain medications, and advocate for interventions that will improve comfort.
Nurses will often use a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management techniques. This may include medications like opioids or NSAIDs, as well as alternative treatments like relaxation techniques, massage, and positioning.
6. Patient Education
One of the most critical roles of a medical-surgical nurse is educating patients and their families. Nurses provide instruction on wound care, medications, lifestyle modifications, nutrition, and rehabilitation after surgery or treatment. This helps patients understand their treatment plan and fosters collaboration between patients and healthcare providers to improve outcomes.
Education is also crucial for preventing complications and encouraging patients to follow up with necessary treatments or screenings. Nurses provide this education in a way that is accessible and clear, ensuring that patients feel empowered to manage their health post-discharge.
7. Infection Control
Infection control is a fundamental responsibility for any nurse, and this is especially true in the medical-surgical setting. Nurses must follow strict protocols to minimize the risk of infections, particularly after surgery. This involves proper hand hygiene, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and following sterile techniques during procedures and dressing changes.
By adhering to infection control practices, medical-surgical nurses help protect patients from postoperative infections and ensure that patients receive the best care possible.
Best Practices in Medical-Surgical Nursing
1. Effective Communication
Effective communication is the cornerstone of high-quality care in medical-surgical nursing. Nurses must communicate clearly with patients, their families, and the rest of the healthcare team. This ensures that all parties are on the same page regarding the patient’s treatment plan, potential complications, and next steps in care.
2. Patient-Centered Care
Providing patient-centered care is a core principle in medical-surgical nursing. This involves listening to the patient’s concerns, respecting their preferences, and involving them in decision-making processes regarding their care. Medical-surgical nurses must ensure that the patient’s comfort, dignity, and values are upheld at all times.
3. Advocacy
As patient advocates, medical-surgical nurses must speak up on behalf of their patients. This includes addressing concerns related to treatment plans, ensuring patients’ rights are respected, and advocating for resources that will improve patient outcomes.
4. Continuous Education
The field of medical-surgical nursing is constantly evolving with new technologies, treatments, and procedures. Medical-surgical nurses must engage in ongoing education and training to stay up to date on the latest practices and ensure they are providing the best possible care to their patients.
5. Collaboration with the Healthcare Team
Medical-surgical nurses work closely with a variety of healthcare professionals, including physicians, surgeons, physical therapists, and social workers. Successful collaboration ensures that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs. Nurses must communicate effectively and coordinate care to achieve the best outcomes for their patients.
Conclusion
Medical-surgical nursing is a rewarding and essential specialty within the nursing field. Medical-surgical nurses play a crucial role in the care of patients undergoing surgery or managing medical conditions. By mastering common procedures such as preoperative care, postoperative care, wound care, and pain management, as well as adhering to best practices like effective communication, patient-centered care, and continuous education, these nurses ensure that patients receive high-quality, comprehensive care.
For healthcare organizations looking to hire skilled medical-surgical nurses, or if you’re a nurse looking for new opportunities, Protouch Staffing is here to help. We specialize in connecting healthcare professionals with top employers in the medical-surgical field. Contact Protouch Staffing today to explore exciting opportunities and find the right fit for your career or staffing needs.