Is becoming a medical-surgical registered nurse right for me?
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How to become a Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
Becoming a medical-surgical registered nurse (MSRN) requires completing several steps, including education, licensure, and gaining clinical experience. Here's a detailed guide on how to become an MSRN:
- Complete a Nursing Program: The next step is to complete a nursing program. While it is possible to become a medical-surgical registered nurse with an associate degree, many healthcare organizations and hospitals now prefer or require nurses to have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
- Obtain a Nursing License: Once you complete your nursing program, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). Each state has its own requirements for licensure, so be sure to research the specific requirements for your state.
- Gain Clinical Experience: As an MSRN, you'll need to have clinical experience in a medical-surgical setting. You can gain this experience through clinical rotations during your nursing program or by working as an RN in a medical-surgical unit.
- Pursue Certification: While not required, certification can demonstrate your expertise in medical-surgical nursing and make you more competitive in the job market (see below).
- Develop Specialized Skills: As an MSRN, you'll need to have specialized skills in areas such as wound care, medication administration, and patient assessment. You can develop these skills through continuing education courses, on-the-job training, or specialized certifications.
- Pursue Advanced Education: You may choose to pursue advanced education, such as a master's degree or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), to advance your career and specialize in a particular area of medical-surgical nursing.
Certifications
Medical-surgical registered nurses can pursue various certifications to enhance their knowledge and skills and demonstrate their expertise in their specialty area. Some of the certifications that MSRNs may pursue include:
- Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) - offered by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB), this certification is specifically designed for medical-surgical nurses. It validates the nurse's knowledge and skills in caring for adult medical-surgical patients.
- Certified in Care Coordination and Transition Management (CCCTM) - offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), this certification is designed for nurses who coordinate and manage care transitions for patients. It covers topics such as patient education, care coordination, and population health.
- Wound Care Certification - offered by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB), this certification is designed for nurses who specialize in wound care. It covers topics such as wound assessment, wound healing, and wound management.
- Critical Care Certification - offered by various organizations, including the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), this certification is designed for nurses who work in critical care settings such as intensive care units (ICUs) and emergency departments. It validates the nurse's knowledge and skills in providing advanced care to critically ill patients.
Associations
There are several associations that medical-surgical registered nurses can join to stay informed about the latest trends, research, and best practices in their specialty area. Some of these associations include:
- Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) - This is a professional association for medical-surgical nurses. The AMSN provides resources, education, and networking opportunities for MSRNs.
- American Nurses Association (ANA) - The ANA is the largest nursing organization in the United States, and it represents the interests of all nurses, including medical-surgical nurses. The ANA provides advocacy, education, and networking opportunities for nurses.
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) - The AACN is a professional association for nurses who work in critical care settings, including medical-surgical units. The AACN provides resources, education, and certification opportunities for critical care nurses.
- National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON) - The NAON is a professional association for nurses who specialize in orthopaedic nursing, which is a sub-specialty of medical-surgical nursing. The NAON provides resources, education, and networking opportunities for orthopaedic nurses.