Med-Surg Nursing: Top Tips for New Grads

As an experienced med-surg nurse, I know that getting acclimated on that unit is intimidating. Let's go through my top tips to help you become successful and confident - STAT!
In the video, I mention a mini course. However, I've updated it to be one that focuses on giving report. It's called Nursing Report Basics for Med-Surg Nurses and it includes my fav med-surg report sheet and my top abbreviations I would use when taking report! Click here to enroll for free: courses.freshrn.com/p/med-sur...
If you want to cut to the chase and take my comprehensive med-surg prep course, click here: courses.freshrn.com/p/med-sur...
Join my email list here: www.freshrn.com/
Click here for my podcast: www.freshrn.com/podcast
Read the post here: www.freshrn.com/med-surg-nurs...
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[@freshrn]

In the video, I mention a mini course. However, I've updated it to be one that focuses on giving report. It's called Nursing Report Basics for Med-Surg Nurses and it includes my fav med-surg report sheet and my top abbreviations I would use when taking report! Click here to enroll for free: courses.freshrn.com/p/med-surg-report-basics If you would like a full comprehensive med-surg prep course, click here: courses.freshrn.com/p/med-surg-mindset

[@sjd91]

Thank you for saying it's ok to be inefficient in the beginning. I needed to hear that. I just started on my own in med surg and I'm easily overwhelmed.

[@LuhanPark]

omg same. I'm always late with my documentation and i dont know alot of procedures that were not taught in school-.-

[@freshrn]

If it makes you feel any better, when I started I felt like I knew nothing. Every single thing felt completely new. You will get there with more practice and repetition. Keep your head in game! You've BOTH got this!

[@RionPhotography]

I just went back to med surg nursing (after being in psych for two years) and I am seriously making multiple trips to each room that should be just one … “be right back” is my favorite new phrase 😂

[@Mister_MasterzRN]

I relate to you!

[@katiegrand7972]

I came here to say the exact same thing. That specific statement brought tears to my eyes because I felt validated when I feel like I’m a complete wreck.

[@Mister_MasterzRN]

Before becoming an RN, I served as a patient care technician, and I had assumed that this transition would be smoother. That hasn't been the case 😑. I wish I had this video to refer to when I started. My primary struggle lies in organization. I've come to realize that organization is paramount in nursing; without it, I grapple with poor time management, leading to increased anxiety in my daily work.

[@RionPhotography]

You’re so good Kati - really appreciate your videos

[@patriciablackwood6088]

Thank you! I enjoy your podcast and all your tips🌻

[@EDLM-rf6bl]

This video was awesome! I just subscribed and I look forward to learning more from you. 🙂 Thanks!

[@Therapeutix98]

You are amazing, thanks for the tips, very helpful. Lots of love from Zimbabwe

[@nakachi1331]

Thank you... going to take some notes for upcoming interviews

[@abipeterson8530]

Thank you for bringing up the right way to treat and talk to NA’s.

[@nicksternyr8728]

Thank you sooooo much for all your advice, I'm starting my first job after graduating on Feb 06. I live videos like this and hope ny preceptor is like you 😊

[@evomusic1720]

This is going to be so helpful. I plan on doing Med-surg after I graduate in May.

[@guadas254]

Am a nurse assistant and this information is so useful, thank you

[@MsCcarter21]

This is good. I’m not a new nurse. But I haven’t worked the past year (maternity leave) and I wanted to refresh.

[@JayTee2985]

Thank you for the video! I just passed my NCLEX and will be starting my new grad orientation in a week on a MedSurg unit. I am super excited and nervous at the same time. I downloaded your brain sheet. Hopefully it will help me throughout my nursing journey. Jas

[@lorettatillman4508]

I'm A CNA going from LTC and AL into a hospital telemetry unit ....I Promise You The Best Most Informational video yet. Thanks A Mil 💞💞💞

[@joygernautm6641]

The biggest tip I can give a new grad? Learn where everything in the hospital is and don’t be afraid to steal from other units😂.

[@themavilakazi]

Thank you😘

[@brit6979]

Especially the most likely places of where the bladder scanner is 😅 It gets passed between units but at my hospital every unit has an area it gravitates to when it’s not in use

[@pv2185]

Oh my gosh! I've been listening to the FreshRN podcast for quite a while now and I just stumbled upon your youtube videos while looking for more information about Med-Surg units!! Thank you so much for all the info and tips, it's really appreciated!

[@freshrn]

So glad!!!

[@malasowk]

I had took the NCLEX last month and passed! But my license just got active today BON application process has been slow since COVID-19 but I'm finally able to start working and interested in med-surg unit, thank you for the tips and sending me the report sheets appreciate it

[@janzelrenteria9098]

You are awesome ! thank you for sharing your knowledge and great tips to us new nurse grads :)

[@freshrn]

It's my joy. So glad to be able to do it!

[@laurencotten6152]

Just got off orientation which was quite long at my hospital(10 weeks). Still very nervous to be on my own. Thanks for those tips!

[@HunterThird]

I am doing med-surg residency this month!

[@tramnicolebui6976]

Thank you for this!

[@cakesinthecity]

Awesome advice!!

[@nyokabi8582]

Thanks this was very helpful

[@rolexshadow]

I’m a nurse aide n I was talking with my RN supervisor that I want to go to nursing school and into the ER and suggest that I start at med-surg and so I’m here 😎

[@carlasouza4056]

As a new nurse, I've been watching a lot of videos like this to try and get tips to make things better and this one has been the best. Best tips, well organized, very well delivered. Thanks. Totally gonna take the course.

[@freshrn]

Really glad it's been helpful!

[@yolandamoise3719]

Thank you for this video!

[@freshrn]

You are so welcome!

[@kgurl]

Great video! I just shared this with my daughter Chelsea who graduates in December 2020 & is seriously considering Med-Surg floor at OHSU , Portland Oregon.

[@freshrn]

Glad it was helpful! Yahoo! I've got a med-surg nurse crash course I'm writing right now. Hoping for it to be published for December 2020 grads! (So aiming for a Jan 2021 release date)

[@briansama4748]

That was probably what I wanted to hear as a new grad at the Surgical Unit.

[@briansama4748]

Thank you for the heart. 🙏🥰

[@derrickc3693]

Thanks for making this video! I'll be going into my preceptorship in May! Nervous & excited

[@freshrn]

Good luck! You'll be a pro before you know it.

[@humblegenuine1004]

@@freshrn Great video, looking forward to the info you promised by email.

[@billywilly123456]

How has it been?

[@skippyhippo]

Omgoodness thanks so much Kati, my anxiety level went down just by watching this video. Such great advice and I had trouble with report sheets but you're right using the same one will help memorize the boxes

[@freshrn]

I'm so glad it helped! :-)

[@freshrn]

Here's where you can download my report sheet! Link: kleber-media-llc.ck.page/5bcdbd090e

[@user-cg9ns4sr5e]

Thank you so much for this! I’m a nurse and starting Med surg for the first time I’ve usually stuck to home health

[@yemisiadebayo500]

Hey dear, just like you av neen doing home health and I want to go into med surg, I kept applying but is like experience is what they are looking for. Can you give me an hint on how to land a job after doing home health. Thanks

[@user-cg9ns4sr5e]

Yemisi Adebayo it was a strike of luck for me in California we have a quick response force for Covid since hospitals are packed I got a job through there doing med surg for non Covid patients I would say keep applying someone will definitely give you a chance to get your experience in or try more acute care in general just to get experience for med surg that’s what I’ve learned! Good luck don’t give up & apply to everything until you find something you like

[@amberwinders6892]

Thank you !!!

[@olebilekatshoma4775]

Hey Kati! I have an upcoming interview for M/S nursing. I could use some tips as I'm new to this

[@thelordsauron]

Thanks so much for the helpful video; I really appreciate the tips! Just downloaded the report sheets. I was curious, what the ISO best allergies stand for?

[@freshrn]

Sorry for seeing this so late. ISO = isolation

[@msdeshabangbang]

Im a 2 year LPN and RN new grad going into the hospital for the first time. This information is great, Thank you

[@freshrn]

you're going to do so great with that valuable experience!

[@niquitamarydominguez9533]

Same!! Me too!! Been working in SNF as an LVN for 4 years, and will start medsurg as an RN next month. I’m really nervous. This video helps me ease my anxiety. Thank you!!

[@TheAdhdGardener]

I went straight to Dialysis when I got out of school cuz I didn't like med surg. 10yrs later out the nursing game(health issues) I gotta start from scratch, n that's med surg🤦‍♀️ I wouldn't get a preceptor so it'll be full steam ahead...and I'm FREAKING OUT.

[@genevablack8500]

Hi Kati, I love you and all of your courses! Thank you! Did I miss the report sheet you were speaking of?

[@freshrn]

You did not miss anything. I made the mistake of mentioning the course in the video before I actually got it done. I'll comment here and let you know when I've got it available!

[@freshrn]

Here's the report sheet! Link: kleber-media-llc.ck.page/5bcdbd090e

[@Tastytwix435]

This is a new area for me as an Lvn any advice is good for me.

[@lindseycrabtree849]

Hey! The link isn’t working. I start my job in one week on July 27th and I would love those emails. This video was one of the most helpful videos by far. I need a video telling me WHAT to do and this was it. Thank u

[@freshrn]

I appreciate you letting me know! I just updated the link in the description. If you head to FreshRN.com/links, you can click on the first button to get on the list, and the buttons below are different freebies and resources to explore as well. Yahooooo to starting so soon!

[@starfoxx5862]

Hey Kati, will you consider doing a video for nursing students on how to study for Med-Surg class? Thank you Ma'am!

[@freshrn]

Phenomenal idea, I'll get working on one!

[@starfoxx5862]

@@freshrn Thank you!!

[@nairovisburgos466]

Great video. Thanks

[@tdaramola1]

Hey! Awesome video! You didn’t leave the link to sign up for the Mundane mayhem, I would really like to sign up to get ongoing tips on time management.

[@freshrn]

I know! I made a mistake mentioning it in the video, because I haven't had the time to get it finalized and published yet. I'll comment and notify you when it's available! Until then, I've got podcast episodes + blog posts on time management!

[@tdaramola1]

@@freshrn Oh okay, got it. Thank you.

[@freshrn]

Here's the report sheet in the meantime: kleber-media-llc.ck.page/5bcdbd090e

[@shelbyshelbyohyeah]

I follow you on TikTok. I didn’t know you had a KZbin!!!

[@freshrn]

Yes! I've had it for a very long time! I'm trying to up my KZbin and TikTok game these days and chilling out on Instagram. I like the ability to make the longer videos :-) And add my podcast to it too!

[@bobbylo3136]

Thank you Where is the sample “report sheet” that you reference?

[@freshrn]

Sorry, I forgot to include it. Here is the link to get the download sent to your inbox: kleber-media-llc.ck.page/5bcdbd090e

[@melissahalby7072]

Yes I don't see the link to sign up? Ok thanks great video.

[@freshrn]

Hi Melissa! You didn't miss anything. I made the mistake of mentioning the course in the video before I actually got it done. I'll comment here and let you know when I've got it available!

[@humblegenuine1004]

@@freshrn me either, was searching for the link to receive the info. Great video..thanks

[@vanessacorcione1304]

Where is the link to the email course for leaning how to efficiently work during our shift

[@freshrn]

Hi Vanessa! I published this video before I got the course finished. I've been working hard on the actual course itself that's 70+ modules and till need to get the free one situated. Stay tuned, I'll let you know when I've got it complied!

[@mrnatnat100]

Thank you for the video! Do you mind posting a link to the report sheet that you recommended? Thanks again 😊

[@freshrn]

Here's the link for the report sheet! Link: kleber-media-llc.ck.page/5bcdbd090e

[@atebea5259]

Any discount for the mer surg course please🙏🙏🙏

[@freshrn]

Our policy is to only offer course discounts when they first come out. After that, courses will never go on sale. We do have a VIP Membership that comes with a 40% discount on all courses. courses.freshrn.com/p/membership

[@tabiaandnick2408]

What do you do if you feel your preceptor is abusing drugs. I was ditched all day. She had one patient and I took 3 out out 4 patients but I couldn’t find her and she didn’t spend more than a min with me. So odd. I don’t know what to do wtf 😳. She should been worried about me messing up but it’s like she didn’t care what I was doing. Help plz! Can I simply request a new preceptor because this is too much for me to deal with. I expected to be trained and not thrown out to be by myself

[@freshrn]

This is 100% reasonable to ask for a new preceptor. I would privately/discreetly chat with your manager and say something like, "Being successful on this unit is really important to me. Sarah has been a very kind preceptor, but it has been a struggle actually finding her to ask her questions to ensure I'm performing tasks appropriately and safely. There have been times where I have had multiple time sensitive tasks that I genuinely didn't know how to handle and was unable to locate her anywhere. I am curious how I should handle this, or if another preceptor would be a better fit." I wouldn't mention anything about drugs; while that might be going on, there are some other possibilities too. If I genuinely thought that was going on and she was actively impaired at work, then you'd definitely want to privately speak with a manager at that time. But, I would advise to keep those two concerns (possibly using drugs and being an inattentive preceptor) completely separate in your conversations with management.

[@MaeV808]

Starting as a new grad med surg nurse next Monday. 1 week of hospital orientation then 7 weeks on unit. My nerves are keeping me up.

[@freshrn]

you've got this! I know this comment is like 5 months old so I'm guessing you're almost a charge nurse by now! :-)

[@seasonalliving2881]

Do you still have the Mundane Mayhem course?

[@freshrn]

I do not. It was replaced with Nursing Report Basics. You can find that and all of my med-surg resources on this page: www.freshrn.com/med-surg-nursing/

[@bobbylo3136]

How do I get your email courses?

[@freshrn]

I'm working on getting that email course created and the full Med-Surg course as well. To see the latest list of available courses (there are 3 free and 6 paid), head to FreshRN.teachable.com!

[@bts_ikon6589]

I started to hate it. 2 weeks and I am dying😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@freshrn]

Sorry, just seeing this comment but really hoping it's gotten better!

[@angelarpowell1202]

❤

[@pickles9440]

I got a tip for ya, RUN!!!!!