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Nurse Types / Dermatology Nurse

Dermatology nurses help patients care for their largest organ – their skin. Dermatology nurses help inspect skin for any issues such as skin cancer or burns. This rewarding career offers flexibility, a good income, and close patient interaction, making it popular among nurses looking for an alternative to traditional hospital shift work.

This article will explain everything you need to know about becoming a dermatology nurse, including:

• What is a dermatology nurse?
• What do dermatology nurses do?
• Where do dermatology nurses work?
• What are specific types of dermatology nurses?
• How do you become a dermatology nurse in 3 steps?
• What are additional requirements of dermatology nurses? 
• What are the salary and career outlooks for dermatology nurses?
• FAQs

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What is a dermatology nurse?

Dermatology nurses are specialists in caring for the skin, including skin diseases, burns, wounds, and cosmetic concerns.

As a dermatology nurse, you may help patients learn how to:

• Protect and care for their skin
• Manage conditions like skin cancer
• Maintain healthy skin as part of diabetes management
• Provide pre- and post-operative care for cosmetic surgery
• Assist with cosmetic skin procedures
• Treat skin wounds and injuries

Qualities of a successful dermatology nurse

If you are interested in dermatology nursing, you should have advanced knowledge of skin health and treatment for common skin issues.

Other important qualities include:

• Strong patient assessment skills
• An understanding of common skin disorders, skin diseases, and wound care
• Knowledge of common dermatologic procedures
• Excellent patient communication and education skills
• Pre- and post-op management skills

What do dermatology nurses do?

Dermatology nurses care for patients with a variety of skin conditions and concerns. 

Some of the tasks that a dermatology nurse might perform include:

• Assess skin condition
• Perform wound care and apply dressings
• Provide burn care
• Assist with tattoo removal
• Take patient history about skin health and daily skincare
• Conduct skin cancer screenings
• Assess skin for wounds, pressure ulcers, or suspicious growths
• Assist with procedures like skin peels, microdermabrasion, or skin biopsies
• Monitor patients after procedures like skin grafts or cosmetic surgery
• Educate patients about general skin health, post-op skin care, and preventative sun measures

A day in the life of a dermatology nurse

A typical day for a dermatology nurse will depend on where they work. A nurse who works in a general outpatient office may have tasks that include:

• Taking patient vital signs and medical history
• Conducting skin assessments
• Preparing equipment for the healthcare provider
• Assisting with procedures like skin biopsies or wart removal
• Providing patient education about skin health or sun protection

Nurses who work in a cosmetic dermatology office may also assist with cosmetic procedures, including pre- and post-operative care and education. 

Dermatology nurses who specialize in wound or burn care may work in specialized units in a hospital or as part of wound care teams who visit patients throughout the hospital or in their homes. They may care for ostomies, burns, pressure ulcers, or skin tears. They may also educate other nurses about how to support skin health.

Outside of burn care units, dermatology nursing is typically slower-paced than other types of nursing. This field has fewer emergencies and less need for life-saving measures. 

Common conditions treated by dermatology nurses

Nurses who are interested in dermatology have the opportunity to work with many different kinds of patients and conditions.

Some nurses work in outpatient offices that primarily deal with cosmetic skin procedures or general skin health. Others work as part of a wound care team in the hospital, long-term care, or home health.

Common conditions that dermatology nurses make see are:

• Skin cancer
• Burns
• Warts
• Acne
• Moles
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Skin tears
• Wounds and ostomies
• Rosacea
• Impetigo 

Where do dermatology nurses work?

This type of Registered Nurse can work in many different settings depending on their specialty. 

Some of the places that dermatology nurses may work include:

• Hospitals
• Burn units
• Plastic surgeon’s offices
• Home health
• Dermatology clinics or private practices
• Day spas or cosmetic dermatology offices

What are specific types of dermatology nurses?

Dermatology nurses can specialize in cosmetic dermatology, general skin health, or wound and burn care.

Nurses who work in general dermatology offices may see patients with:

• Acne
• Eczema
• Rosacea
• Skin cancer
• Psoriasis

Nurses who deal with skin trauma will have advanced knowledge of:

• Wound care
• Dressings
• Pressure ulcers
• Skin tears
• Burns
• Skin grafts

These nurses may work with specialized equipment like wound vacs or advanced dressings.

Cosmetic dermatology is a growing industry. Some of the procedures that cosmetic dermatology nurses may assist with include:

• Facial peels, microdermabrasion, and laser hair removal
• Tattoo removal and scar treatments
• Botox and dermal fillers
• Laser skin resurfacing
• Cosmetic surgeries like face lifts, breast augmentations or reductions, liposuction, or nose shapings

Closely related fields

Dermatology nurses may specialize into sub-specialties. For example:

• Wound care nurses specialize in ostomies, wounds, pressure ulcers, skin breakdown, and diabetic foot care. They may work on an outpatient or hospital basis.
• Burn units treat patients with injuries related to fire, chemicals, electricity, or oil. Nurses who work in burn units are a type of critical care nurse.
• Plastic surgeon nurses care for patients undergoing both cosmetic and reconstructive work. They may assist with elective procedures like tummy tucks or nose reshaping, or they may work with surgeons who provide breast reconstruction after mastectomy. 

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How do you become a dermatology nurse in 3 steps?

Step 1 – Become a registered nurse

All dermatology nurses must be Registered Nurses. To become a Registered Nurse, you must complete 2-4 years of education and pass a national certifying exam called the NCLEX.

Earn a BSN degree

If you would like to work as a dermatology nurse, the first step is to obtain your Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN). 

While it’s possible to practice with an Associate Degree in Nursing, most employers are looking for BSN-prepared nurses. A BSN usually qualifies you for a higher salary and more responsibilities. There are RN-to-BSN programs for nurses looking to increase their degrees.

There are several ways to achieve your BSN, including traditional four-year degree programs and accelerated BSN programs for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field. 

Pass the NCLEX exam

Once you have obtained your BSN degree, you are eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam. This certifies that you have the minimum knowledge necessary to practice safely as a nurse. After you pass your NCLEX, you may apply for a nursing license in the state where you wish to practice as a nurse.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

Helpful skills and experience

Patients can feel self-conscious about their skin conditions. Many skin issues affect personal areas of the body, and dermatology nurses must be able to build a trusting relationship with their patients. A great dermatology nurse helps patients feel at ease throughout their care and treatment.

As a dermatology nurse, you should also be prepared to:

• Provide excellent patient education
• Conduct thorough assessments
• Be organized 
• Demonstrate good time management skills
• Work well with a multidisciplinary healthcare team, including physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, surgeons, lab staff, and nursing assistants

Changing specialty to a dermatology nurse 

Many dermatology nurses start in related fields, like med-surg, surgical, or family practice nursing. If you want to change your specialty to dermatology nursing, it helps to take continuing education units in related topics. This can also help you meet the requirements to renew your nursing license.

Other ways to increase your odds of finding a dermatology nursing position include:

• Shadow a dermatology nurse to learn more about the specialty
• Read relevant professional journals, like The Journal of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association
• Join professional organizations like The Dermatology Nurses’ Association

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

Nurses should plan to work in dermatology for at least two years before considering certification. The primary certification in this field is the Dermatology Nursing Certification (DNC) offered by the Dermatology Nurses’ Association.

The DNC certification demonstrates that a nurse has advanced knowledge in the practice of dermatological nursing, including at least 2,000 hours of dermatology nursing in the past two years.

What are additional requirements of dermatology nurses? 

Nurses who enter the field of dermatology should be prepared to help patients understand their skin conditions and appropriate skin care. They may also need to help their patients set reasonable cosmetic goals, as some patients have unrealistic expectations for cosmetic dermatologic procedures.

What are the salary and career outlooks for dermatology nurses? 

Nursing is a growing field with high demand. Nurses who enter dermatology nursing can anticipate steady growth and opportunities for advancement.

According to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for all nurses is $82,750 annually. This varies based on geographic location, setting, and years of experience.

Nurses who work in conventional dermatology typically earn $60,792 per year. While this is lower than the average salary for nurses, this work may offer other benefits like regular hours and a slower pace. Additional years of experience and certifications can help you negotiate for a higher salary.

Nurses specializing in wound care or burns often have advanced knowledge and years of experience that can command higher salaries. Burn unit nurses earn on average $98,511 per year.

Nurses who specialize in cosmetic dermatology have a very high earning potential. The average cosmetic dermatology nurse earns $107,335 per year, with the potential to earn much more depending on the city and office where you work.

Job satisfaction

There is great potential for job satisfaction within dermatology nursing. 

Many nurses who turn to dermatology nursing appreciate the regular hours. This field generally involves more favorable outcomes compared to med-surg or critical care nursing, so dermatology can be a good fit for nurses dealing with burn-out after working in other areas of nursing.

Nurses who choose specialized areas like cosmetic dermatology or plastic surgery may also appreciate higher-than-average salaries while maintaining a good work-life balance.

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Next steps 

Nurses interested in furthering their careers in dermatology may consider becoming a Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner. Dermatology nurses can also acquire advanced certifications in skills like laser treatments.

Dermatology nurses can also advance their careers by:

• Acquiring additional years of experience
• Specializing in fields that require advanced nursing care
• Obtaining specialty certifications
• Precepting and mentoring new nurses
• Taking on additional responsibilities as a charge nurse or supervisor
• Working in education, research, or academia

Do you have more questions about dermatology nursing? Post your questions on the Incredible Health forum and receive answers from real nurses. 

Our career resources can help you prepare and find your next nursing position. Create a free profile with Incredible Health and we’ll help you learn more about dermatology nursing positions in your area.

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Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Vermont

Have you ever considered moving to a state full of mountains, hiking trails and beautiful landscapes? Vermont, where nursing is considered one of the most promising careers in the state, may be the place for you.

We’ve listed seven hospitals that may have the job you always wanted.

Best Hospitals in Vermont

Here you’ll read about the best hospitals in Vermont, as determined by a number of trusted sources, including U.S. News & World Report, The Leapfrog Group, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Medicare and Healthgrades.

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Brattleboro Memorial Hospital

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital has a three-star rating from the federal government.

The facility received three Lamplighter Awards from The New England Society for Healthcare Communications for its excellence in healthcare marketing and communications in 2020. 

Learn more about Brattleboro Memorial Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit
• Location: Brattleboro, Vermont
• Employees: 600+

Central Vermont Medical Center

Central Vermont Medical Center, part of the University of Vermont Health Network, is rated high performing in hip fracture, pneumonia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) by U.S. News & World Report.

The hospital has received the Gold Seal of Approval by The Joint Commission for its high standards in healthcare quality. It was also named one of the Top 20 Rural & Community Hospitals by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA).

The federal government gave it a five-star rating and The Leapfrog Group gave it a “B” grade for its hospital safety. 

Learn more about Central Vermont Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Berlin, Vermont
• Hospital network: six facilities
• Employees: 1,700+

Copley Hospital

Copley Hospital is rated high performing in hip fracture by U.S. News & World Report.

The facility received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award from Healthgrades in 2022 and was named a HEALTHSTRONG Hospital by iVantage Health Analytics for its excellence in care in 2014.

It also has a five-star rating from the federal government. 

Learn more about Copley Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Morrisville, Vermont
• Employees: 65+

Gifford Medical Center

Gifford Medical Center is rated high performing in hip fracture by U.S. News & World Report.

Its health system received the Spirit of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Award from The Governor’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities (GCEPD) for its outstanding support of employees with disabilities in 2018.

The federal government gave it a four-star rating.

Learn more about Gifford Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Randolph, Vermont
• Hospital network: three facilities
• Employees: 700+ 

Rutland Regional Medical Center

Rutland Regional Medical Center is a Magnet hospital, which is an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) program that recognizes facilities with excellence in many areas — such as quality care, patient safety and professional development.

The hospital is rated high performing in urology and in three procedures or conditions, such as hip fracture and hip replacement, by U.S. News & World Report.

Rutland Regional Medical Center’s patient recovery service, the West Ridge Center, was recognized as a Patient-Centered Specialty Practice by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) in 2021. The hospital also received the Workplace of the Year Award by the Advisory Board in 2018 and the Gold Seal of Approval by The Joint Commission for its quality care.

It received a five-star rating from the federal government and an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group for its hospital safety. 

Learn more about Rutland Regional Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Rutland, Vermont
• Employees: 1,600+

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center

Southwestern Vermont Health Care, a Magnet hospital, is rated high performing in hip fracture by U.S. News & World Report. 

The facility was considered one of the best hospitals in America by the Lown Institute in 2020. It has also received the Gold Seal of Approval by The Joint Commission for its high standards in healthcare quality. 

The federal government gave it a four-star rating.

Learn more about Southwestern Vermont Health Care:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Bennington, Vermont
• Hospital network: six facilities
• Employees: 1,400+

University of Vermont Medical Center

The University of Vermont Medical Center is ranked No. 1 in Vermont and is rated high performing in 10 procedures or conditions, including colon cancer surgery, heart attack and kidney failure, by U.S. News & World Report.

The hospital received various recognitions from Healthgrades, such as the America’s 250 Best Hospitals Award and the America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Critical and Pulmonary Care. It has received the Gold Seal of Approval by The Joint Commission for its high standards in healthcare quality, behavioral health care and human services and home care. 

Learn more about University of Vermont Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Burlington, Vermont
• Hospital network: four facilities 
• Employees: 8,800+ (across the entire network)

What makes a best hospital in Vermont

Top hospitals have several factors that illustrate their great performance, such as high scores in patient satisfaction and the best safety practices.

Benefits

The best hospitals usually offer the best salary. But, considering other aspects of work motivation, like purpose and productivity, they also invest in competitive employee benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off and tuition assistance.

Growth opportunity

It’s desirable to have as many growth opportunities as possible in a job. Some of the best hospitals help a registered nurse to specialize and become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) or a nurse practitioner, for instance.

Employee satisfaction

According to a Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) study, worker engagement strategies are correlated with a reduction in hospital-acquired complications, surgical complications and readmission rates. Satisfied nurses are also less likely to experience job fatigue and burnout, two prevalent health problems nowadays.

High patient satisfaction

Patient satisfaction is useful to measure healthcare delivery and quality care in general, as it provides tangible evidence of a hospital’s patient-centered approach and efficiency.

Other factors that make a top hospital

After reading about the basic aspects of competitive hospitals, learn more about the factors that also have a substantial impact on them, including safety practices and ethical values.

Safety record is critical

Hospital safety can be assured not only with protocols and infection spread control measures, but also with simple individual acts like hand washing before and after visiting each patient. That’s why any top hospital looks for nurses highly trained in these practices. 

Hospital policies focus on customer services 

There are easy ways to implement a customer service-oriented approach as a nurse, and the top hospitals appreciate it. Transform the patient experience by being attentive and responding quickly to patient queries.

Latest technology and training improve healthcare

From simple online appointments and mobile apps to advanced tools — such as photorealistic 3D ultrasound and image-guided therapy with augmented reality —  technology works more and more to improve patient care.

Ethics lead the way

A nurse, like any healthcare professional, must be able to make the right decisions in difficult situations, like when a patient refuses treatment. Academic hospitals, in particular, face an additional challenge when it comes to conducting research with humans.

Next steps

Getting hired by one of the above-listed Vermont hospitals may be one of your greatest accomplishments, whether you are a recent graduate or an experienced nurse.

Find out how to get a job as a nurse in top hospitals like these by reading on.

Build your resume

A resume is the beginning of your job search, and it must be built correctly. You can read our nursing resume guide to learn what information to include and where to place it. 

Join a nurses association

You can find countless networking opportunities by joining a nursing organization. They research, educate, and promote the development of their members. As a nurse, you may also be able to improve working conditions and rights by joining a nursing union.

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Attend industry educational conferences and workshops

Taking part in workshops and nursing conferences, or even conducting them, is another beneficial initiative to stay competitive in the labor market. Check out our advice on working in Vermont to learn more.

Keep up with continuing education requirements

Beyond being active in nurses’ associations and presenting an appealing resume, you also need to meet the state’s education requirements — including completing the minimum Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

We offer free Vermont CEU courses. Access them and stay up to date. 

Search for job openings

You don’t have to look for jobs alone. You can join Incredible Health to take advantage of our technology, which matches you with the right role at the right company.

Transfer your nursing license to Vermont

Nurses from other states can work in Vermont by transferring their nursing licenses. Our comprehensive guide explains every step in detail so that you will be fully prepared if you have to move.

Nurse Types / Dermatology Nurse Practitioner

Skin accounts for 16% of the adult human body and is the body’s largest organ. Part of the integumentary system, its prime role is to serve as a protective barrier between the outside and inside of the body. Dermatology Nurse Practitioners specialize in understanding every condition and disease affecting the roughly 22 square feet of skin covering the body.

In this article we will explore:

• What is a dermatology nurse practitioner?
• What is the dermatology nurse practitioner scope of practice?
• What do dermatology nurse practitioners do?
• How do you become a dermatology nurse practitioner?
• What are the salary and job outlooks for dermatology nurse practitioners?

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What is a dermatology nurse practitioner?

Dermatology nurse practitioners specialize in the treatment of diseases and medical conditions that affect the surface of the skin. When a person’s skin is not functioning as intended, it can open the door to more serious disease or injury. The skin is designed to protect the inside of the body from disease and harm. It regulates body temperature and enhances sensations from physical contact.

Dermatology NPs can work with any age group. Some choose to specialize even further by selecting employment options that focus on children or the elderly, or those dealing with skin cancer. It is an NP specialty with several possibilities for further concentration.

What is the dermatology nurse practitioner scope of practice?

There are five competencies listed in the Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Standards of Care. They state that NPs specializing in dermatology will:

• Adhere to the Scope of Practice established by the Board of Nursing
• Follow the Code of Ethics for nursing
• Continue professional development to stay updated on dermatology best practices
• Maintain all certifications and licensing necessary to practice
• Participate in community outreach programs to educate the public about dermatology care and skin cancer prevention

What do dermatology nurse practitioners do?

Nursing scope of practice describes the services that qualified dermatology NPs are competent to perform and permitted to undertake with proper credentialing and licensure. The official Scope of Practice for dermatology nurse practitioners says that the dermatology nurse practitioner can:

• Act as a patient care provider, mentor, educator, or researcher
• Assess, diagnose, treat, and manage acute, chronic, and episodic dermatology illnesses
• Collaborate with physicians and other members of a healthcare team to provide comprehensive dermatologic care
• Order and interpret diagnostic and lab tests, prescribe pharmacological agents and non-pharmacologic therapies, and counsel and educate patients about dermatologic conditions
• Refer patients to specialists for comprehensive dermatological care, as needed

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5 steps to becoming a dermatology nurse practitioner

As with other nurse practitioner specialties, there is no fast track for becoming a dermatology NP. It takes years of commitment to earning the required education and experience before becoming a dermatology NP.

Dermatology nurse practitioners are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who have taken courses geared toward dermatology. Here are the steps involved with becoming a dermatology NP:

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree

This is the first step in the journey to becoming a dermatology NP. The program can take 3 to 4 years to complete depending on availability for taking courses. If someone is not currently working as a nurse, it could take the full 4 years between working and schooling. Registered nurses (RNs) can accelerate the process with an RN-to-BSN program.

Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN

Some nurses already hold an RN license before they decide to advance their career by becoming an NP. If they already hold an RN license, this step can be skipped. All other candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

Step 3: Gain Relevant Experience

Once you have your RN license, most nurses choose to gain some experience in dermatology care at the RN level. Other nurses opt to go directly to the next step, which is to apply to graduate nursing school.

Step 4: Earn a Graduate Degree in Nursing

The minimum education requirement for dermatology NPs is a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). It takes between 18 and 24 months to earn a graduate degree. There are RN-MSN programs available, as well as RN-DNP. Candidates who pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) often choose to work in academic or research settings.

Step 5: Become a Certified NP

Obtain nurse practitioner certification by passing a comprehensive test that assesses your knowledge, skills, and understanding of nursing best practices. Nurses who pursue a dermatology NP license full time can complete the process in 5 to 8 years. 

What are the salary and job outlooks for dermatology nurse practitioners?

Nurse practitioners in all specialties make some of the highest salaries in the nursing profession. NPs in all specialties are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 40% from 2021 to 2031. Dermatology NPs earn an average median salary of $104,525. Ninety percent of wage earners in this nursing specialty make $113,382 annually. The places with the highest wages for NPs specializing in dermatology are:

• San Francisco, CA – $127,652
• Fremont, CA – $122,373
• San Jose, CA – $119,115
• Oakland, CA – $117,783
• Tanaina, AK – $117,370
• Jackson, WY – $114,972

Find out what dermatology nurse practitioners are making in your intended state of practice using the Incredible Health Nurse Salary Estimator tool. 

FAQs

Nurse Types / Med-Surg Nurse

The medical-surgical nurse (med-surg RN) provides direct care to a variety of patients. The med-surg population is often acutely ill and suffering from a number of issues, complications, and co-morbidities. The med-surg population also includes post-surgical patients.

Because of the diverse patient population the med-surg RN may come across, this area of nursing can often be the most difficult one to describe. It is also the easiest position for new nurse grads to get. This position is great for nurses looking to gain experience and exposure.

In the article, we explore the following:

• What do med-surg nurses do?
• What might a med-surg nurse encounter on the job?
• What is a med-surg care team?
• Where do med-surg nurses work?
• How do you become a med-surg nurse?
• What are the additional requirements for med-surg nurses?
• What are the salary and job outlooks for med-surg nurses?
• FAQs

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What do med-surg nurses do?

Because the work of a med-surg RN is so versatile, it can be hard to compile a comprehensive list of all possible cares and duties. The following list is many of the most common roles a med-surg RN may perform, however, it is not all-inclusive.

• Admitting, transmitting, and discharging patients
• Monitoring vital signs
• Administering medications
• Operating and maintaining medical equipment – IV lines, feeding tubes, catheters, oxygen tubing, etc.
• Documenting patient care, needs, and progress
• Communicating and collaborating with the care team
• Carrying out patient orders and plans of care
• Supporting and educating patients and family members
• Running and/or ordering tests and assessments
• Filling out facility required education, reports, and charting
• Working with wound care (particularly if facility has no wound care RN)
• Helping with pain control

The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) is working constantly to support the growing med-surg RN population. They claim that med-surg RNs are “the solid rock and backbone of every institution.”

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What might a med-surg nurse encounter on the job?

• Diabetes
• Pneumonia
• Sepsis
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cellulitis
• Renal failure
• Dehydration
• Falls
• Bowel obstructions
• Orthopedic complications (hip replacement, knee replacement, rotator cuff repair)
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Syncope
• Hepatic encephalopathy
• MRSA/VRE/C-Diff
• Hernia repair

What is a med-surg care unit?

Like most RNs, med-surg nurses have plenty of autonomy. However, there is an extensive care team often involved in med-surg patient care. This multidisciplinary model has been proven to improve patient outcomes many times. Effective collaboration and communication are essential to these positive patient outcomes. The med-surg care team may include the primary care physician (PCP), an internist, a surgeon, physical therapists, occupational therapists, technicians, social workers, and case managers.

Where do med-surg nurses work?

Medical-surgical nurses work in a variety of care settings. While an acute care hospital is the most commonplace of work, you will also find med-surg RNs in inpatient clinics, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), education positions, outpatient or ambulatory care centers, nursing homes, military facilities, home health care facilities, or outpatient surgical centers. Because of the variety of institutions, a med-surg RN may work at, per diem, PRN, part-time and full time (8-, 10-, or 12-hour days) opportunities are all available.

How do you become a med-surg nurse?

Education

Associate Degree Nurse (ADN)

To practice as a professionally licensed RN, the minimum one must achieve is an ADN and pass the NCLEX-RN exam before being eligible for licensure and subsequent employment. ADN programs typically take two years to complete (after 1-2 years of the appropriate prerequisites). ADN programs are usually offered through community colleges and include coursework online, in the classroom, lab work, clinical rotations, and practicum experiences. Most students who choose to pursue an ADN degree do so understanding that they may have to back to school for a BSN.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

To maintain competitive advantage as well as meet the IOM mandate, most RNs choose to pursue a BSN program to begin their professional practice. BSN programs usually take four years to complete. These programs are offered at brick-and-mortar campuses and online. Much like an ADN program, they are a combination of classroom work, lecture, labor work, clinical experiences, and practicums.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

This is not required for professional med-surg nursing practice. However, many nurses choose to complete their MSN, as this will allow for more professional promotion opportunities. An MSN also opens the door for teaching opportunities, higher pay, and greater responsibilities. Occasionally, some employers will reimburse or offer educational assistance for these academic pursuits.

There are also “bridge” programs, which take anywhere from 12-24 months, that allow a student to move from an ADN to a BSN or a BSN to an MSN. There is also the RN to BSN programs that allows students work as they pursue their degree. As mentioned above, most ADN professionals will need to pursue higher education, often through one of these programs.

What are the additional requirements for med-surg nurses?

There are a variety of additional certifications a med-surg RN can pursue. Three of the most common are discussed below.

Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (RN-BC)

This certification is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification. It is a competency-based exam that assesses entry-level clinical knowledge and skills of the RN in the med-surg specialty. It must be renewed every five years.

Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)

This certification is the recognized path to prove excellence and commitment to the field of med-surg nursing. It is considered a prestigious credential, currently held by over 38,000 professionals. Recertification is necessary every five years.

Certified in Care Coordination and Transition Management (CCCTM)

This credential demonstrates an RN’s knowledge of patient-centered assessment and care planning. It was created in collaboration with the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing. New applications for the certification are currently on hold as the board of directors evaluates the program.

State-Mandated Continuing Education: Each state has different requirements for RN’s continuing education requirements. You can find your premium ANCC-certified CEUs for all 50 states here.

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What is the salary and job outlook for med-surg nurses?

The field of nursing continues to grow as much as 6% between 2021 and 2031 per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While the income for a med-surg nurse can vary greatly (geography, facility, level of education), the average pay is approximately $86,951, according to data from Incredible Health.

Learn more about med surg nurse salary

A career as a med-surg RN is certain to offer plenty of opportunities for a broad range of professional education, growth, and collaboration. While many nurses view med-surg nursing as a stepping stone, thousands of men and women enjoy the broad range of work and patient populations and choose to spend their entire careers in this area of nursing.

FAQs