Find Local Medical-Surgical Nursing Jobs
Med-surg nurses provide care for both adult and pediatric patients who are preparing for or recovering from surgery. These nurses care for acutely ill patients dealing with surgical complications, comorbidities, or chronic illnesses, while also attending to stable patients after procedures.
Looking for local nursing jobs? You’ve come to the right place!
Scope of practice
Med-surg nurses strive to provide patient education and promote overall health. They offer support to patients and families dealing with illnesses and injuries by performing a number of tasks, including:
- Offering pain management
- Providing wound care
- Maintaining patient safety
- Obtaining vital signs
- Preparing patients pre-surgery
- Helping patients with post-surgery recovery
- Taking patient histories
- Managing admissions and discharge paperwork
- Assisting with care planning
Med-surg nurses typically work in inpatient hospital settings, but they may also work in outpatient clinics and even in patients’ homes. Travel med-surg nursing is growing in popularity, as well. Travel nursing allows nurses to take short-term assignments throughout the country, which can be a good option for those seeking new experiences both on and off the clock.
Required education and training
Med-surg nurses need to have a nursing license. To obtain a nursing license, you can either pursue an associate degree in nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Once you have your degree, you need to pass the national standardized National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Passing that exam allows you to become a registered nurse (RN). That’s the minimum requirement for becoming a med-surg nurse.
You’ll also need to complete some training. After passing the NCLEX, you can apply for medical-surgical internships at surgical centers and hospitals. These internships allow you to develop clinical knowledge and skills under the supervision of physicians and more experienced nurses.
If you become an RN and you already have nursing experience, you may want to participate in a training program and then transfer to a med-surg unit.
Certifications through organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) can help build skills and credibility after obtaining RN licensure. The Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (MEDSURG-BC) applies specifically to the medical-surgical specialty.
Med-surg nurse salary and benefits
A med-surg nurse’s salary varies around the country and can depend on your experience level, skills, and employer. You may also be eligible for overtime pay, as well as health insurance, retirement planning, and paid time off. Additionally, some positions may offer tuition reimbursement.
Travel med-surg nurses tend to make more annually, and they often have access to stipends for housing and other expenses that add even more to their annual salaries.
At Prolink, our benefits for med-surg nurses include:
- Medical coverage from day one
- Life insurance
- Dental and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- Extension and referral bonuses
- Short- and long-term disability
Our recruiters will work closely with you to find the perfect position, handling logistics and compliance so that you can get started in your new position without stressing about paperwork.
We build quality relationships with both our talent and our clients, which means you can expect to be fully informed through every stage of your journey with us. We’re here to help you reach your career goals.
Medical-surgical nurse FAQs
Medical-surgical nurses are healthcare professionals who treat patients who are preparing for or recovering from surgery. Their work involves collaborating with physicians and other nurses to care for wounds, manage pain, and monitor vital signs. Like other nurses, they advocate for their patients and often provide education to them and their families.
ER nurses provide urgent care to patients who are admitted into emergency rooms, offering triage, initiating treatments, and beginning patient records. Medical-surgical nurses may work in the ER to treat patients going into or coming out of surgery, but their work is not limited to the emergency room. They also work in surgery centers, hospitals, and other areas.
It depends on where you work—some states pay more than others due to variable costs of living. Your experience and training can also impact your salary: Nurses fresh out of school can expect to be paid less than a nurse who has been working for decades. Don’t forget to account for benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement planning.
Yes. To become a med-surg nurse, you need to first become a registered nurse, which requires an associate’s degree in nursing at minimum. You can also choose to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing, which can make you a more competitive job applicant (though it’s not necessary). Once you have your ASN or BSN, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN and get experience in the field.
A local contract nursing position's main feature is how close it is to your home. These positions blend flexibility and stability perfectly. The mileage rule is what makes local contracts different. Each facility creates its own distance requirements rather than following a standard "50-mile rule."
Key Differences in Nursing Roles
| Aspect | Travel Nursing | Local Contract | Permanent Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Requires relocation | Within commuting distance | Fixed location |
| Duration | 13 weeks average | 4-26 weeks typically | Indefinite |
| Compensation | Includes tax-free stipends | Higher hourly rate | Standard salary + benefits |
| Schedule | Varied assignments | Flexible blocks | Fixed schedule |
Common Misconceptions about Local Contracts
- "Local contracts aren't stable work" - Local contracts can be just as stable as other nursing positions. Many facilities offer regular renewal options.
- "You don't get benefits" - Most agencies now provide complete benefits packages that include health insurance and retirement options.
Find high-paying contract med-surg nurse jobs nationwide
Local med-surg contract nursing offers an attractive career path. It blends the stability of permanent positions with the flexibility and earning potential of travel nursing. Many nurses have revolutionized their careers through local contracts. They find professional growth and personal satisfaction while staying close to home.
As a med-surg nurse, success requires proper planning and attention to detail. Nurses must build strong facility relationships and manage their schedules well. Nurses who take a strategic approach often outperform their career goals. They focus on continuous learning, maintain professional networks, and consistently deliver quality care.
Note that local contract nursing isn't just another job choice. It's a career strategy that lets you retain control of your professional and personal life. Local contract nursing can create your path forward when you want better pay, flexible schedules, or new learning opportunities. You'll keep your connection to the local healthcare community, too.
Take the next step in your nursing career. Explore local contracts today!
No matter your specialty, we have the exact nursing contract you're looking for. Partner with Prolink and your dedicated recruiter will match you with your ideal role.
When you work with Prolink, you receive comprehensive benefits:
- Day-one health insurance and 401(k)
- Dental and vision coverage
- Short- and long-term disability
- Life insurance
- Exclusive perks and discounts
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