Medical Surgical Nursing Certification

A Medical Surgical Nursing Certification is worthy of Respect

A nurse that has achieved their medical surgical nursing certification will tell you that this is the highest point in any nursing career. It confirms all of the hard work and effort that it has taken to get to that point. The rewards of being at the top are much greater than just more money, the respect gained in any hospital from doctors and other peers will be unparalleled. They know how hard it is just to break into the medical industry, and that is more than enough reason for them for them to acknowledge such a high level of success. Before dreaming about that, the credentials of obtaining the certificate must be met.

Qualifications of Certification

Surgical Nursing

The qualifications needed to take the certification exam are not too complicated. Assuming proper education has been met, all that is required is two years of experience as a registered nurse in a medical surgical environment. The fact that the requirements are not hard to follow would mean that the exam is beyond the knowledge of basic nursing, and that is the truth. Examinees must score greater than 71 percent in order to be deemed as passing, while answering 200 questions in a very detailed manner. The purpose of the test is to prove whether or not examinees have the skills, knowledge, and commitment required to work in the medical surgical nursing field.

Exam Fees

Unfortunately, nothing in life is free, is it? Even if it is meant to escalate a current career, there is a fee required for taking the certification exam. The regular fee is $375 at this time, but it can be lowered significantly depending on a few variables including being employed by hospitals like V.A. or being an AMSN member. Anyone that fails the exam and wants to retake it will have to pay a fee again, but it will be reduced to $300. If the exam has already been scheduled, but it needs to be moved back, that can be accomplished by paying $75 in order to move it back 90 days.

Renewing a Medical Surgical Nursing Certification

Examinees that become certified will eventually have to renew their certificate. This is done every five years, and while many simply take the exam again, paying the fee can be a detriment to many already certified medical surgical nurses. There is another way to renew certification. All that needs to be done is provide proof that constant work in a medical surgical field has been done over a consistent period of time through a three-page application. Specifics of the requirements are that at least 90 hours must be completed in a hospital setting. 68 of those 90 hours must be medical surgical specific, while the other 22 can be any health-related problem.

Expected Salary after obtaining a Medical Surgical Nursing Certification

The salary of a medical surgical nurse will depend on the hospital, the length of time after achieving certification, and the demand for medical surgical nurses. The average salary for all medical surgical nurses remains at around $50,000 per year, with many salaries being lower or much higher. A registered nurse that has proven loyal and recognized by the respected medical environment can expect to make about the same salary, but the chance of growth is still severely limited. There is no limit to the earning power of a medical surgical nurse.

The Duties of a Medical Surgical Nurse

A medical surgical nurse is one of the more respected medical careers, but the stress is just as hefty. Before a patient undergoes surgery, the nurse must ensure that everything is ready to go. All consent forms must be signed by the patient are guardian and all potential medications, blood tests, urine samples, allergy samples, and the multiple forms of identification for the patient must be completed. After surgery has completed, the nurse needs to stay with the patient to make sure that there is no signs of shock. Taking care of the wound and draining it is crucial to prevent infection, while at the same time, helping the patient manage any pain felt. The medical surgical nurse is also responsible for handling the patient’s discharge information.

It may seem stressful, but every nurse that is certified or not will tell you that it is the dream ever since they entered the medical industry. The medical surgical nursing certification is like a symbol that is the pride of all nurses around the world. Doctors know that they can rely on medical surgical nurses and even students that come in to visit will be watching with admiring eyes. Every nurse knows that there is no form of respect than that of a doctor. Take the next step to a better career and get certified.