Med-surg nursing has always been a cornerstone of nursing, and healthcare in general, because these nurses care for such a broad spectrum of patients.
And as we move deeper into the 21st century, the future of med-surg nursing is set to change significantly. Advances in technology, shifts in patient demographics, and a potential nursing shortage are some factors that will shape this critical nursing specialty. Let’s look at the trends and predictions that may redefine the future of med-surg nursing.
Technological advancements
The impact of technology on healthcare is undeniable and med-surg nursing is no exception, with technological advancements promising to revolutionize the field. Telemedicine, for instance, is becoming a game-changer. While it’s been around for quite a while, the COVID-19 pandemic and all that came with it — social distancing and crowded hospitals, for instance — vastly accelerated its adoption.
For med-surg nurses, this means the potential to monitor patients remotely, thus expanding the reach of nursing care. It may also reduce patient readmissions, as nurses can promptly address health issues that arise after discharge.
Additionally, wearable technology will help nurses track patient vitals and health status in real time, leading to more precise and proactive care.
The more frequent usage has also led to growth in telemedicine’s market value. According to a report by Grand View Research, “The global telemedicine market size was valued at USD 114.98 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.96% from 2024 to 2030.”
Similarly, the global wearable medical devices market size, which was valued at close to 34 billion in 2023 is projected to grow by nearly 26% by 2030, according to Grand View Research.
Nursing shortage and demand for med-surg nurses
There's a looming global nursing shortage, aggravated by an aging workforce and a rising demand for healthcare services. As the backbone of hospital care, med-surg nursing will feel the impact of this shortage. The shortage also means that med-surg nurses will be in high demand and there will be ample career opportunities for aspiring nurses.
In response to this shortage, the healthcare industry will likely invest more in training and retaining med-surg nurses.
According to the Nurse.com 2024 Nurse Salary and Work-Life Report, the top five factors that can motivate nurses to stay in the profession are:
- Higher pay
- Flexible scheduling
- Better support for work-life balance
- More reasonable workload
- Being able to work in a remote role
Shifts in patient demographics
An aging population is another significant trend that will shape the future of med-surg nursing. As the global population ages, there will be a surge in chronic diseases, which will increase the need for med-surg nurses.
According to the United Nations, the global population age 65 years or over is expected to 994 million in 2030 to 1.6 billion in 2050. This can result in a higher prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and dementia.
Med-surg nurses will need to be well-versed in managing multiple chronic conditions, making geriatric care an essential skill in med-surg nursing.
The diversity of patient populations is also increasing. Med-surg nurses will need to adapt to providing culturally competent care to diverse patient populations. This will require ongoing education and training to ensure that nurses are equipped to provide respectful and appropriate care.
Increased focus on specialization
Specialization within med-surg nursing is likely to increase. As medical knowledge expands and healthcare becomes more complex, there will be a growing demand for nurses who have specialized knowledge and skills. Specialization allows med-surg nurses to provide high-quality care in specific areas such as oncology, cardiology, or orthopedics.
Certifications within med-surg nursing are designed to denote a nurse's expertise and competence in this specialty. Med-surg nurses can get certified in any one of a number of specialties.
Here are a few of the key certifications:
- Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN): Offered by the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB), this certification acknowledges the nurse's proficiency in medical-surgical nursing.
- RN-BC (Registered Nurse-Board Certified): This is an ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) certification specific to medical-surgical nursing.
- Certified in Care Coordination and Transition Management (CCCTM): Also offered by MSNCB, this certification is for RNs practicing in care coordination and transition management roles.
- Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN): Offered by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, this certification is for nurses specializing in cancer care, often a significant component of med-surg nursing.
- Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN): For med-surg nurses who work primarily with children, this certification from the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board can be beneficial.
- Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN): Given by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, this certification is for nurses working in progressive care areas such as step-down units, direct observation units, or transitional care units.
- Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN): This certification, offered by the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board (WOCNCB), is for nurses who frequently deal with patients requiring wound care.
These certifications require specific eligibility criteria, including clinical practice hours in the specialty area and passing an examination. They also require periodic renewal, which often includes ongoing education in the specialty area.
The rise of evidence-based practice
The future of med-surg nursing will likely see a deeper commitment to evidence-based practice (EBP). EBP involves integrating the best available research with clinical expertise and patient values to make healthcare decisions.
This approach results in more effective and efficient patient care. For med-surg nurses, this means a need for continuous learning and adaptability to incorporate research findings into their practice.
The future of med-surg nursing looks promising yet challenging. Technological advancements, the looming nursing shortage, shifts in patient demographics, increased focus on specialization, and the rise of EBP are some of the key trends shaping this field.
Despite the challenges, these trends present exciting opportunities for med-surg nurses to enhance their skills, advance their careers, and make a profound impact on patient care. As the face of healthcare continues to evolve, med-surg nurses will remain at the forefront, providing critical care and shaping the future of healthcare.
No matter where you are in your nursing journey, Nurse.com is here for you. Join the NEW Nurse.com community to meet other nurses, find support, build your career, discover events and groups that foster growth, and organize your nurse life in one place.
