Med-Surg

Medical abbreviation · Hospital

Med-Surg
Stands forMedical-surgical
CategoriesMedical

Med-Surg stands for Medical-surgical, a hospital abbreviation.

General adult inpatient unit caring for patients with a wide range of medical conditions or recovering from surgery, the largest nursing specialty in US hospitals. Nurses typically care for four to six patients.

Example: Bed assigned on Med-Surg 5 West; report called to receiving nurse.

Usage notes

Often shortened to "med surg" or "the floor". The Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses supports the specialty, and the CMSRN credential certifies experienced med-surg nurses. Many new graduates begin their careers on these units.

More hospital abbreviations

  • JCAHO – Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
  • L&D – Labor and delivery
  • LDRP – Labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum
  • LTACH – Long-term acute care hospital
  • LTC – Long-term care
  • MBU – Mother-baby unit
  • MET – Medical emergency team
  • MICU – Medical intensive care unit
  • NF – Nursing facility
  • NICU – Neonatal intensive care unit
  • NM – Nurse manager
  • NPSG – National Patient Safety Goals

See all 89 hospital abbreviations →

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.