Med Surg at Ochsner:
Support in Every Shift
Featuring: Registered Nurses - Allison K., and Amber M.
Location: Ochsner Medical Center - Baton Rouge
At Ochsner, support for nurses shows up in real ways. It’s in the opportunities, resources and relationships that help nurses build meaningful careers. Whether it’s financial programs like the Ochsner Scholars Program or teammates who become close friends, Ochsner creates an environment where nurses can grow both professionally and personally.
You’ll find that support especially strong in med surg nursing, where nurses gain exposure to a variety of patient cases, build essential skills and become part of a collaborative team that values each other.
For nurses like Amber and Allison, med surg has been more than a job. It offers career growth, leadership opportunities and the kind of support that sticks with you.
Amber's Journey: Skills, Balance and Connection
Amber began her Ochsner career as an LPN, but her ambition didn’t stop there. With the financial assistance of Ochsner’s tuition assistance program, supportive leaders and flexible scheduling, she became a registered nurse.
"A lot of nurses think, 'How am I going to juggle work and classes?' But my leaders worked with my schedule and encouraged me every step of the way," Amber said.
Though initially unsure about med surg, Amber soon discovered it was the best place to hone her skills.
"A friend told me that if I wanted to be skillful and hands-on, med surg was where I’d find what I was looking for. And she was right."
Today, Amber has found her stride alongside a team that feels like home.
"My team is like family to me. It's like a second home, honestly. We work well together, and we always have each other’s backs."
She’s especially grateful for her close friendship with Allison.
"My best friend on the unit is Allison. She took me under her wing, when I originally came here as a scared new grad. She knew that I was committed to learning, and that's what I wanted to do and just expand on all my skills. She taught me mostly everything that I know. She is a great teacher, and she has really inspired me to want to educate and teach new nurses that join our floor."
Allison's Journey: Growth through Organized Chaos
For Allison, med surg has been a place to learn, lead and connect.
"I call it organized chaos. It’s still very high paced, fast-paced. It’s a lot to learn and a lot to experience, and that's kind of where I found my niche."
Allison has made the most of every opportunity at Ochsner. From earning certifications like midline and chemo competencies to serving on advisory boards and councils, she’s grown as both a nurse and a leader.
"I feel honored that my leaders keep presenting me with opportunities to grow. They know my potential and continuously open doors for me to learn."
Beyond professional development, Allison cherishes the personal connections she’s built on the med surg unit.
"Everybody knows my best friend at work. We've been working alongside one another for about 3 or 4 years now. Her name is Amber. We just clicked right away. I saw her type of nursing was very similar to my type of nursing. She has strong attention to detail and is very thorough. She wanted to do the right thing for the patients, ensuring that they were safe and that we were still following the policies and the rules of Ochsner. And that’s just the kind of teammates I am looking for."
The culture on her unit has helped make the work environment something special.
"We all work together like friends. We’re engaged at work and spend time together outside of work as well. It builds an environment of trust and support that makes our unit feel like a family. We’re not just coworkers."
For Amber and Allison, med surg has offered the chance to grow, connect, and feel supported. It’s a place to build skills, take on leadership and form lasting relationships.
If you’re exploring your next step in nursing, take Amber’s advice.
"Don’t be afraid of a med surg floor. If you really want hands-on experience and the chance to become highly skilled, this is the place for you."
Discover how Ochsner can support you in your med surg nursing career.