Kicking Off a Strong 2026 for Med-Surg Nurses

As we step into 2026, I am energized and deeply inspired by the dedication of our medical-surgical nursing community. Each year brings new opportunities to grow, collaborate, and advocate for the specialty that serves as the core of nursing practice, and this year is shaping up to be one of our best yet!

This year, AMSN is continuing to strongly lead in education, advocacy, and connection. We are excited to roll out new educational programs designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re sharpening clinical skills, exploring leadership pathways, or pursuing advanced practice roles. Look for examples of medical-surgical career roadmaps coming your way, too! Whether you’re a student nurse exploring med-surg as a career path or a seasoned leader ready to mentor others, there’s a place for you here.

We’re also reinforcing on one of the most important priorities for our profession: ensuring safe staffing standards. AMSN will continue advocating at both the national and organizational levels for staffing models that protect patients and support nurses' professional well-being. Your voice matters in this movement, and we look forward to collaborative efforts and releasing new resources to help you advocate at the local level.

At the same time, we’re re-examining the definition of what it means to be a medical-surgical nurse in 2026 and beyond. Medical-surgical nursing continues to evolve as a dynamic, evidence-based, and increasingly technology-driven specialty.

As we navigate this new year, several trends are shaping the medical-surgical landscape:

AI Clinical Support: The growing use of artificial intelligence in patient monitoring and decision support is optimizing care while challenging nurses to refine critical thinking through a tech-enabled lens. Medical-surgical nurses must be engaged at all levels of development and implementation of these tools.

Nurse-Led Innovation: Med-surg nurses are increasingly driving quality improvement initiatives, using data analytics and real-world insights to redesign care delivery.  

Focus on the Mental Health of Nurses and the Work Environment: Organizations must prioritize nurse well-being programs and flexible models to combat burnout and improve retention. Nurses are taking the lead in advocating for their patients and themselves across the country.

Interprofessional Collaboration: The med-surg environment continues to be proving ground for effective teamwork, especially with integrated care teams managing increasingly complex patient needs. 

This year promises to be exciting and full of new resources and strong positions. Our focus is clear: to equip med-surg nurses with knowledge, confidence, and a community of support.

And of course, we can’t wait to gather in person at the 2026 AMSN Convention in Palm Springs, California! Expect powerful sessions, inspiring speakers, and a renewed sense of community that will carry us through the year ahead.

I look forward to connecting with you throughout the year and celebrating med-surg nurses!

Stay warm, and reach out at president@amsn.org!