At Ochsner Health, med surg nursing is not just a role; it’s a career pathway where nurses transform challenges into powerful opportunities to lead and deliver exceptional care.

Med surg serves as the foundation of inpatient care, and med surg nurses are vital leaders on the front lines, supporting patients during some of their most critical moments. These nurses encounter a diverse range of cases, from post-surgical recovery to managing complex chronic conditions. This variety not only strengthens their professional expertise but also positions them to make a meaningful difference for patients who need it most.

Veronica Theriot, director of nursing at Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner, brings leadership that speaks volumes about the impact of med surg care. In a candid on-site interview, she highlighted the opportunities med surg offers for growth and impact. Veronica also encouraged aspiring med surg RNs to approach the role with curiosity, adaptability and a passion for learning, as these traits are invaluable in this fast-paced, supportive environment.

Q&A with Veronica Theriot

Q: What role does the med surg team play in the hospital?

Veronica: The role that my team plays is taking care of in-patients from admission until discharge. We want to take care of our patients like they are our mothers and fathers.

Q: What makes med surg a unique place to work, especially for new nurses?

Veronica: The most interesting aspect of the units that I direct is the professional challenge. I do believe that nurses coming out of school need to have a great foundation, but they also need to have a little fun and have professional challenges. Ochsner provides all three of those. The teamwork displayed here provides balance. You cannot do this job by yourself, and the team that we have here makes it fun when it's fun but pulls together when it’s hard and gets us through the day.

Q: You’re obviously quite proud of the team you’re building. What do you think has made your team building successful?

Veronica: I love to recruit, but I love retention more. Success on the unit and its retention comes when you lead by example. When I get someone to work for me, I’m making sure I tell them what to expect, what they are going to be held accountable for, and I follow up. They want to hear from the boss, and they want to see their boss. Staff everywhere want someone who works with them. I don’t expect to do their job, and I absolutely don’t expect them to do mine. I think my success comes from holding true to that.

Q: What is your favorite thing about your nurses?

Veronica: My favorite thing about my RNs? If I had to choose one thing, it would be their curiosity. When you go to school for such a long time and you come out, you’re confident because you’re an RN, but you’re also nervous. Then you have to ask that first question that no one wants to ask. I love that moment because for me, it is all about education. You have to learn something new every day, and that’s where we have fun. So, if I had to choose one thing, I love a curious RN.

Q: As the nursing director, you’re the hiring manager for this role. What do you look for in a great med surg RN?

Veronica: When I am hiring for this role, there are no perfect candidates. The candidates that come to us come from a variety of institutions that have trained them. I think the prime candidate is one who enhances the culture of the department, comes with compassion and comes with a willingness to learn. As a team, we will take it from there. We are willing to educate, we are willing to work alongside you and we are willing to be here for you for the ups and downs of your career. We want to retain you obviously, but if you’re here for foundation, we’re here to develop you until you reach your second challenge.

Q: What is your key piece of advice for someone who has the med surg RN application open and is on fence about clicking submit?

Veronica: When you’re looking for a job, it has to encompass not only the work that’s related to it, but also a work-life balance. You should be able to come to work and have help to do the job and finish the job. Make sure you are interviewing your hiring manager just like we’re interviewing you. You spend as much time here as you do at home, so make sure you’re prepared with questions to ask, because we are eager to share more about our team. If you’re struggling to choose a place to work, I’d say it’s the one that answers your questions. I’m confident we have those answers for you here on the med surg and telemetry units.

At Ochsner, med surg isn’t just a stepping stone; it’s a vibrant environment where nurses can grow, thrive and make an impact. Whether you’re a new graduate or a seasoned professional, this is a place where challenges turn into opportunities and patient care becomes a shared mission.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your nursing career, explore our med surg and telemetry positions today. Join a team that’s committed to excellence, teamwork, and making a difference where it counts most.